Professional
Medical Services
Near Silver Point, TN
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931-526-1604Your 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 Silver Point. 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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point'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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point 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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point 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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point, 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 Silver Point 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
Silver Point, Tennessee's Most Trusted Medical Practice
Whether you're looking for primary care in Silver Point, TN, or have an injury that requires a professional's immediate care, our team is here to help. We are proud to offer our patients the highest quality medical services Silver Point, at affordable prices. As one of the most trusted names in our local medical field, Primary Care & Occupational Health Center always prioritizes our client's comfort. We will always have your best interests in mind during treatment, and strive to exceed every patient's expectations with every visit.
When it comes to your health, you should never settle for second best. Contact our office today to learn more about how we keep our patients healthy, happy, and feeling their best all year long.
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Latest News in Silver Point, TN
Scientists say Bigfoot has a simple explanation
Joshua Hawkinshttps://bgr.com/science/scientists-say-bigfoot-has-a-simple-explanation/
The legend of Bigfoot has existed for generations. All around the world, tales of a hairy, humanoid creature lurking in the woods have sprouted, some even offering video evidence. However, scientists believe Bigfoot’s existence could have a very simple explanation. According to researchers, we can probably attribute these mysterious sightings to rare occasions of bears walking on their hind legs....
The legend of Bigfoot has existed for generations. All around the world, tales of a hairy, humanoid creature lurking in the woods have sprouted, some even offering video evidence. However, scientists believe Bigfoot’s existence could have a very simple explanation. According to researchers, we can probably attribute these mysterious sightings to rare occasions of bears walking on their hind legs.
American black bears usually tend to walk on all four legs. However, they will stand on their hind legs to get a clearer view of the area, catch a whiff of something interesting, and even reach foods higher up than they are. Now, a data analyst believes they may be able to prove that most Bigfoot sightings are really just sightings of black bears walking on their hind legs.
Floe Foxon, a data analyst at Pinney Associates, has put together an intriguing piece of research looking at multiple sightings of the famous cryptid. However, according to the paper, which is still yet to be peer-reviewed, many of the sightings of Bigfoot could easily be explained away thanks to black bear populations in those areas.
Foxon isn’t the first to see a possible explanation for Bigfoot coming from animals, either. In 2005, another scientist compared projected black bear populations to Bigfoot sightings and found that perhaps another animal might be responsible for those misinterpreted sightings. Then, a paper in 2009 looked at the connection between Bigfoot and black bears once more. It showed a high degree of overlap between the two.
But, what’s really interesting is that Foxon’s rigorous data model shows that in many of the areas where black bears are very common and populous, sightings of the Bigfoot cryptid are more likely to happen. This could very well point towards the explanation for this mysterious creature coming down to misidentification.
But, there are still some Bigfoot sightings that can’t be explained away by simply waving your hand and saying it’s bears standing on two feet, as sightings have popped up in both Texas and Florida, where black bears are not known to breed or populate those areas. The explanation here, then, could be that we’re simply misidentifying multiple animals as mysterious and unknown species that don’t truly exist.
As such, Foxon believes that Bigfoot is really just humans misidentifying a bunch of different bears. Previously scientists have looked for explanations about other mysterious creatures, even testing Yeti DNA. Some even say it’s possible that the Loch Ness monster is real, based on fossils found by scientists.
Meteor shower season kicks off with Lyrid shower in April
Craig Shouphttps://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2023/04/15/where-you-can-see-the-lyrid-meteor-shower-in-middle-tennessee/70115752007/
April's night sky will light up this weekend in Nashville as the year's first meteor shower will zoom by — beginning Saturday.For peak viewing of the Lyrid meteor shower, gaze the stars on the nights of April 21-22.More:The Lyrid meteor showers: A visual guide on where, when and how to viewThe American Meteor S...
April's night sky will light up this weekend in Nashville as the year's first meteor shower will zoom by — beginning Saturday.
For peak viewing of the Lyrid meteor shower, gaze the stars on the nights of April 21-22.
More:The Lyrid meteor showers: A visual guide on where, when and how to view
The American Meteor Society describes the Lyrids as a "medium strength shower" that produces good rates of meteors for about three nights centered on the peak. NASA stated the meteors don't often leave long, glowing trains of dust as they streak through the night sky, but may produce bright flashes called fireballs.
