The public is invited to stop by the South Cumberland State Park Visitors Center from 12 to 3 p.m. Feb. 27, to view the exhibit spaces being renovated. The Friends of South Cumberland (FSC) are proud to invite the community to see the results of their handiwork. The new open-concept, brightly painted areas feature a native plant exhibit, an upgraded log cabin to explore, interactive computer displays, a display on the Hike into History Challenge hikes, and more. 
Highlights of the Park Preview include a chance to visit with Davy Crockett (aka park manager George Shinn) and be part of the “Tennessee’s 50,000 Trees” event. Still to come at the Visitors Center are several new exhibits and a mural by Chattanooga artist Janis Wilkey depicting the Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard areas of the park.
Also on that day, the Friends will have the kickoff for Hike Into History, with a brunch at Dutch Maid Bakery followed by a Moonshine Hike at Fiery Gizzard. Participants in the earlier events are encouraged to come to the Park Preview on their way home.
 “For most, the Visitors Center is the welcome mat for South Cumberland State Park,” said board member Mary Priestley. “Our hope is that tourists and local residents will be drawn to the interesting exhibits, new videos about the park, current maps, a well-stocked park store, and information on ongoing initiatives like the Fiery Gizzard Trail re-route.”
In other news, recently the FSC announced the receipt of a $2,000 grant from the Tennessee Trails Association for equipment to help with the ongoing work of rerouting the popular Fiery Gizzard Trail. The grant will allow the rangers to purchase a lifting system to move large rocks, bridge lumber, and other trail-building materials.
Volunteers are needed to help with the effort, which will result in moving a key section of the trail onto park property and off of private land atop the Cumberland Plateau. Workers should meet at 9 a.m. at the Grundy Forest parking area in Tracy City. Rangers will transport volunteers to the trail reroute site.
The groups usually work until 1 or 2 p.m.
“We have jobs for all ages and skill levels,” Greer explained. “It’s not just moving boulders — we need people to rake leaves, level the soil, trim branches, and deliver tools.”
Scout troops, church groups and community service organizations are encouraged to bring members.  For information, contact Jason Reynolds, the ranger in charge of the reroute: Jason.Reynolds@tn.gov or go to the FSC MeetUp page online at Meetup.com/Friends-of-South-Cumberland-State-Park.