The Tennessee Trail That Honors A Hero Of World War I
By Chris Dodge|Published February 13, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
When we are looking for trails in our beautiful state, we tend to search out scenic overlooks or stunning waterfalls, and there are plenty of them to choose from. Other times, we have the unique opportunity to get out into nature and walk in someone else’s shoes. The Alvin C. York Trail in Pall Mall, Tennessee, is where you can go to see nature and history meet. Find out what it was like to walk in the footsteps of great men who served in WWI and enjoy a scenic state park all in one place.
Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic State Park was created to honor one of the most decorated men in the first World War. The park was created with interactive places to immerse visitors in the story of Sgt. York and the war he endured.
A WWI-style trench was dug out of the landscape, and visitors can walk through this piece of history. You can really get a feel for what the soldiers walked through as you travel along this man-made structure. You can just imagine the chaos as explosions poured dirt into the trenches and smoke rolled in from all of the gunfire. It is a surreal experience to hike through WWI trenches.
The tranquil waters are very different than what our troops were experiencing over 100 years ago in Europe. Being free and walking by peaceful waters are just some of the experiences we can enjoy because of the sacrifice of men like Alvin York.
As nice as the river is, it gets even better when you see the walking bridge going across it.
Hikes are always a little bit more fun when there's a distinctive element to them, and this swinging bridge certainly fits that description. Make the bridge sway and swing as you walk across and make your way to the cemetery.
The grave site of Alvin C. York himself can be found at the cemetery and is a fitting conclusion to your trip.
When you hike through the fields and by the river, it is a good reminder of the freedom we have. As you walk through the trenches, you can see the price of that freedom, and at the conclusion, you arrive at the grave of a great man who deserves the utmost respect.
The Alvin C. York Trail in Pall Mall, Tennessee, is a great trail that pairs the beauty of nature with historical and educational value. We are proud we have memorial places like this to remember the price of freedom. If you want to visit this state park yourself, we highly recommend it. For more information, please visit the Sgt. Alvin C. York Historical State Park page.
While you are up in Pall Mall, there is a fantastic little country store called Forbus General Store that you simply must visit.
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