Welcome back to Springtime in Rugby! After a winter of reduced amenities, we’re again giving tours, welcoming visitors with our award-winning site film and maybe even unveiling the new concept for the Harrow Road Cafe. The Rugby Commissary will return with crafts and unique museum items. The Rugby Printing Works will demonstrate 1880s printing. Food truck fare will be available 11:30-2 Eastern from Country Dogs. Tours of the historic buildings will be available from the Visitor Centre.
At 10 a.m. Eastern Saturday March 20 (only) will be the Eric Wilson Memorial Hike, named for a late resident who worked tirelessly to develop trails in the Rugby State Natural Area. [Wilson (1935-2013) was a long-time advocate for the Cumberland Trail & the Tennessee Trails Association.] Meet hike leaders Jackie Broeker & Meg Guy at the Historic Rugby Visitor Centre. (No reservation needed, just be there by 10 a.m. Eastern.) At 6 p.m. Eastern will be the first spring 2021 version of Rugby Irish Road Bowling, so watch or participate in this fun activity. Questions? Call us at 423-628-2441.
On Sunday, March 21, tours will be available and buildings including the Rugby Commissary open Noon to 5 p.m. Eastern. However, there will be no food truck or guided hike.
Eric Wilson
Jackie Broeker
Details on March 20 & 21 hikes? Length? Difficulty?
The hike is only on March 20, although opening weekend is both days. Moderate hike of about 4 miles max, but there will be breakaway points if leaving is desired for a shorter distance. Thank you for asking.
is this a difficult hike? Flat trail or climbs?
Hi Margie, Rugby is a bit rugged with many ravines, so no trail will be totally flat. Hope that helps!
For tomorrow’s hike, April 3, it’s level mostly:
A review of conditions today (Friday Apr 2) shows the best wildflower viewing is right here in the village on a mostly level path, so there we’ll go. If you’d like to hike on you own into a woodland trail afterward, we’ll have maps.