See notes on Conley Hole, Sinking Pond, and May Prairie NNLs at the end of this post.

Feb 21, 2025. Hiked 9.4 miles roundtrip to this virgin forest located close to Sewanee: The University of the South. Should have been an 11-mile hike, but I created a shortcut on the way back by bushwhacking straight up a 250 foot cliffy incline. Did pretty well considering I was wearing trail runners in snow.

Dick Cove has a cave or two in its nether regions. Though I got close to one of them, I did not explore it. Caves creep me out.

Getting to Dick Cove requires hiking part of the Perimeter Trail, a 20-mile wooded path which goes around the college. It’s a great trail that goes deep into the woods, along ridges, and through some boulder fields. There are views of TN hills here and there, and other trails intersect and lead to camping areas and cabins. I enjoyed this hike today.

Earlier this week, I tried to see three other NNLs. Conley Hole is closed to the public, May Prairie is guarded by unfriendly brambles and has no trails, and the road to Sinking Pond at Arnold Air Force Base is gated with warnings of possible explosives in the woods and signs saying “no photographs.”