So, roll out a blanket, maybe at Long Hunter State Park (2910 Hobson Pk., Nashville), Bledsoe Creek State Park (400 Zieglers Fort Rd., Gallatin) or Edgar Evins State Park (1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd., Silver Point) if you're willing to travel to enjoy the beauty of nature.
John Cohen, a meteorologist with National Weather Service in Nashville, said onlookers should face Northeast in the sky and find a dark area.
Yeah, probably going to have to leave Nashville for that.
Cohen said east of Lebanon should do the trick as you look for an area to watch.
What is a meteor shower?
Meteors are pieces of space debris left over from comets and/or asteroids that interact with our atmosphere when Earth passes through the debris trails left from comets coming around the sun, according to NASA.
The debris that created the Lyrids come from Comet C/1861 G1, also known as Comet Thatcher.
When can I see the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrids will be active from April 15-29.
NASA expects the shower to peak April 21-22. The peak of the meteor shower is when people can see the most meteors. Generally, about 10 to 20 meteors are visible when the Lyrids peak.
What time is best to see Lyrid?
On April 22, the peak night for the Lyrid meteor shower, optimal viewing is expected at 10:31 p.m. local time, according to the Farmer's almanac.
What is the duration of the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrids can be observed until dawn, allowing plenty of time for observers to catch a glimpse, according to NASA.
Where is the best place to see the Lyrid meteor shower?
NASA recommends people watch the meteor shower in an area far from city lights or streetlights and prepare for comfortable viewing by bringing a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.
They suggest people lie flat on their backs with their feet facing east, then look up and view as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, peoples' eyes will adapt and begin to see meteors.
Where in the night sky is the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrids' radiant, or the point in the sky where a meteor shower appears to come from, is near the constellation Lyra, according to NASA. Meteors appear near the constellation's brightest star, Vega.
2023 Meteor shower schedule
Following Lyrid, the next meteor shower, Eta Aquarids, will peak around May 6-7.
Delta Aquarids, July 28-29 and Alpha Capricornids, July 30-31, will follow before the final summer shower, Perseids, Aug. 12-13.
Cohen said Perseid's shower in August will drop some jaws as it fills the sky.
Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.
TEMA reports 20K customers without power statewide, expects 1 to 3 days before power is fully restored
News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)https://www.newschannel5.com/news/power-outages-continue-across-middle-tennessee
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Power outages are still an issue for thousands across Middle Tennessee after a winter storm brought snow, freezing rain and sleet to the area. The Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation has urged its customers to prepare for "an extended outage situation."
Areas east of Interstate 65 saw more freezing rain than snow with this system and that has caused downed power lines and trees.
On Tuesday evening the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said about 20,000 customers across the state are without power and it may take one to three days before it is restored.
TEMA said the following counties reported outages:
As of Tuesday evening, UCEMC officials said about 15% of Upper Cumberland EMC’s 51,000 members remain without power. They said restoration is slowed by the sheer number of fallen trees downing power lines, blocking access roads, and impeding pole installation until special equipment clears a path for line workers.
Additional damage assessments from UCEMC district managers have pushed the restoration time frames forward. With the current weather situation, UCEMC said even members with restored power may later experience other outages.
“These weather conditions and additional damage assessments from UCEMC district managers are pushing the restoration timeframes forward,” UCEMC GM/CEO Jennifer Brogdon said in a press release. “With even more inclement weather systems moving in, those members with restored power now may later experience another outage. We’re asking our members to prepare for an extended outage situation.”
According to UCEMC, crews from Tri-County, Ft. Loudon, Blue Ridge EMC, and Appalachia are helping in the restoration effort.
They said in some areas, power restoration is being hindered by the "sheer number of fallen trees over power lines, blocking access roads, impeding pole installation and line replacement until other diggers, bucket trucks, and crews are brought in from contractors to clear the way for continued repairs today."
The following warming shelters are open:
According to UCEMC, areas still reporting outages include:
Livingston:
The Monroe substation is back on, but 800-1000 are still reporting outages.
In the Carthage area, 600 members are out:
Cookeville, 10-11,000 report outages:
Priorities due to population:
Approximately 1,300 total members out.
