Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

We like to visit State Parks and  recently we made a trip to Homosassa Springs State Park at Crystal River, Florida.  This park is a true crown jewel in the collection of Florida state parks. Homosassa and Weeki Wachee and Silver Springs are the three parks that are much more than a nature center and playground. Homosassa is a tourist destination and basically a mini theme park for rehabilitative native Florida species.

I am not a big fan of zoo's.  I feel like animals should not be taken from their natural environment to begin with, made it perform, and then confined to a tiny space. Animals deserve to be in their natural habitat.  However, I support sanctuaries and wildlife preserves just like this park.  It is created to rehabilitate and heal animals. Most of them are unable to survive on their own in the wild. So they are given a comfortable and safe environment at Homosassa Springs. Also they have Underwater Observatory, allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface and watch the various fish and manatees swim about.

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27 comments Aquarium and Zoo, Crystal River, Family Attractions, Florida, State Parks, United States

Falls Creek Falls State Park - Part 2

This is our second trip to Falls Creek Falls this time we  hiked the trail  down to the bottom of the big falls. It is a strenuous hike over some rocky areas, but it is well worth it. Going up is physically challenging. The fall doesn't have much water flow to it but it is one of the tallest I have seen. It's like being in another world. You can get in the swimming hole  at the bottom of the falls and it was amazing. There is only one trail that goes in and out , expect that it could be crowded at times. The rocks at the bottom are a tad scary, because some of them are loose so be careful. We were sitting on the rocks at the bottom of the falls for about 30 minutes. 

If you are a person who likes to spend time outdoors or hike, you will truly enjoy a day here. Be sure to plan on making it a day trip, it's in the middle of nowhere. Happy hiking!

Falls Creek Falls State Park

10821 Park Rd

Spencer, TN 37367

One of Tennessee's gem

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11 comments Crossville, Fall Creek Falls, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

Cinematic Ozone Falls

Spring is fast approaching and we're both itching to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. We wanted to do a short hike with lots of cliffs and waterfalls. So we decided to check out the Ozone Falls which I have read that this is the area where a battle scene in the "Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book"  movie took place in 1994. (pretty cool , huh?) 

Stunning Grand Ozone Falls

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21 comments Crossville, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, United States, Waterfalls

A Day Hike at Cummins Falls State Park

My husband and I had wanted to visit Cummins Falls since we moved to Tennessee three years ago and I finally convinced him to go. This place is beautiful! I can see why it was ranked one of the ten best swimming holes in America. We left  at home around 11 A.M. and there were only maybe less than 20  people when we arrived. The weather is nice for a hike but the water is still freezing.  I would absolutely recommend this if you go on a hot day in summer but expect it could be pretty crowded. 

This is definitely not the adventure for you if you're not pretty active and in decent shape, it can be really dangerous. But once you get to the falls, I promise you it will all be worth it!! We will definitely be going back again but next time we will be more prepared.

Cummins Falls simply beautiful and serene.

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23 comments Crossville, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, State Parks, Tennessee, United States, Waterfalls

Fall Creek Falls State Park Part 1

Over the weekend on mid summer of 2015, my husband and I planned a short get-away to see Fall Creek Falls after hearing so many people talk about how amazing it is. I was intrigued by the designation that Fall Creek Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River, and we were not disappointed. Another one of Tennessee's hidden treasures. My first time experience to Fall Creek Falls  I was amazed and breathless. The park is like oasis. The trail to Fall Creek Falls from the Nature Center includes a couple overlooks, and the Cane Creek Cascades was the most impressive. Fall Creek Fall is also pretty impressive, but the volume of water was a little low that day. But it was still gorgeous!

Maybe you remember "The Jungle Book" filmed in 1994.  If so the waterfall scenes were filmed at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Fall Creek Falls is located between Spencer and Pikeville, TN on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, this park is famed for its many waterfalls, including its namesake cascade with the single tallest free-fall East of the Mississippi. Some are easy to view such as the Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. Others are more difficult to reach, such as the base of Fall Creek Falls down a steep and curvy path. 

To view more photos of  Falls located on this State park go to Cane Creek Cascades.

The waterfalls and nestled mountains are a dose of nature for the soul.

