With recent rounds of heavy rain across the Tennessee Valley, many residents may assume area reservoirs are running well above normal levels heading into the summer recreation season. However, officials say the situation is a bit more complicated. Just a few weeks ago, much of Tennessee and portions of the surrounding region were experiencing some …
Category: Outdoors
Ketner’s Mill Closes Public Access Following Liability Concerns
A popular local destination known for its historic charm and annual fall festival is closing its property to public access, citing growing legal and liability concerns. In a statement posted this week on Facebook, the owners of Ketner’s Mill announced that while the annual Ketner’s Mill Country Arts Fair will continue each year, the mill …
Tennessee’s Free Fishing Day Set for June 6
Tennesseans will once again have the opportunity to fish license-free across the state during the annual Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6. The event, organized by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, allows both residents and visitors of all ages to fish in Tennessee’s public waters without purchasing a fishing license for the …
Tennessee Officials Warn of Increased Tick Activity Following Warm, Wet Weather
Health officials across Tennessee are warning residents to take extra precautions against ticks this summer as warm temperatures and persistent wet weather create ideal conditions for increased tick activity across the region. The warning comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports emergency room visits related to tick bites are running higher than …
Fiery Gizzard Ranger Named Tennessee State Parks Ranger of the Year
A ranger at Fiery Gizzard State Park is receiving statewide recognition for her dedication to conservation, visitor safety, and community service. Tennessee State Parks recently announced that Ranger Hannah Sheley has been named the Tennessee State Parks Ranger of the Year for 2025, honoring what park officials described as her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to …
Free Fishing Day Planned at Fall Creek Falls State Park on June 6
Families and young anglers will have the chance to fish for free next month during a special event planned at Fall Creek Falls State Park. The park will host its annual Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 7 a.m. at the park’s softball fields. Organizers say the event is designed …
LIFESTYLE: Late Spring in the Sequatchie Valley: Green-Up and Get Out Season Beneath the Mountains
There’s a certain shade of green that only exists in the Sequatchie Valley in late spring. It arrives somewhere between dogwood season and the first cutting of hay — when the hardwoods on the mountainsides finally leaf out completely, the pastures glow bright emerald after sunrise, and the long gray look of winter disappears almost …
Tennessee Boating Deaths Running Ahead of Last Year as Summer Season Begins
Tennessee has already recorded nine boating-related deaths in 2026, putting the state ahead of last year’s pace as officials prepare for the busy summer boating season. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the number of fatalities this year has increased from five deaths reported during the same period in 2025. Officials say the rise …
TN Governor Lee, TWRA Recognize Safe Boating Week, May 16-22
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. In support of the statewide and national observance, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will participate in the annual National Safe Boating Week, reminding all boaters to refresh their boating safety skills and prepare for the upcoming summer boating season. This observance week is the …
Invasive Tick Species Detected in Northeast Alabama for First Time
State agriculture officials are warning residents in Northeast Alabama after confirming the presence of an invasive tick species never before detected in the state. The Asian Longhorned Tick, a species known for rapidly reproducing and spreading disease, was recently identified by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Officials say the tick poses potential health …


