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

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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Professional Care Services

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.

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.

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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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.
Schedule AppointmentAt 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.

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:

Drug & Alcohol Tests
These tests can help ensure that your employees are not operating machinery or working under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
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.
Health Screenings
Our team of medical professionals will conduct comprehensive screenings for blood, vision, pulmonary function, and more.
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

Latest News in Buffalo Valley, TN
Slice of river life: Farmstead unveils pioneer spirit along Buffalo National River
Flip Putthoffhttps://www.nwaonline.com/news/2021/apr/27/slice-of-river-life/
The welcome mat is out at the Parker-Hickman farmstead along the Buffalo National River.Standing on the front porch at the log home of this pioneer farm, one can almost hear a shout of "Come on in," sounding from the living room long ago. While other historic homes don't allow entry, a small sign on the porch of this log house encourages people to step through the front door and explore.Same with most sheds, barns and the outhouse. The creaky outhouse door is unlocked, but a sign inside says "not open for busines...
The welcome mat is out at the Parker-Hickman farmstead along the Buffalo National River.
Standing on the front porch at the log home of this pioneer farm, one can almost hear a shout of "Come on in," sounding from the living room long ago. While other historic homes don't allow entry, a small sign on the porch of this log house encourages people to step through the front door and explore.
Same with most sheds, barns and the outhouse. The creaky outhouse door is unlocked, but a sign inside says "not open for business." Hint hint.
[Don't see the video above? Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/embed/rWCwKeqouxE]
A couple of barns don't permit visitors inside, but it's fine to marvel at the weathered cedar logs notched by hand so they fit together.
The farmstead is one-half mile west of Erbie campground on the Buffalo near Jasper in Newton County. From Jasper, follow Arkansas 7 north for about three miles. Turn left at the sign for Erbie campground and river access. Follow the gravel road seven miles to the Parker-Hickman farmstead.
An interpretive sign at the front gate tells some of its history.
[GALLERY: Outdoors 4-27: https://nwamedia.photoshelter.com/gallery/Outdoors-4-27/G0000rXPMl0uqVx4]
"In the late 1830s, Alvin Parker and his brother, Greenberry, arrived here from Tennessee and built a home using the nearby red cedar trees. Joining the hand-hewed logs with dovetail notches, the Parkers built one of the finest log houses in the Ozarks.
"Over the years, later owners built additions on to the original log house. The last owners, the J.D. Hickman family, occupied this farm from 1912 to 1978 and constructed most of the outbuildings visible here today."
There's plenty of nature to go along with the history. A small creek flows between the farm house and a couple of barns. There's a larger stream that flows with scenic beauty near the front gate. People drive across this stream and steer into the parking area.
It's an easy walk to the Buffalo River, or visitors can enjoy it at Erbie campground. There are plenty of riverside picnic tables for a tasty lunch outdoors.
A small cadre of hikers, including Gene Williams of the War Eagle area, took a road trip to the farmstead in mid-March. Williams strolled across the old wood planks of the home's front porch, opened a screen door and stepped into the living room. The cinema of the mind conjures visions of a family hunkered around the fireplace on a cold winter night.
Additions to the log home are obvious. They're made of planks, not cedar logs. Log barns built by hand, sweat and simple tools amazed the visiting hikers.
"You really see the history of this area, the wood, how the buildings are set on rocks to level them," Williams said. "You can reflect and wonder how these people lived, how they stayed warm and all.
"And the outhouse. Think of below zero and running 50 feet to an outhouse."
Backpackers traveling the Buffalo River Trail get a glimpse of the farmstead. The long-distance hiking trail passes near the front gate.
If the Parker-Hickman place raises your farmstead fever, the Villines family farmstead at Ponca is worth a visit. It's located near the south end of the low-water bridge over the Buffalo River at Ponca.
Park in the lot on the north end of the bridge, walk across the bridge and follow a trail about 100 yards to the Villines farmstead.
More News
Beautiful Buffalo River
The Buffalo River was designated in 1972 as the first National River in the United States. The Buffalo is 153 miles long. The lower 135 miles flow within the boundaries of an area managed by the National Park Service, where the stream is designated the Buffalo National River.
Source: National Park Service
Community concerns grow after Buffalo Valley Golf course sits abandoned for months
WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weatherhttps://www.wjhl.com/news/community-concerns-grow-after-buffalo-valley-golf-course-sits-abandoned-for-months/
More than half a year later and still city leaders in Johnson City in limbo on what will happen to the Buffalo Valley Golf Course property.City leaders decided to close the golf course in December and since then it has been up for sale. The only official offer coming from the town of Unicoi has now been taken off the table.People living in that community say they want answers.“It would be a shame to lose the beauty of this place,” Carol Billheimer said.For nearly 40 years Carol Billheimer and her husba...
More than half a year later and still city leaders in Johnson City in limbo on what will happen to the Buffalo Valley Golf Course property.
City leaders decided to close the golf course in December and since then it has been up for sale. The only official offer coming from the town of Unicoi has now been taken off the table.
People living in that community say they want answers.
“It would be a shame to lose the beauty of this place,” Carol Billheimer said.
For nearly 40 years Carol Billheimer and her husband Carroll have been surrounded by that beauty here at the Buffalo Valley Golf Course.
They remember the land during its hey day. Now abandoned, those memories are all they have left of the once thriving community.
“I’m going to lose a lot of property value because I’ve been here quite a few years and knowing that were going to be closed down it won’t be a beautiful golf course anymore it will just be mountains and trees,” Carol Billheimer said
City leaders say right now they are exploring any possible offers that could lead to a purchase of the property.
“We have got an asset that we have got to explore completely the most efficient way to dispose of that or re-purpose it,” David Tomita said.
