When we are looking for trails in our beautiful state, we tend to search out scenic overlooks or stunning waterfalls, and there are plenty of them to choose from. Other times, we have the unique opportunity to get out into nature and walk in someone else’s shoes. The Alvin C. York Trail in Pall Mall, Tennessee, is where you can go to see nature and history meet. Find out what it was like to walk in the footsteps of great men who served in WWI and enjoy a scenic state park all in one place.

Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic State Park was created to honor one of the most decorated men in the first World War. The park was created with interactive places to immerse visitors in the story of Sgt. York and the war he endured.

Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park/ Facebook

When you start the hike, you can stroll the fields along the trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Jessica Lavender/ Alltrails

Soon, you will arrive at a peculiar sight that you won’t see on typical trails.

Jessica Lavender/ Alltrails A WWI-style trench was dug out of the landscape, and visitors can walk through this piece of history. You can really get a feel for what the soldiers walked through as you travel along this man-made structure. You can just imagine the chaos as explosions poured dirt into the trenches and smoke rolled in from all of the gunfire. It is a surreal experience to hike through WWI trenches.

You can then walk alongside the river.

Latisha Carver/ Alltrails The tranquil waters are very different than what our troops were experiencing over 100 years ago in Europe. Being free and walking by peaceful waters are just some of the experiences we can enjoy because of the sacrifice of men like Alvin York.

As nice as the river is, it gets even better when you see the walking bridge going across it.

Anissa Osborne/Google Local Hikes are always a little bit more fun when there’s a distinctive element to them, and this swinging bridge certainly fits that description. Make the bridge sway and swing as you walk across and make your way to the cemetery.

The grave site of Alvin C. York himself can be found at the cemetery and is a fitting conclusion to your trip.

Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park/ Facebook When you hike through the fields and by the river, it is a good reminder of the freedom we have. As you walk through the trenches, you can see the price of that freedom, and at the conclusion, you arrive at the grave of a great man who deserves the utmost respect.

The Alvin C. York Trail in Pall Mall, Tennessee, is a great trail that pairs the beauty of nature with historical and educational value. We are proud we have memorial places like this to remember the price of freedom. If you want to visit this state park yourself, we highly recommend it. For more information, please visit the Sgt. Alvin C. York Historical State Park page. 

Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park/ Facebook

Jessica Lavender/ Alltrails

A WWI-style trench was dug out of the landscape, and visitors can walk through this piece of history. You can really get a feel for what the soldiers walked through as you travel along this man-made structure. You can just imagine the chaos as explosions poured dirt into the trenches and smoke rolled in from all of the gunfire. It is a surreal experience to hike through WWI trenches.

Latisha Carver/ Alltrails

The tranquil waters are very different than what our troops were experiencing over 100 years ago in Europe. Being free and walking by peaceful waters are just some of the experiences we can enjoy because of the sacrifice of men like Alvin York.

Anissa Osborne/Google Local

Hikes are always a little bit more fun when there’s a distinctive element to them, and this swinging bridge certainly fits that description. Make the bridge sway and swing as you walk across and make your way to the cemetery.

When you hike through the fields and by the river, it is a good reminder of the freedom we have. As you walk through the trenches, you can see the price of that freedom, and at the conclusion, you arrive at the grave of a great man who deserves the utmost respect.

While you are up in Pall Mall, there is a fantastic little country store called Forbus General Store that you simply must visit. 

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Address: Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park, 2609 N York Hwy, Pall Mall, TN 38577, USA