Total Outages: 13,700
UCEMC members calling to report outages at 1-800-261-2940 may experience delays due to the high number of calls. Members can also report outages within the districts section of ucemc.com or Messenger on the official UCEMC Facebook page.
Duck River Electric is reporting thousands of outages across Bedford, Coffee, and Marshall counties. At one point Tuesday morning, that number was at 35,000.
In the Metro Nashville area, power outages have been spotty. Nashville Electric Service said it’s fully staffed to respond to any outages and also has crews on standby if more help is needed. Additionally, NES said crews came in over the weekend to prepare bucket trucks with extra equipment for the storm response.
If you experience a power outage, report it through NESPower.com or by calling 615-234-0000 or by texting “OUT” to 637797 (NESPWR) if you’ve enabled the texting function on your account.
Residents are urged to charge their phones/other devices and have an emergency kit -- containing non-perishable food, water, blankets and flashlights with fresh batteries -- ready.
Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Admire Middle Tennessee's beauty with these 8 fall guided hikes — plus 3 hikes you can do on your own
Mary Hancehttps://www.tennessean.com/story/life/shopping/ms-cheap/2018/09/27/nashville-guided-hikes-fall-colors/1213786002/
As the fall season hits Middle Tennessee, it always puts me in the mood for a nice hike in the woods to enjoy some fresh autumn air and see the changing colors.But I am kind of a wimp and I gravitate toward "guided" hikes, meaning hikes that are led by a ranger or naturalist, who will not only educate me about what I am seeing, but also (presumably) keep me from getting lost, or bitten by a snake or stranded from a fall or other misstep.Lucky for me, most of our state parks and local nature centers offe...
As the fall season hits Middle Tennessee, it always puts me in the mood for a nice hike in the woods to enjoy some fresh autumn air and see the changing colors.
But I am kind of a wimp and I gravitate toward "guided" hikes, meaning hikes that are led by a ranger or naturalist, who will not only educate me about what I am seeing, but also (presumably) keep me from getting lost, or bitten by a snake or stranded from a fall or other misstep.
Lucky for me, most of our state parks and local nature centers offer this sort of luxury "hiking for wusses" experience at no charge. And there are plenty of options for all levels of hiking on the Midstate fall calendars.
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park
On Oct. 7, there will be two interpretive hikes at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park, in Pall Mall, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of York’s battle in the Argonne Forest.
The hikes, which are rated "moderate-strenuous" are at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is recommended that you pre-register online at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sgt-alvin-c-york or by phone at 931-879-6456
This park, which pays tribute to one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I, is about 2½ hours from Nashville, just north of Jamestown. The park includes a visitor center modeled after York’s general store, his two-story house, a gristmill, the York Bible School and various picnic facilities. The York Farm was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Fall color at Edgar Evins
State naturalist Randy Hedgepath will lead a 9 a.m. Oct. 14 Fall Color Walk on the Merritt Ridge Trail at Edgar Evins State Park, which is on Center Hill Lake in Silver Point, Tennessee. The hike is 8 miles and rated "strenuous."
"The Trails at Edgar Evins climb narrow rocky ridges where there are splendid views of the Center Hill Lake," said Hedgepath, who is a delight to hike with because of his commentary and deep knowledge of Tennessee nature and wildlife.
"Beautiful forests will be starting to show their color on our walk along the Merritt Ridge Trail, and many late wildflowers and other interesting nature sites will be investigated about along the way. The walk will lead us up and down some steep grades so wear good hiking footwear," he said.
Rugby Nature Walk
Another option for hiking with Hedgepath is a hike he will lead at 10 a.m. Eastern time (9 a.m. Central) Oct. 20 along the Rugby Nature Walk trail at Rugby State Natural Area.
The 3-mile walk is rated "moderate," and I can attest that a day trip to the historic village of Rugby is a lovely outing any day.
Rugby is a 667-acre state natural area southwest of the town of Historic Rugby in Morgan County on the Cumberland Plateau.
There are also free guided hikes at 10 a.m. Eastern time every third Saturday at Rugby State Natural Area. No registration is required.
