Trail Run Road Trip - June 27!

This Sunday, June 27, our trail run will be a (short) road trip adventure to Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN. The trails at the park are absolutely beautiful, and they are also a bit easier and less hilly than Percy Warner. Route options include the 10.5+ mile loop Montgomery Bell trail or a 3 mile out-and-back option to the Wildcat Shelter on that same trail. (Actually if you don't mind running out-and-back there are an infinite number of options for mileage...)  We will meet at 8am at the picnic shelter area near the main entrance to the park, off of Highway 70. There are restrooms and water available at the picnic area, and both routes will start and end there.

*Directions: From the park website at  http://tn.gov/environment/parks/MontgomeryBell/

From Interstate 40W: Take Exit 182 (Fairview/Dickson Hwy. 96). Turn to go West on Hwy. 96. Stay on Hwy. 96 until it dead ends at Hwy. 70. Turn right (East) on Hwy. 70, off-ramp provided. Stay on Hwy. 70 approximately 3 miles. Main Park Entrance is on the right. Pass the guardhouse on your left and take the first left after that onto Bakers Work Rd. Turn left after a short distance to parking area by picnic area/pavilions. Parking is VERY limited.

*Carpooling: The easiest way for all of us to get from Nashville to MB is to carpool! The park is an hour drive from downtown Nashville (don't be fooled by GoogleMaps optimistic lower estimates). Two carpool options: 1. Meet at the Titans Stadium (northeast parking lot across from Shoney's) at 6:50am. Leave for MB at 7:00am sharp. 2. Meet at Holland Carley's house in Bellevue (716 Harpeth Parkway West, 37221) at 7:00am. Leave for MB at 7:15am sharp.

(email holland.carley@vanderbilt.edu if you need additional details.)

*Important: -Bring a water bottle or other hydration method! This is critical if you plan to run the 10.5 mile trail - there are no water stops on the trail loop. -Bring/wear bug repellent. The bugs were very bad near the creeks and streams when we ran here a few weeks ago. -There will not be an "official" EN brunch. The closest breakfast place is on the way back to Nashville, at the Cracker Barrel or another restaurant at the I-40/Charlotte Ave. exit.

If you have any questions, email Jenny Magill at jenny.magill@gmail.com. This is a great way to get out and explore Tennessee!