🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: Bring Old Photos to Booker T. Washington State Park's Community History Day, Hike to Moccasin Bend's Hilltop Cannon Line, Stroll Lights Over Ocoee, Watch the Star of Bethlehem Planetarium Show in Huntsville, Step Into Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon, Craft Ornaments in Athens and Take a Frigid Falls Hike at Denny Cove

Or: Seven New Outings — a Photos-and-Memories History Day, a Ranger Hike to Old Earthworks, a Campfire Light Walk, a Christmas Planetarium Show, a Dickens-Style Courthouse Square, Old-Time Ornament Classes and a Free Winter Waterfall Hike

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Saturday, November 7, 2026

Evening, neighbor. This batch mixes a little history, a little sparkle and a little fresh air, and none of it was in our earlier lists. Next Saturday, Nov. 14, you can do two Chattanooga things in one morning: drop by Booker T. Washington State Park’s Community History Day with your old photos and stories, then join a park ranger for a free hike to the Moccasin Bend cannon line. Starting Thanksgiving night, Nov. 26, Lights Over Ocoee opens a walk-through Christmas light display with a campfire. The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville starts showing “Star of Bethlehem” in its planetarium, with more shows Dec. 18–27. In December, Loudon dresses up for Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon on Friday, Dec. 4; Athens’ Living Heritage Museum holds $5 ornament classes on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12; and Fiery Gizzard State Park leads a free “Frigid Falls” hike at Denny Cove on Saturday, Dec. 12, just down the valley. What it means for you: most of these are free or $5, two need a quick sign-up, and you’ll need to watch the clock, because some are on Eastern time and some are on ours.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Sat., Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Eastern = 8 a.m.–noon Central): Community History Day, Booker T. Washington State Park, Chattanooga. Free.
• Sat., Nov. 14, 11 a.m. (Eastern = 10 a.m. Central): Moccasin Batteries ranger hike, Moccasin Bend, Chattanooga. Free.
• Nov. 26–Jan. 3, select nights, 6–10 p.m. (Eastern = 5–9 p.m. Central): Lights Over Ocoee, The BUS Bar & Grill, Ocoee. $5 a person (ages 3 and up).
• Fri., Nov. 27, 7 p.m. Central (our time): “Star of Bethlehem” planetarium show, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville. More shows Dec. 18–27. $24 adults, $12 kids 5–12.
• Fri., Dec. 4, 6–8 p.m. (Eastern = 5–7 p.m. Central): Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon, Courthouse Square, Loudon. Cost not listed.
• Sat., Dec. 5, 11 a.m. and Sat., Dec. 12, 10 a.m. (Eastern = 10 a.m. and 9 a.m. Central): Heritage School ornament classes, Living Heritage Museum, Athens. $5 each; sign up.
• Sat., Dec. 12, 9 a.m. Central (our time): Frigid Falls hike, Denny Cove, Fiery Gizzard State Park. Free; registration required.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: this list mixes Eastern and Central time. Chattanooga, Ocoee, Loudon and Athens are on Eastern, one hour ahead of Dunlap, so subtract an hour. Huntsville and Denny Cove are on Central, same as us. So the Moccasin Bend hike at 11 a.m. Eastern is 10 a.m. our time, while the Huntsville planetarium show at 7 p.m. is 7 p.m. our time. Two events need you to sign up ahead (Denny Cove hike and the Athens classes), and it’s always smart to check before you go.

📸 Bring Your Old Photos to Booker T. Washington State Park’s Community History Day

Got a shoebox of old pictures from Chattanooga’s east side? Booker T. Washington State Park wants to see them. At this Community History Day, you can learn about the park’s past, share stories and memories, and help identify the people, places and events in historic photographs. The park also asks folks to bring their own photos, documents and memories of the park, Turkey Foot Hollow and nearby communities, including old homes, farms, churches and schools.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, drop in anytime from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m. to noon Central).
• Where: Booker T. Washington State Park, 5801 Champion Road, Chattanooga. Look for Picnic Area 1 at Pavilion 1B.
• How far: About 45–50 miles, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes through Chattanooga. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free, and all are welcome. Coffee, tea and donuts are free too.
• Who’ll love it: Grandparents with stories to tell, family-history buffs and anyone who grew up near the lake.
• Good to know: The park’s page has a Register for Event button, so signing up is a good idea. There are also volunteer openings for people who want to help preserve local history.