Details: http://www.historicrugby.org/ or 423-628-2441
Fall bird hikes at Warner Parks
There are several bird hikes where you can see and learn about hummingbirds, tanagers and warblers, and how they react to environmental changes by migrating south in fall and north back to Tennessee in the spring. Hikes include: 8:30 a.m. Oct. 5 for all ages at Burch Reserve; a Family Bird Walk at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 led by a 12-year-old BIRD team volunteer; and a Fall Migration Bird hike at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 13 for adults and ages 13 and up along the Harpeth River Greenway in the park.
Another fun way to learn more about birds is to visit the Nature Center campus and explore the pond, gardens and bird feeding stations and take a hike on the Hungry Hawk Trail. The Nature Center is at 7311 Highway 100. Register at https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/Warner-Park-Nature-Center or call 615-862-8555.
More:5 day trips near Nashville that will wow you but go easy on your wallet
Nashville Hiking Meetup hikes
My pals at Nashville Hiking Meetup offer Tuesday and Thursday evening hikes at Warner Parks. Check out the meetup's full October calendar at https://www.meetup.com/nashville-hiking/events/calendar/2018-10/, where you'll also find a Savage Gulf Day Loop Hike on Oct. 13 and a hike at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood on Oct. 21.
Early November meetup hikes include Obed Wild and Scenic River in Lancing, Tennessee, and a Fall Foliage Hike at Pogue Creek Canyon near Jamestown. This is a wonderful group to hike with, and it is free to join.
Details: https://www.meetup.com/nashville-hiking/
Shelby Park night walk
If you want a nighttime walk, there is a Full Moon Meander at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 for all ages. Gather at the Nature Center at 1900 Davidson St. and enjoy a moonlit walk. Registration is required. Go to https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/Shelby-Bottoms-Nature-Center.aspx.
Off-trail hike
For the truly adventurous, Outdoor Nashville has an off-trail hike at Beaman Park from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 25, where hikers can explore some of the area where 10 miles of trails will be added. It is a great way to get a preview of these new trails but is rated strenuous. Ages 8 and up. To register, call 615-642-9745.
Fall Colors Hike
There is a 3-mile Fall Colors Hike at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 for all ages. This should hit at the peak of fall tree colors of the oaks, gums, elms and hickories. No registration required. Go to https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/Shelby-Bottoms-Nature-Center.aspx.
Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282 or mscheap@tennessean.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/mscheap, and at Tennessean.com/mscheap, and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5’s “Talk of the Town.”
3 hikes you can do on your own
And if you are comfortable hiking without a guide, here are a few good fall options.
Beaman Park
Enjoy the peaceful 2-mile Henry Hollow Loop along the creeks and hillsides at Beaman Park as the fall colors hit their peak. The trail, rated "moderate," begins at the nature center. It is a great place to enjoy native plants and the creekside beauty in Middle Tennessee.
The 2,300-acre Metro-owned Beaman Park offers an additional Ridgetop Trail, which connects to Henry Hollow and is 2.1 miles one way. Trail maps are available at https://www.nashville.gov and at Beaman Nature Center, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd.
Details: 615-862-8580
Bells Bend
The River Loop Trail beginning at the Bells Bend Outdoor Center is an easy to moderate 2.5-mile trail through rolling old farmland with great diversity of bird species and colorful plants. There are several views of the Cumberland River as well as ponds and wetlands.
More than 7 miles of trails can be enjoyed at this 808-acre park along the Cumberland River. Trail maps are available at https://www.nashville.gov/ and at the Bells Bend Outdoor Center, 4187 Old Hickory Blvd.
Details: 615-862-4187
Warner's Warner Woods Trail
Warner Parks, with more than 3,100 acres, offers nine hiking trails, including 12 miles of trail and four trailheads. A good bet is Percy Warner Park's Warner Woods Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop, rated moderate starting at the Deep Well Trailhead. The entire up and down trail is in the heavily wooded interior of the park, and about one-third of the trail is in one of the park’s most secluded regions. Also, hikers can experience a breathtaking view from the cleared knob of Luke Lea Heights at an elevation of 922 feet by walking up a paved road that the trail crosses.
