Provider: Charles Fork Lake

Walking in the woods on a perfect October day, I couldn’t believe what I had been missing in all these years. I have to admit my body was not used to this kind of a workout, but the excitement made up for it. I just was happy to climb a hill, sure I would stop and catch my breath and allow my legs to stop hurting, then continue climbing. It didn’t matter how slow I was going because I was out for a hike. I didn’t have to hurry or concern myself with time. This was a day scheduled for play!!! Something we sometimes forget to do, but so important on many different levels.

I have to admit I have never heard of Charles Fork Lake. What a beautiful area in Roane County! Its a wonderful setting for fishing, hiking and biking , it is also used for a bike race once a year. The air was so fresh and the colors were spectacular with, green, golden, red, yellow and brown leaves falling from the trees and covering the ground. It was nature at its finest. We ended up going ten miles around the lake, with time taken for a wonderful lunch half way through. Fresh air and hiking will make you hungry, it was the kind of hungry I rightfully earned, not the ( I’m bored kind of ) eating that I’m used to.

I have hiked/biked in three parks these last three weeks and only experienced a small portion of each. It’s amazing to see what this area has to offer. I’m now hooked!!! It feels good to rediscover nature, get a great workout and take time to play. This is just the beginning of my hunt for more trails to enjoy and places in the area to explore. Thanks Kim, for the introduction to this park and The O! Pam website for the information I will use both now and in the future.