👉 Read more (Tennessee State Parks — Community History Day)

🥾 Hike to the Hilltop Cannon Line at Moccasin Bend with a Park Ranger

Here’s one for the history walkers. Rangers from Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park will lead a free, two-hour, two-mile round-trip hike on Stringer’s Ridge at Moccasin Bend. You’ll see the surviving artillery earthworks where two batteries, the 18th Ohio and 10th Indiana, faced Lookout Mountain during the 1863 siege of Chattanooga. The ranger will explain how that “vicious little battery” played a part in the Battle of Lookout Mountain.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 11 a.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Central). It runs about two hours.
• Where: Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, near 201 Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga. A “Special Program” sign marks the parking area.
• How far: About 35–40 miles, roughly 1 hour down the mountain. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free.
• Who’ll love it: History fans, scouts, and walkers who don’t mind a climb.
• Good to know: A good share of the walk is uphill. The park recommends sturdy shoes, weather-ready clothes, a hiking stick and bottled water. You can do the Booker T. history day first and still make it, since the history day starts at 9 a.m. Eastern. Park information: 706-866-9241.

👉 Read more (National Park Service — Moccasin Batteries hike)

🔥 Walk Through Lights Over Ocoee and Warm Up by the Campfire

This one is brand-new this year. Lights Over Ocoee is a walk-through Christmas light display in the Ocoee area of Polk County, with a cozy campfire to gather around. It’s open on 31 nights from Thanksgiving to just after New Year’s, so you can pick a night that suits you.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Opens Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. Open 6 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 9 p.m. Central) on Nov. 26–29, Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–31 and Jan. 1–3. It is not open every night, so check the calendar.
• Where: The BUS Bar & Grill, 522 Highway 64, Ocoee, TN 37361.
• How far: About 75–85 miles, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes through Chattanooga and out U.S. 64 past Cleveland. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $5 a person, ages 3 and up. Kids 2 and under are free. A $25 family season pass covers up to six people in one household.
• Who’ll love it: Families who like to walk among the lights instead of looking through a car window.
• Good to know: Phone: 423-338-4325. Ocoee nights get cold, so bring hats and gloves.

👉 Read more (Visit Cleveland TN — Lights Over Ocoee)

✨ Look for the Star of Bethlehem in Huntsville’s Planetarium

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center brings out a special holiday planetarium show called “Star of Bethlehem.” Under the dome, it looks at the Christmas story through astronomy, exploring the ideas about what the Wise Men may have seen in the sky more than 2,000 years ago. It gives room to both science and faith.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Evening shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, and Dec. 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 26, 2026. Matinees at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 27. Huntsville is on Central time, same as Dunlap.
• Where: INTUITIVE Planetarium, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805.
• How far: About 95–105 miles, roughly 2 hours by way of Jasper and Scottsboro. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $24 adults, $12 children 5–12, $12 members, and free for kids 4 and under.
• Who’ll love it: Families who want a calm, wonder-filled Christmas outing, star-gazers and anyone curious about the night sky.
• Good to know: The museum itself closes at 4 p.m. Central this time of year, so the evening shows are a separate trip from a museum day. Call 1-800-637-7223 with questions.

👉 Read more (U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Star of Bethlehem)

🎩 Step Back in Time at Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon

For one Friday evening, Courthouse Square in Historic Downtown Loudon turns into a Dickens-style Christmas, the old-England holiday of A Christmas Carol. The city’s parks and tourism office puts it on with the downtown group Loudon Alive.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 6–8 p.m. Eastern (5–7 p.m. Central).
• Where: Courthouse Square, Historic Downtown Loudon, TN 37774.
• How far: About 95–105 miles, roughly 2 hours by way of Pikeville and Kingston or by I-75. It’s at the edge of our range. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Not listed, so check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Readers of Dickens, fans of old-fashioned Christmas and anyone who loves a historic courthouse square at night.
• Good to know: The listing doesn’t say exactly what’s planned, so call Loudon Parks, Recreation & Tourism at 865-458-7525 for details.

👉 Read more (Loudon County Tourism — Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon)

👼 Paint an Ornament or Make a Reed Angel at Athens’ Living Heritage Museum

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens holds hands-on Heritage School classes, and two of them are made for Christmas. On Dec. 5, families can paint their own Christmas ornaments. On Dec. 12, you can make a decorative reed angel ornament, which the museum calls a “perfect craft for all ages.” That same morning, Santa will be there for family photos.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 11 a.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Central): DIY Christmas Ornaments with Charlene Such. Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central): Reed Angels with Cindy Mishtal. Family Photos with Santa: Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.
• Where: McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W. Madison Ave., Athens, TN 37303.
• How far: About 75–90 miles depending on your route, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Each class is $5, or free for museum members. Santa photos are $5 per family.
• Who’ll love it: Crafty grandparents and grandkids, homeschool families and anyone who wants a handmade ornament with a story behind it.
• Good to know: Register ahead on the museum’s website; class spots can fill. Museum phone: 423-745-0329.