Johnson City Mayor David Tomita says as it stands right now there are no formal offers on the property. The town of Unicoi had initially made a $400,000 offer to buy the land but pulled the offer off the table after Johnson City leaders went months without responding.
We recently spoke with the president co-owner of the Johnson City Otters soccer team Micheal Balluff. He says he made an offer to buy a portion of the land at Buffalo Valley and had plans to convert the land into a playground and sports facility to benefit the community.
His last un official offer to the city was in June. He says that offer has now been taken off the table, saying in statement: “We continue to have an interest in investing in this project but until we receive some feedback from the city on direction we are at a standstill. We hope the city chooses to explore this option with us in the future.”
“We appreciate the offer but I understand the offer is off the table but we would be more inclined to I don’t want to speak for the entire commission but I’d be more inclined to look at offers for the whole thing,” Tomita said.
Carol Billheimer said,”You just wonder why they would let something this pretty go to nothing almost.”
For now, the Billheimers and others in the community wait, hoping that the decision makers consider those who call this community home.
Snakes and overgrown brush and grass are just some of the concerns people living on the abandoned Buffalo Valley Golf Course have with city leaders in Johnson City.
For months now Andy Landers says he and others in the community surrounding the abandoned Buffalo Valley Golf Course have been clueless about future plans for the property.
“We have no idea what is going on and we feel like we have been left in the dark and we would just like to know what is going on,” Landers said.
That’s only part of community concerns, others say their yards have been infested with snakes that have take up residence at the golf course and slithered onto their property. Landers says this partly due to some areas of the green that has not been kept up.
“Also a main concern of ours when it rains hard which is a public breeding ground for mosquitos,” Landers said.
That water standing in a crater that Landers says crews from Johnson City dug months ago while removing top soil from the property. He says that he and others in the community simply want to kept in the loop.
“We have been trying to get some information from the city, we have a vested interest in the golf course, it completely in circles my house. We would just like to know what is going on,” Landers said.
David Tomita said, “We will do the best that we can to be a good neighbor and do everything we can to see that it gets into the right hands and be the least bit disruptive to that neighborhood as possible.”
Johnson City mayor David Tomita says city leaders are still exploring possible options for the Buffalo Valley Property. As far as the upkeep and concern of snakes goes. He says the city does maintain the property but not to the same standard as when it was an open golf course.
“We are private property owners in Unicoi County, just like you are a private property owner of your house here, if we are doing something that is not to code, we will fix it,” Tomita said.
City leaders say they are still trying to figure out the best options for the future of Buffalo Valley Golf Course.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Veterans to get help with affordable housing in Clarksville
Richard Stevenshttps://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/clarksville/2018/08/13/veterans-get-help-affordable-housing-clarksville/981328002/
Contributed, City of ClarksvilleThree newly built homes in Clarksville are complete and available for rent to low-income families, with first priority going to U.S. military veterans, especially those with disabilities.Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan helped cut the ribbon Monday morning on the three homes built by Buffalo Valley Inc., in the Providence Pointe subdivision.The Tennessee Housing Development Agency provided Buffalo Valley with a $500,000 grant toward the construction of these homes, as well as ...
Contributed, City of Clarksville
Three newly built homes in Clarksville are complete and available for rent to low-income families, with first priority going to U.S. military veterans, especially those with disabilities.
Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan helped cut the ribbon Monday morning on the three homes built by Buffalo Valley Inc., in the Providence Pointe subdivision.
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency provided Buffalo Valley with a $500,000 grant toward the construction of these homes, as well as four others in the Chattanooga area.
“Being able to live in stable, supportive homes like these, in the middle of a beautiful new neighborhood like this one, helps give the American Dream back to some of the veterans who proudly served our country and are now struggling to get by,” said Buffalo Valley CEO Jerry Risner.
Buffalo Valley, a Clarksville-based nonprofit housing provider, will rent these homes to residents who earn less than 30 percent of the local median income and meet other eligibility requirements.
“Bricks and mortar are important, but so is creating a sense of home and community, and that’s exactly what Buffalo Valley has succeeded at doing here so beautifully,” said Denise McBride, Middle Tennessee Liaison for THDA.
The City of Clarksville donated the property where the homes were built, and additional funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City is also completing another affordable home in the neighborhood using the federal HOME program.
“Amid our growth and progress, I’m also proud of our efforts to make sure that Clarksville’s prosperity is being shared with all of our citizens, especially senior citizens and low and moderate income households, and our large number of service veterans,” Mayor McMillan said.
“A big part of this is our work to battle homelessness and to promote maintaining and building affordable and workplace housing in Clarksville.”
Much of the City’s work on affordable housing flows through its Office of Housing and Community Development, headed by Keith Lampkin. Since 2011, the Community Development office has completed 137 projects to build, rehabilitate, and provide emergency repairs to homes. Another 85 households have benefitted from down payment and closing-cost assistance. This totals more than $4.5 million of CDBG and HOME funds administered through Clarksville Community Development.
Also since 2011, the City of Clarksville has been involved in construction of 400 units of affordable and workforce housing using federal low-income housing tax credits administered by THDA. Another 192 units are approved and construction will start in Spring 2019.
More information about THDA can be found online at THDA.org .
Births of two calves expand Unicoi buffalo herd
Richard Rourkhttps://www.erwinrecord.net/news/community/births-of-two-calves-expand-unicoi-buffalo-herd/article_59f2acf0-380f-5765-9d5e-f269505e6e05.html
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.
LATEST VIDEOS
Communities spanning two counties dedicate Periwinkle Trail
Park Ranger Luciana Arenahttps://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/3343459/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)
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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