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Your health and wellbeing are critical to living a productive, normal life. That's why it's so important to have a reliable health care provider that you can call on, who has your best interests at heart, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes, though, change is necessary. You may have decided to switch health care providers for a number of reasons like new insurance coverage, unhappiness with your current provider, or even medical malpractice. Whatever your reasons, choosing a new health care provider is a serious one. An MD may be qualified to practice medicine, but that doesn't mean they're a good match for your needs. They may not have the empathy, experience, or expertise that you need in your life.

If you're like most people, you need a health care provider who is qualified in their field and offers exemplary guidance: an unbiased figure you can lean on for any kind of medical advice. The truth is, however, that not all health care providers go above and beyond the "call of duty" to ensure their patients feel valued, respected, and comfortable.

Fortunately, Chris Archer, ANP-C, has built his career on providing his patients with professional, personalized medical services in Buffalo Valley. If you live in Tennessee, and need a trustworthy medical team that specializes medical services like primary care and urgent care, look no further than Primary Care & Occupational Health Center.

What makes our health center stand out from other medical practices? In short, it's all about the quality of care that we provide to our valued patients. We pride ourselves on:

  • Strict Adherence to Medical Guidelines
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration
  • Advocating for Our Patients
  • Personable Care
Testosterone Replacement Buffalo Valley, TN

Chris Archer ANP-C

I am excited and honored to join the Primary Care & Occupational Health Center practice and I personally look forward to serving you.

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Service Areas

Service Areas

Primary Care in Buffalo Valley, TN

To some, primary care might seem like an ambiguous term. What does primary care actually mean, and what exactly is a primary care provider? In the simplest terms, primary care means general medical care. A primary care provider (or PCP) specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing ailments and conditions that affect a patient's health. Some primary care health care providers focus on specific areas of medicine, like internal and family medicines.

You can think of primary care providers like the quarterbacks of healthcare. Much like a quarterback passing a ball, the PCP makes sure patients get the appropriate care, in the correct setting, by the most qualified care provider. They always do so in a way that aligns with the patient's needs and values. Typically, your primary care health care provider will be your first point of contact in Buffalo Valley's medical system.

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Why is Primary Care Important?

Through regular checkups, primary care treatment can prevent serious problems from happening in the first place. Statistically, adults who see their primary care health care providers regularly lower their odds of premature death by 19%, compared to adults that only see specialists. Seeing a PCP isn't just a good idea on the surface - studies show that regular checkups actually prolong your life.

If a longer life weren't enough reason to consider primary care services in Buffalo Valley, think about your bank account. According to a study, adults who use their primary care provider save as much as 33% more on medical bills than people who only see specialists. Primary care also helps save money by keeping you out of the emergency room, where medical care can be more than 4x as much as outpatient care. In one North Carolina ER, health care providers found that patients could have saved 700% or more had they received care from a PCP instead of going to the emergency room.

Additionally, primary care providers can catch and treat problems at their outset, which often happens during annual checkups. Catching an illness early is always preferable to catching an advanced illness, from both a health and financial standpoint.

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center in Buffalo Valley, we specialize in several facets of primary care, including:

  • Annual Physical and Wellness Exams
  • Fevers
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Allergies
  • Bladder Infections
  • Asthma
  • Ear Infections
  • Eye Infections
  • Flu and Colds
  • Viral Illnesses
  • Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Nausea
  • Bronchitis and Pneumonia
  • Sore Throat
  • Skin Conditions
  • Sinus Problems and Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Physicals for Sports and General Wellness

Whether you're ready to switch today or have questions about our primary care services, Chris Archer and his team of professionals are here to help.

 Medical Clinic Buffalo Valley, TN

Whether you're ready to switch today or have questions about our primary care services, Chris Archer and his team of professionals are here to help.

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 Mens Health Buffalo Valley, TN

Urgent Care in Buffalo Valley, TN

By definition, urgent care gives medical care to individuals who have non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The goal of urgent care is to get the patient in the front door of the facility, treated by a health care provider or nurse practitioner, and sent on their way with little to no recovery time. Urgent care is fantastic for busy people who need help when they have minor injuries or illnesses like a cut or a cold.

