Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m.
Hike to a historic Civilian Conservation Corps site at Norris Dam State Park. On the cold night of Dec. 11, 1934, a stove set fire to the barracks of Civilian Conservation Corps Company 284. The boys were awakened by the sight of their camp on fire, and despite their best efforts to fight it, the camp was lost along with three of their comrades. This campsite was abandoned, and a new one built the following spring: Camp Kinchen. While the ruins and story of Camp Kinchen are well known, the original campsite is often overlooked. Join Ranger Gamble on a special guided hike to the original site of Camp TVA-P1 and hear its story on the 87th anniversary of that tragic night.
Hikers will meet at the Rice Grist Mill at 11 a.m. and will hike the moderate 1.5 miles to the site, tour it, then hike back to the mill. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to be outside in the cold for an hour and a half. The event is free, but donations are accepted. All participants do need to register in advance. For more info or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Go to OutdoorKnoxville.com to find other activities.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.