Enjoy Land Trust Day on the protected John Q. Tilson Homestead property in Unicoi Couty, Tennessee! This property has been owned by the Tilson Family since before the Civil War and has been protected by a SAHC Conservation easement since 1999. We will gather at the “new” house (built in 1879), where participants will have time to tour the historic home and view the working springhouse and smokehouse.

We will then go on a short (approximately 1 to 2 mile) hike over fairly level ground through a cow pasture, past the old tobacco barn and an American chestnut evaluation planting (planted in cooperation with The American Chestnut Foundation), to the original log cabin which existed on the property when Tilson ancestors purchased the land in 1849. From there participants have the choice to return to the “new” house on the same path or take a longer route using logging roads, past a recently completed timber harvest for forest management and the spring and reservoir tank which provide water to the “new” house.

Once all participants have returned to the beginning, we will enjoy some watermelon (provided), your own packed lunch, and children will have an opportunity to catch minnows and play in the branch (small creek).

This outing is family-friendly. We also have an option for handicapped/movement challenged access. Depending on the weather conditions and number of participants, it is possible (if dry) for participants to tour a portion of the property by car, or to ride with the landowner in an all-terrain vehicle.

Cost: FREE for SAHC members; $10 for Non-members