👉 Read more (Living Heritage Museum — Reed Angels) · DIY Christmas Ornaments

❄️ Take a Free “Frigid Falls” Winter Hike at Denny Cove

This one is close to home. Fiery Gizzard State Park ranger Ben is leading a winter hike through the Denny Cove area, just off U.S. 41 near Sequatchie. The park puts it this way: no bugs and no humidity. Expect a 3-mile hike on rough, natural trail, so dress for “frigid” weather.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central (our time).
• Where: Meet at the trailhead kiosk in the Denny Cove parking lot, 5949 U.S. 41, Sequatchie, TN 37374.
• How far: About 30–40 miles, roughly 45 minutes down the valley by way of Jasper. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free. You can add an optional donation when you register.
• Who’ll love it: Hikers who like quiet trails in winter, and families with older kids who can handle a rough path.
• Good to know: Registration is required and closes 24 hours before the hike. The park can’t take walk-ups. Questions: 931-383-1664.

👉 Read more (Tennessee State Parks — Frigid Falls)

Before you head out, a quick checklist:

• 🕰️ Mind the time zones. Chattanooga, Ocoee, Loudon and Athens are Eastern (subtract one hour). Huntsville and Denny Cove are Central, like us.
• 📸 Sat., Nov. 14: Booker T. history day 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern (bring old photos), then the Moccasin Bend hike at 11 a.m. Eastern (10 a.m. ours).
• 🔥 From Thu., Nov. 26: Lights Over Ocoee, select nights 6–10 p.m. Eastern, $5 a person.
• ✨ Fri., Nov. 27 or Dec. 18–27: “Star of Bethlehem” in Huntsville, 7 p.m. our time (4:30 p.m. matinees Dec. 20 and 27).
• 🎩 Fri., Dec. 4: Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon, 6–8 p.m. Eastern.
• 👼 Sat., Dec. 5 and Sat., Dec. 12: $5 ornament classes in Athens. Sign up ahead.
• ❄️ Sat., Dec. 12: Frigid Falls hike at Denny Cove, 9 a.m. our time. Register at least a day early.
• 🥾 Wear sturdy shoes for both hikes, and dress warm for the evening light walks.
• ⛽ Fill up before the long drives to Huntsville and Loudon. Need a local mechanic, tire shop or gas stop? Look on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these is free?

The Booker T. Washington State Park Community History Day, the Moccasin Bend ranger hike and the Denny Cove Frigid Falls hike are all free. Lights Over Ocoee is $5 a person, the Athens classes are $5 each, and the Huntsville planetarium show is $24 for adults and $12 for kids 5–12. Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon doesn’t list a price, so check before you go.

Which one is closest to Dunlap?

The Frigid Falls hike at Denny Cove, about 30–40 miles away. Moccasin Bend is about 35–40 miles, and Booker T. Washington State Park is about 45–50 miles. Huntsville and Loudon are the farthest, about 95–105 miles.

Do any of these need a sign-up ahead?

Yes. The Denny Cove hike requires registration, which closes 24 hours before. The Athens Heritage School classes ask you to register on the museum’s website. The Booker T. history day has a registration button, too. The Moccasin Bend hike doesn’t mention signing up.

Which are best with younger kids?

Lights Over Ocoee, the Athens ornament classes and Santa photos, and the planetarium show suit little ones best. Both hikes include rough or uphill walking, so they’re better for older kids and steady walkers.

Why are some on Central time and some on Eastern?

Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Loudon counties in Tennessee are on Eastern time. Marion County, where Denny Cove is, and Huntsville, Ala., are on Central, like Sequatchie County. When in doubt, look for the “ET” or “CT” on the event page.

Can I pair any of these in one trip?

Yes. On Nov. 14, you can stop by the Booker T. history day early, then drive across town for the 11 a.m. Eastern Moccasin Bend hike. On Dec. 12, you could do the Denny Cove hike in the morning, though the Athens reed angel class starts at the same hour, so pick one.

Why are some details missing?

I only list what an official page or reliable local listing shows. Loudon’s Dickens Christmas listing doesn’t give a price or a program. I’ve marked anything unclear check before you go.

🔗 Other Resources

• Tennessee State Parks — Community History Day at Booker T. Washington State Park
• National Park Service — Moccasin Batteries ranger hike
• Chattanoogan.com — Moccasin Bend hike announcement
• Visit Cleveland TN — Lights Over Ocoee
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Star of Bethlehem
• Loudon County Tourism — Dickens Christmas in Olde Loudon
• Athens Area Chamber — Living Heritage Museum events
• Tennessee State Parks — Frigid Falls hike at Denny Cove
• Dunlap.Directory — local businesses and services

🌅 Take It Easy, and Pick the One That Fits

You don’t have to do all seven. If you want something close and free, sign up for the Frigid Falls hike at Denny Cove on Dec. 12. If you love local history, make Nov. 14 your Chattanooga day, and bring those old photos to Booker T. Washington State Park. And if you want a quiet, wonder-filled Christmas night, try the lights at Ocoee or the stars in Huntsville. Jot down three things: Chattanooga, Ocoee, Loudon and Athens are an hour ahead of us; Huntsville and Denny Cove are on our time; sign up early for the hike and the classes; and check before you go. And for more calm, useful news from right here at home, keep reading Dunlap.Today and find local help on Dunlap.Directory.