Urgent care facilities in Buffalo Valley are often more convenient for patients who don't have the time to visit their primary care provider or do not have a PCP. Urgent care is also a great choice for people that need attention immediately but know that their situation isn't dire enough to go to the emergency room. With urgent care services, patients can get the treatments they need the most and get them quickly. In fact, according to the Urgent Care Association of America, around 92% of urgent care facilities reported wait times less than 30 minutes

If you have are sick with a cold or have a minor injury that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, our urgent care facility is here to serve you. We specialize in many different urgent care needs, such as:

  • General Injury and Medical Care
  • Colds and Flues
  • Coughs and Sore Throats
  • High Fevers
  • Earaches
  • Eye Infections
  • Sinus Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Lab Tests
  • Minor Back Injuries
  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Asthma Episodes
  • Minor Burns
  • Minor Cuts and Lacerations
  • Stitching and Bonding
  • Sports Sprains and Injuries

We go out of our way to deliver the level of care and compassion we would want for our own families.

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At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, your health is our highest priority. When you visit our location, you will be greeted by our personable admin staff, who will help you with the sign-in process and get you set up for treatment. With modern technology and an industry-leading clinical program, we look forward to providing you with an exceptional medical experience.

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Testosterone
Replacement
Therapy in Buffalo Valley, TN

As males age, their hormone levels decline naturally, leaving many men with reduced self-confidence, increased body fat, and a decreased sex drive. For millions of males in the United States, the answer to their middle-aged problems begins with testosterone replacement therapy or TRT for short. TRT is used to optimize hormone levels, which are often imbalanced as men age. TRT has been shown to greatly improve the moderate-to-severe symptoms that are common in low-T individuals.

Hormone levels can also be inadequate in men of any age. This is due to genetic interference and abnormalities stemming from hormone receptor action through exposure to chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. While many TV commercials will tell you low testosterone symptoms begin during middle age, many adult men lose testosterone as early as their mid-20s.

If you're craving more vitality and have noticed a lack of enjoyment in your life, our TRT services in Buffalo Valley might be a good fit for your needs. At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, all prospective TRT patients must qualify for treatment. Qualification includes comprehensive lab tests and consultations with your primary care provider.

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Common Signs of Low Testosterone

Chances are, you probably know somebody that is currently on a TRT regimen but wonder yourself if you might qualify for treatment. You're probably also wondering what low T feels like. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of low testosterone:

BODY

  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Swollen Breasts
  • Reduced Bone and Muscle Mass
  • More Body Fat
  • Hot Flashes

MIND

  • Lack of Self-Confidence
  • Depression
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Lack of Sleep

SEXUAL

  • Difficulty Achieving Erections
  • Less Spontaneous Erections
  • Low Sex Drive

Many men who qualify for TRT in Buffalo Valley, TN, can begin treatment soon after they are approved to do so. For most males, healthy testosterone levels are achieved after a couple months of treatment. For the best TRT results, it's important to strive for healthy exercise habits, stress management techniques, and diet choices.

Occupational Care in Buffalo Valley, TN

Also called occupational medicine or occupational health, this multidisciplinary healthcare field is dedicated to the wellbeing and safety of workplace employees. The primary focus on occupational care is treating illnesses and injuries that happen in the workplace. Occupational care is also meant to help prevent workplace illnesses and injuries by fostering a safer work environment.

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, our occupational care services can result in:

  • Lower Insurance Premiums
  • Reduced Costs Stemming from Workplace Accidents
  • Improved Safety and Health
  • Proper Regulatory Compliance
  • Better Workplace Morale, Productivity, and Staff Relations

Depending on the industry you're in or the kind of business you own, having an occupational health program can be a great idea. If you already have a plan in place, our occupational care center in Buffalo Valley has an extensive array of tests and exams to ensure you meet any necessary criteria.

Some common types of screenings and exams may include:

Occupational Care

Drug & Alcohol Tests

These tests can help ensure that your employees are not operating machinery or working under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

1

Return-to-Work Exams

Also called Fit for Duty Exams, these tests can determine whether your employees are recovered and fit to return to the workplace, after sustaining an injury.

