Family Fun Weekend

Day 1

Morning: Foster Falls

Start at Foster Falls, a 60-foot waterfall in Fiery Gizzard State Park, about 10 minutes from Jasper. The overlook is an easy walk from the parking area, so everyone gets the view.

The trail to the base is short but steep and rocky. It suits sure-footed kids better than toddlers. At the bottom there is a plunge pool where people swim all summer, and the loop crosses the creek on a suspension bridge. There are no lifeguards, and nobody should jump or dive.

Pack a picnic lunch. There are shaded picnic spots near the falls and nothing to buy at the trailhead.

Afternoon: Nickajack Lake

Head to Nickajack Lake. Marion County Park has picnic areas, playgrounds, a designated swimming area and a small dock for fishing, which makes it the easy choice with young kids. Families who want a boat can rent a pontoon at Hales Bar Marina.

Evening: the bat flight

Eat: have dinner before sunset, because small-town kitchens close early. Dixie Freeze in South Pittsburg is a diner with meat-and-three plates and ice cream. It is on the South Pittsburg list.

Then drive to the Maple View Public Use Area. At dusk, thousands of gray bats pour out of Nickajack Cave and over the lake. The viewing walkway is free, flat and short, and the bats stay well overhead. Get there 30 minutes before sunset, since the rail fills up, and bring a light blanket and bug spray. The bats fly from roughly late March through early October. The bat cave guide has more.

Stay: a floating cabin at Hales Bar Marina. Kids can fish and watch boats from the deck while you drink your coffee. For a regular hotel, the Hampton Inn in Kimball is central and includes free breakfast.

Day 2

Morning: South Pittsburg and Lodge

Take it easy and drive into South Pittsburg. The Lodge Museum of Cast Iron and factory store are at 220 E 3rd St. Check hours and admission on Lodge’s website before you go. Plan an hour for the museum and pick out a skillet to take home.

Big Bad Breakfast serves Southern breakfast and brunch at the same address. The rest of the South Pittsburg restaurants are on the list.

If your trip falls on the last full weekend of April, the National Cornbread Festival is on, with cook-offs, live music, carnival rides and a Kid’s Corner with free cornbread. Come hungry.

Afternoon: Hales Bar Dam

Back at the marina, the old Hales Bar Dam powerhouse stands next door. It dates to 1913 and comes with ghost stories, if your family likes that kind of thing. The resort runs tours, and the Hales Bar Dam guide covers the tours.