The Easy Trail In Tennessee That Will Take You To The Top Of A Waterfall
By Meghan Kraft|Published March 21, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The beauty of Tennessee is best observed in its midst, and for many, that means strapping on a pair of hiking boots and trekking through one of the state’s many state parks and protected natural areas. Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is located in Manchester, Tennessee, and it has both a deep tie to local history and a series of hiking trails perfect for a pretty weekend. Walk the Enclosure Wall Trail, one of the lesser-known routes through the park, if you’d like to end up at a stunning waterfall.
Old Stone Fort refers to an ancient structure in Tennessee, one that was presumably built between 1,500 to 2,000 years ago during the Middle Woodland Period. No one is quite sure how the area was used since Native Americans utilized the area for around 500 years before abandoning it. European settlers misnamed the structure a "fort," since it was a structure they were most familiar with, and now the entire historic area is conserved and protected as Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park.
What was once a settlement has become a park that’s perfect for the adventurer in everyone. Camping, hiking, and trail running are all popular activities, and the park’s event calendar is always full of fun family experiences.
Enclosure Wall Trail is an "easy" rated hike that will take you almost three miles through the state park. It will take a little over an hour to complete the entirety of the route.
The trail runs along the inside of the perimeter of the Old Stone Fort, and you will be able to experience the beauty of the park’s waterfalls without the intense elevation gain found on other trails. The modest incline is perfect for families with kids.
The short route takes you right up to the water, and during the fall the foliage is breathtakingly beautiful. Of course, Enclosure Wall Trail is open throughout the year and is beautiful during the freshly green season of spring and the chilly bite of winter, too. Just make sure you wear the proper gear for the weather to stay safe!
There’s nothing quite like an easy walk through a historic space, especially one that’s so naturally striking. Visit Old Stone Fort for a peaceful trek through the Tennessee wilderness and imagine all the people who knew the land before you. It’s a humbling and beautiful thought.
Have you ever hiked the Enclosure Wall Trail in Manchester, Tennessee? This year-round trail is the perfect addition to any spare Saturday morning, just make sure you pack the proper footwear and a sense of adventure.