2

Health Screenings

Our team of medical professionals will conduct comprehensive screenings for blood, vision, pulmonary function, and more.

3

At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, our full range of
occupational care services include:

  • Alcohol/Drug
  • Audiometry
  • Chest and Back X-Rays
  • EKG
  • Hair Follicle Testing
  • Lipids
  • Spirometry
  • Urinalysis
  • 5 & 10 Panel
  • DOT Physical Exam
  • Bus Driver Exam
  • Pre-Employment Exams
  • Vision Exam
  • Return-To-Work Clearance
 Primary Care Buffalo Valley, TN

Latest News in Buffalo Valley, TN

Easter events planned in Erwin, Unicoi

Two of the county’s most anticipated Easter celebrations are returning this weekend.At the north end of Unicoi County, The Buffalo Valley Historic Association is taking guests back in time with their Old Fashioned Easter event at the Bogart-Bowman Cabin.“We hope to have a lot of kids and good weather for the event,” said Buffalo Valley Historic Association President Leisa Willis.Willis said that the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance. The event will most likely provide a chance to also meet some ...

Two of the county’s most anticipated Easter celebrations are returning this weekend.

At the north end of Unicoi County, The Buffalo Valley Historic Association is taking guests back in time with their Old Fashioned Easter event at the Bogart-Bowman Cabin.

“We hope to have a lot of kids and good weather for the event,” said Buffalo Valley Historic Association President Leisa Willis.

Willis said that the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance. The event will most likely provide a chance to also meet some woolly sheep.

The Association’s “Old Fashioned Easter” will also feature an egg hunt, games and many more surprises.

Willis hopes the community comes out for a day of celebration and to consider joining the ever-growing group that makes up the Buffalo Valley Historic Association.

“If it wasn’t for our dedicated members and volunteers we couldn’t have any of our events,” Willis said. “We are trying to preserve as much history as we can for future generations. We meet on the second Thursday night each month, at 6 p.m., inside the Bogart-Bowman Cabin.”

Willis welcomes anyone who wants to learn more about the group. The Buffalo Valley Historic Association’s Old Fashioned Easter is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Bogart Bowman Cabin, in Unicoi.

In Erwin, a popular hometown business is looking to give back this spring.

Erwin Apparel recently hosted free Easter pictures with Hopkins the Bunny on April 8 and Erwin Apparel Owner Amanda Galleher is already working on her next big Easter project.

The second annual Community Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is completely free for guests.

“This is our second year,” Galleher said. “Last year we had over 550 people attend. This is an event we look forward to as a business. We love to see the children happy, it is beyond amazing. We do it to honor the Lord for allowing us to share the true meaning of Easter. We pray before we have the hunt.”

Galleher is excited to expand this event for 2022.

“This year we added extra inflatables and more Zappa,” Galleher said. “We have over 10,000 eggs filled and have lots of prizes and drawings planned. This year we also have some tents as a meet and greet for adults to get to know our community.”

Erwin Apparel has joined up with more than 25 other local businesses and organizations to hold this event.

“I have to give a huge thank you to all the sponsors and to Unicoi County Schools for allowing us to have this event for our children,” Galleher said.

The second annual Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 600 S. Mohawk Drive.

For more information, including a list of all sponsors and photographs from Hopkins’ visit follow Erwin Apparel on social media, including Facebook.

Recovery Navigators Help Opioid Addicts

Copy This Embed Code: Ad Fighting opioid abuse is getting a boost of support from people who have overcome the same dark addiction in the past. As of this month, a program under the TN Together plan will get to pair people who were revived from a drug overdose with so-called recovery navigators in Nashville.Posted at 5:24 PM, Oct 12, 2018and last updated 4:30 PM, Oct 12, 2018Fighting opioid abuse is getting a boost of support from people who have overcome the same dark addiction in the past.As of thi...

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Fighting opioid abuse is getting a boost of support from people who have overcome the same dark addiction in the past. As of this month, a program under the TN Together plan will get to pair people who were revived from a drug overdose with so-called recovery navigators in Nashville.