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16 comments Fall Creek Falls, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

Burgess Falls State Park

I seriously cannot get over what a beautiful place this is. Burgess Falls is one of the most gorgeous parks in the Cumberland Plateau, with great trails and impressive waterfalls.  The trails heading down to Burgess Falls are no more than moderate and you can see the first fall within a few minutes of hiking.  Little Falls is just that - quite little - but in another half mile are the Middle Falls, which span the width of the river and are about 35' tall.  The trail is straight out & back. You can walk along the river or you can walk along a gravel road that leads to the Burgess Falls (136 feet).

Burgess Falls 136 feet high

Unfortunately, you can only view Burgess Falls from an overlook and can't get down to it.  They had the trail going down blocked off due to flood damage. Would love to go back sometime in October, so we can see the falls at the bottom. Just disappointed we drove almost 2 hrs. and didn't get to see much.

Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, TN 38583-8456; Phone Number: 931-432-5312

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4 comments Crossville, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

Cane Creek Cascade Falls

We have only been to Fall Creek Falls State Park to hike and haven't had the chance to camp yet, although I would love to go back for a full camping experience.  We started out viewing the massive 254 foot Fall Creek from an overlook and headed down to the base of the falls on a trail that was fairly strenuous and rocky at times.  On another trail going towards the nature center, we viewed the Cane Creek Falls, which are only 85 feet, but still rather impressive.  Only few people were there, so we sat on some rocks and dipped our feet. The water continues to flow around a small bend which we followed, and came across the top of another waterfall. By the time we reached the nature center, we were at the Cane Creek Cascades Falls, which are 45 feet and flow into a swimming hole area that was quite crowded but its pretty fun to splash around. 

Location Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd Pikeville, Tennessee 37367

No need to describe this beauty

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10 comments Crossville, State Parks, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Waterfalls

Cumberland Falls State Park

This will be our last adventure and my last collection of Fall Season photos for this year. Even though the temperature is changing drastically by now, we still manage to go to Cumberland waterfalls (silly us I know) . Driving to Kentucky is fun though , the scenery is beautiful although some leaves are starting to fall now. We did go to a short hike and check some cabins and camp sites. Definitely we will come back here on spring time for a camping. They call this Cumberland Falls as Niagara of the South. I must say this is little Niagara , even though they don't have that much tourist attractions and restaurants it is still worth a trip. The trails and the camping area is perfect for a family adventure. I love how the waterfalls connected to the river that looks like a small  beach.

Nice leisurely walk by the falls

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13 comments Corbin, Jeep Adventure, Kentucky, Shades of Autumn, State Parks, Waterfalls

Hamlin Beach State Park - New York

I couldn’t believe the day had finally come.   My husband and I had been talking about it for years.  As soon as we see the Hamlin Beach State Park sign, a sudden tingling feeling bubbles through my body knowing a few days of relaxing from work is about to start. Camping is a relaxing hobby that I have learned to enjoy. Many people have gone camping at least once in their lives. Some like it, and others do not but it is definitely one of our favorite things to do especially on a long weekend like this. I am glad that we decide to do this. I enjoy any chance that I get to go in a tent. I finally found something I love to do. I would not trade it for anything, and I look forward to many days of experiencing nature with my husband in this way. Once our camp set up and our appetite is in full force. After starting our first campfire, to make dinner.  I could feel the heat touching my face and the campfire smoke almost perfumed my clothes. We would cook hot dogs hamburgers, fish, corn on a cob; we roast marshmallows and everyone's favorite smores! 

Our first night at the campsite is so humid but very refreshing.  The next day I was surprise when I woke up I found out that it was raining. Since all the plans we had today involved the outdoors, such as going to the beach and hiking on the trail. We had nothing to do than stay inside the camper, cuddle each other and go back to sleep. I check my phone weather apps that day were supposed to rain like this for the next four to five days. I’m not happy about that, but I don’t want to ruin this great vacation so life must go on. I’m glad after couple more hours the rain stops. And we start putting our backpack and start our adventure for that day. First we go hiking like miles and miles out in the woods it takes us at least 2 hours. Then we change clothes and jump on the beach right next to the hiking site. It’s cloudy that day so the water from the lake is cold but the temperature is about 90F degrees (weird isn’t it?) Anyway we had fun though and surely next year we will come back again.

   

    

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1 comment Camping and Backpacking Ideas, Hamlin, New York, State Parks, Summer Getaway, United States