Another longer Warner hike option from the same trailhead is the Mossy RidgeTrail, which is a 4.5-mile loop and also rated moderate. The trail winds up and down wooded hills and hollows, crosses several springs and open meadows, and offers some great wildflower viewing on the early part of the hike.
The newly opened Burch Reserve, at 7300 Highway 100, boasts acres of field and forest, with beautiful views of Edwin and Percy Warner parks. A moderate 2-mile trail invites visitors to high ridges and secluded hollows. Trail running and pets are not permitted on the Burch Reserve.
Percy Warner Park trail maps and Edwin Warner Park trail maps are available at the Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Highway 100 or at 615-862-8555, or go to https://www.nashville.gov/.
Details: 615-862-8555
Combatting Silver Carp: TN implants tracking devices in invasive fish to follow their movements
Author: WBIR Staffhttps://www.wbir.com/article/tech/science/environment/tn-implants-tracking-devices-in-invasive-fish-to-follow-their-movements/51-bbed4e4b-a7aa-47a5-8977-1de42a470188
The silver carp is more than a nuisance, it's a nemesis for state lake ecosystems and boaters. The state is hoping to learn how it moves to keep it from spreading.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Invasive carp continue to plague Tennessee waters, so state and federal wildlife authorities are taking the fight underwater to track how they move in hopes of finding ways to make it harder for them to spread elsewhere.There are four species of invasive Asian carp state wildlife authorities are worried about: Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Black ...
The silver carp is more than a nuisance, it's a nemesis for state lake ecosystems and boaters. The state is hoping to learn how it moves to keep it from spreading.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Invasive carp continue to plague Tennessee waters, so state and federal wildlife authorities are taking the fight underwater to track how they move in hopes of finding ways to make it harder for them to spread elsewhere.
There are four species of invasive Asian carp state wildlife authorities are worried about: Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Black Carp and Grass Carp.
Silver carp, in particular, are considered to be a real problem because of their large size and tendency to leap out of the water when startled. This poses the real potential for injury for boaters and anglers, and their feeding habits pose the danger of outcompeting other marine life to the point smaller fish die out.
To fight the fish, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is turning to underwater tracking implants. It recently went out on Pickwick and Cheatham lakes on the Cumberland River for three days with the U.S. Geological Survey to target silver carp and implant acoustic tags inside them.
A total of 125 carp were scooped up from each lake, and teams made quick work of them by stunning the fish, making a small incision, implanting an acoustic tag, and then sewing them up before releasing them downstream below the dams. The researchers want to see how the fish move upstream and up through dam locks to find ways to better stop their movements.
A few years ago in 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service installed a BioAcoustic Fish Fence on Barkley Dam in hopes it could be a game-changer in keeping the carp from passing through the dam lock.
The barrier uses a combination of sound, lights and bubbles to discourage the fish from entering Barkley Lock, and the TWRA said it is showing promise as a deterrent.
“Though no deterrent is expected to be 100 percent effective, even moderate levels of deterrence can significantly reduce the number of fish moving upstream through locks,” said Cole Harty, TWRA Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. “Deterrents, when coupled with commercial harvest near the source of carp immigration, is the best strategy we have to prevent the spread of carp to waters upstream.”
While there are no widespread reports of invasive carp in East Tennessee waters yet, in 2020 the TWRA confirmed the presence of silver carp in Chickamauga Lake. An angler said the a carp jumped into their boat as he started his motor, saying he noticed 15 to 20 more near the surface showing feeding behavior.
The discovery means it might only a matter of time before the invasive carp are widespread in East Tennessee -- a fate the TWRA hopes to prevent given the popularity of fishing and boating in the area. The fish are already widespread in some West and Central Tennessee waterways.
Credit: TWRA
Commercial anglers participating in the Asian Carp Harvest Incentive Program have also been able to fish up more than 10 million pounds of invasive fish from the Kentucky and Barkley reservoirs.
“Commercial harvest is a key strategy to defend our waters from the impacts and expansion of invasive carp,” Harty said. “The other key strategy to prevent the spread of carp to waters upstream is deterrents.”
In the meantime, the TWRA is asking anglers and boaters to be vigilant and to help them track the invasive fish. If you spot silver carp in East Tennessee, the TWRA asks that you report it to ans.twra@tn.gov. with a photo in your report, and freeze the fish if possible.
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