Posted at 5:24 PM, Oct 12, 2018

and last updated 4:30 PM, Oct 12, 2018

Fighting opioid abuse is getting a boost of support from people who have overcome the same dark addiction in the past.

As of this month, a program under the TN Together plan will get to pair people who were revived from a drug overdose with so-called recovery navigators in Nashville.

Recovery navigators are people who have been in recovery for at least two years and completed the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Program.

Their goal is to connect with patients at the hospital and get them much needed help and support.

"Once they're able to give consent, the doctor will ask them if they would like to speak to someone and want help. Then they will call one of us, and we respond. We give them resources, share a little bit of our story of how we've been there and what we've been through, and just that there is hope and this is not the end," Coon explained.

Coon recovered from her opioid addiction four years ago at Buffalo Valley. She admitted herself to the treatment center after she overdosed on heroin laced with fentanyl.

"I remember praying for God to please let me wake up, and I wouldn't do this again," she said. "I knew at that point I did not want to live like that anymore."

Since then she went from being a client to an employee. She jumped on the opportunity to become a recovery navigator because she knows the importance of making a connection.

"Doctors, counselors, and psychiatrists tried to get me sober for a long time until I got my counselor, and she had been through the same thing I've been through. That makes a difference, so I know it makes a difference," Coon said.

Currently, there are 11 recovery navigators across the state. Four of them are in the Mid-State.

Under TN Together, $25 million focuses on providing treatment to drug users. Part of it includes the expansion of peer recovery specialists in targeted, high-need emergency departments.

The program first started in upper East Tennessee and made its way to Memphis and then Nashville. Chattanooga and Knoxville are next on the list.

St. Thomas and TriStar Skyline Medical Center are two hospitals who are a part of the program. The state hopes to include more hospitals in the future.

To learn more, including how to apply to be certified, click on this link.

Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Public meeting set for Center Hill Dam Modification Study

Photo By Leon Roberts | The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is hosting a public scoping... read moreNASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 23, 2018) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is hosting a public scoping meeting 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Buffalo Valley Community Center t...

Photo By Leon Roberts | The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is hosting a public scoping... read more

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 23, 2018) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is hosting a public scoping meeting 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Buffalo Valley Community Center to present information to the public regarding a current Dam Safety Modification Study (DSMS) to further reduce risk at Center Hill Dam. The center is located at 2717 Buffalo Valley School Road, Buffalo Valley, Tenn.

Since 2008 the Nashville District has worked to reduce risk at Center Hill Dam from a foundation seepage issue.

“More recently, however, operability issues have been identified with the 70-year old main dam spillway gates that add project risk during a large flood event” said Corps Project Manager, Linda Adcock.

In the early 1990’s a self-eroding structure called a ‘fuse plug’ was built into the top of the saddle dam to add the ability to safely pass a rare, extreme flood downstream.

“If the main dam spillway gates don’t operate as intended, the fuse plug on the saddle dam could operate at a smaller flood than intended,” Adcock added.

Currently, risk of this occurrence is higher than the Corps deems acceptable. A study is underway to evaluate spillway gate repair alternatives and potential changes to standard gate operations during a large flood. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Corps of Engineers is initiating scoping and preparing a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to support the DSMS. The study will produce a recommended plan to reduce potential project risk. The Corps seeks public input on the array of alternatives being considered.

Examples of measures, either individually or in combination, that have potential to affect structures or operations of the dam may include:

a) Replacement of the current gate machinery with hydraulic machinery that can operate under water; b) Addition of equipment to the current spillway gates to keep them open if the operating machinery is underwater; c) Modification of the spillway gates or gate machinery to allow operation from the top of the dam; d) Relocation of the gate operating machinery to the road level, which would require raising or relocating Highway 96 that crosses over the dam; e) Modification of the emergency operations plan in the water control manual that determines how to manage floods at Center Hill Dam; and f) Other measures as identified by on-going engineering studies, the public, and agencies.

The announcement seeking public input is located on the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/20/2018-08291/intent-to-prepare-a-draft-environmental-impact-statement-for-the-dam-safety-modification-study. This announcement includes information on how to provide comments to the Corps of Engineers regarding this study.

