Oct 28-29, 2026. Ever break a spiderweb with your face, then look down at your hand and see a giant black spider sitting on your thumb? That happened to me yesterday while hiking trails at TN National Wildlife Refuge. TWICE. TWICE, I tell you. I am used to breaking webs with my face (not intentionally). Not used to seeing a spider that size on my hand. Would have gotten a photo, but my instinct both times was to drop my poles, shake my hands violently, and yell, “WHAT THE F**K!”

Besides those two instances, the trails were enjoyable. One was a short jaunt with interpretive signs and fun nature-related exercises for kids. Another was a loop hike to an overlook of Big Sandy River. The third was Chickasaw National Recreation Trail and required a long drive through remote areas to a different part of the refuge. There was a bit of history to be had with that one, as the area was a homestead for a couple in the 1920s.

Also drove a couple hours south and did the remote Lady Finger Bluff NRT, a lovely rocky trail to a little cliff overlooking the Tennessee River.