To read more on the dam safety project, visit the Nashville District webpage at http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Current-Projects/Construction/Center-Hill-Dam-Safety-Rehabilitation-Project/ . For more information about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, visit the district’s website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and http://www.facebook.com/centerhilllake , and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps.

Births of two calves expand Unicoi buffalo herd

Unicoi County has two new residents that former Town of Unicoi Mayor Johnny Lynch is proud to welcome to Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens, which he owns with his wife, Pat.Lynch welcomed two baby buffalo calves to his herd earlier this month.“We had two calves born a little over a week ago,” Lynch told The Erwin Record.Centuries ago thousands of buffalo journeyed through the valley and created most of the paths that are used as roads today throughout East Tennessee. As they did in most areas, the large but agi...

Unicoi County has two new residents that former Town of Unicoi Mayor Johnny Lynch is proud to welcome to Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens, which he owns with his wife, Pat.

Lynch welcomed two baby buffalo calves to his herd earlier this month.

“We had two calves born a little over a week ago,” Lynch told The Erwin Record.

Centuries ago thousands of buffalo journeyed through the valley and created most of the paths that are used as roads today throughout East Tennessee. As they did in most areas, the large but agile animals gradually disappeared from the eastern half of the United States.

“Originally the buffalo roamed free from the Eastern Seaboard all the way to the Rocky Mountains,” Lynch said. “There were an estimated 60 million buffalo. By 1901, there was something like 700. They almost became extinct.”

However, the American buffalo, also known as bison, roams in the Buffalo Valley once again after the arrival of several buffaloes to the area thanks to Lynch’s efforts.

Lynch said he brought the first buffalo back to the Town of Unicoi several years ago.

“We now have 14 buffalo here,” Lunch said. “Overall in the United States, there are about 500,000 buffaloes today.”

One of the biggest obstacles he faced when relocating the buffaloes was getting a fence that could hold the wild animals.

“Not only are they large and wild, but buffalo are extremely fast and agile,” Lynch said. “They can outrun a horse and stop on a dime.”

Once the fence was in place, the buffalo followed. The females were brought in from Paint Bank, Virginia, and the bull was brought in from Wolcottville, Indiana. Lynch stated that it is currently mating season, which can run up until October. If the mating takes, then in nine months there may be new additions to the Unicoi herd.

Due to the size of the buffalo, the birthing process occurs naturally with no outside help. Lynch said that the mother will separate from the herd to give birth.

After the calf is born, the mother will keep the calf away from the herd for a few days to allow it to get acclimated. The calves are cinnamon colored when they are born and eventually become a darker shade of brown.

The proud father, Sammy, is happy to pose for photos while the cows and calves are a little more reserved. Buffalo live to be around 30 and the oldest ones on site are about three years old.

There are many other features besides the main attraction to see while visiting Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens. Roaming around the grounds are numerous peacocks, bees, otters, rabbits, groundhogs and other wildlife that live in or around a series of ponds on the property.

Classes from all over the region, including East Tennessee State University, come to study the ecosystem cultivated at the local attraction.

“The students love seeing the buffaloes,” Lynch said.

Not far from the pond is a bakery, complete with an earthen oven. Pat Lynch bakes fresh bread and other items in the bakery, often filling the air with the scent of cinnamon.

For more updates and a schedule of events at the Lynch Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens, please visit the Facebook pages of both the Town of Unicoi and Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens.

Communities spanning two counties dedicate Periwinkle Trail

(Left to Right) Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason, Park Ranger Luciana Arena, Park Ranger Brad Potts, Cordell Hull Lake resource manager Kenny Claywell, Natasha Deane, owner of Wildwood Resort & Marina and chairperson of Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, and Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady cut a ribbon to dedicate Periwinkle Hiking Trail March 25, 2023, at the Indian Creek Archery Range Trailhead in Granville, Tennessee. (USACE Photo by Lee Roberts)...

(Left to Right) Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason, Park Ranger Luciana Arena, Park Ranger Brad Potts, Cordell Hull Lake resource manager Kenny Claywell, Natasha Deane, owner of Wildwood Resort & Marina and chairperson of Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, and Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady cut a ribbon to dedicate Periwinkle Hiking Trail March 25, 2023, at the Indian Creek Archery Range Trailhead in Granville, Tennessee. (USACE Photo by Lee Roberts)

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GRANVILLE, Tenn. (March 28, 2023) - The communities of Smith County, Jackson County and the “Friends of Cordell Hull Lake” dedicated Periwinkle Trail March 25, 2023, at the Indian Creek Archery Range trailhead. The newly constructed trail provides hikers a new path to experience the outdoors and creates a bond between the two counties.

Periwinkle Trail is 2.5 miles long and spans across Smith and Jackson Counties. Additional trailheads are accessible at Indian Creek Campground, and near Wildwood Resort & Marina at Highway 53. The trail experience includes a variety of fauna and flora for the public to enjoy, including wildflowers, carpets of cedar moss, and lichens.

The “Friends of Cordell Hull Lake” organized the dedication ceremony with additional help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, which manages public lands on the shoreline, as well as the many volunteers who blazed the new trail.

In her opening remarks, Natasha Deane, chairperson of “Friends of Cordell Hull Lake,” expressed her gratitude to the group, its board members, USACE, volunteers and the public that gets to recreate on Periwinkle Trail.

“This trail is for you to enjoy and maintain for many years to come,” said Deane.

When the Corps built Cordell Hull Dam 50 years ago, the trail crossed over farmlands and generations where several communities began. Scenic views on the trail reveals old stone fences, country roads, and an old well pipe on the creek.

Cordell Hull Lake Resource Manager Kenny Claywell voiced his appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that the Friends Group put into the Periwinkle Trail.

“My main focus for this trail is the partnership between the Corps, the Friends Group, and the communities of Smith and Jackson County,” Claywell said.

Claywell added that the origin of the trail connecting Indian Creek Campground with Wildwood Marina started when the Marina held its grand opening in 2020. Marina visitors and campground campers requested the trail and volunteers ultimately put in a lot of sweat equity in 2021 and 2022, working on National Public Lands Days and numerous days and weekends.

Claywell said, “This trail has brought together the two lease areas, USACE, and the Friends Group of Cordell Hull. It is outstanding that we were able to make this possible.”

Mayor Jeff Mason of Smith County and Mayor Randy Heady of Jackson County also spoke at the dedication, and both were very glad to be a part of the event.

Mason stressed that the power of volunteers and desire of the people can achieve many goals, and he is honored to have a trailhead in Smith County.

“It helps both of the communities of Smith County and Jackson County,” said Mason.

Mayor Randy Heady noted that he had the opportunity to witness the Friends Group begin to form in 2021 and is so excited to see how far this group has come. He said the “Friends Group of Cordell Hull Lake” will have a lot of opportunities to make similar impacts around the lake as a non-profit organization.

“I’m really glad the trail begins in Smith and ends in Jackson, that shows a true partnership that you see through the whole thing,” Heady said.

Following the dedication, ribbon cutting, and photographs marking the occasion, more than 80 people set down the path of the trail together. After the hike, Wildwood Resort & Marina supplied transportation back to the starting point to those who didn’t want to make the return hike.

Park Ranger Brad Potts said the public gave positive feedback that the trail was beautiful, a must hike, amazing, and a lot of fun!

In addition to the Periwinkle trail, Cordell Hull Lake offers a six-mile Bear Waller Gap hiking trail, 18-mile Holleman Bend Horse trail, half-mile Turkey Creek Nature trail and over six-mile Bear wheels Mountain Bike Trail for public use.

The park ranger staff plans to host another community hike in celebration of Earth Day 8 a.m. April 22 at the Bear Waller Gap hiking trail at the Defeated Creek Recreation Area Trail Head.

The Corps of Engineers park rangers at Cordell Hull Lake manage 381 miles of shoreline, which includes 22 boat-launching ramps, two campgrounds, and three recreation areas with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, water sports, picnicking, hiking, fishing, biking and boating.

(The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can also follow Cordell Hull Lake on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cordellhulllake. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.)

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