OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
The volunteer CSS staff at our Outdoor Adventure Center provides many unique outdoor activities in Big East Fork Valley and the South Harpeth watershed.
The Outdoor Adventure Center is open by appointment only. Please call 615-567-7787 or e-mail info@cssfamily.org to arrange. In exchange for equipment, please be ready to leave a drivers license (one license per nuclear family) at the Center. Our all-volunteer staff is often motived to come out to the Adventure Center when a generous donation is received or when guests have received a family membership. Levels of membership are described here.
Volunteers facilitate hiking, biking, sunset watching, farm animals encounters, edible foraging, fire circles, music making, play acting, yoga, dancing, and art instruction. CSS volunteers can also guide you to tranquil areas in forest or meadow for meditation and inspiration where you can experience solitude or a memorable time with someone special.
Hiking - Many hiking trails afford easy to strenuous hiking. Guided nature hikes are available. Our hiking trails are open sunrise to sunset. Gates are opened to the public by CSS volunteers. You must contact us before you arrive so that we may arrange for parking and your access.
Forest Bathing - Guided or do-it-yourself.
Mushroom Hunting - Earthstars, stinkhorns, puffball, sulfur shelf, dry land fish, turkey tail, dead mans fingers, morels (March to May), oysters, wood blewits, chanterelles, bioluminescent Jack-of-Lanterns, amanita muscaria, Oh my! A large variety of species flourish over a long season in a climate that is temperate and blessed with a steady supply of moisture. Discover the microrrhizal relationships between mushroom and plant.
Bicycling - You don’t need to bring your bicycle if its already here ! We will board your ride in our bicycle stable if you’d like to leave it with us. Or bring a bike you wish to donate.
To explore the roads of Big East Fork Valley, you are invited to borrow a bicycle from the CSS Adventure Center, located next to CSS Farmstore.
Each party must sign a waiver and leave a drivers license in exchange for equipment. You driver license(s) will be returned when you return the equipment you have borrowed.
Blackberry Picking - When our many blackberry bushes ripen at end of June and start of July.
CSS boards a selection of leg-powered vehicles for your touring pleasure. Usability and availability is variable and in no way guaranteed. Donations to CSS are much appreciated. CSS-guests must leave a drivers license before strapping on a brain-bucket and pedalling upstream or down from the Outdoors Adventure Center. Most of our bikes have brakes, most have seats, and some even have both! CSS Stewards don’t have to leave a license because they are so cool. Become a Steward!
Farm Tours - Meet friendly animals ! Farm tours are up to the discretion and availablity. Contact the Outdoor Adventure Center and we will see which farmers are available to give you a tour.
Watercraft - CSS maintains several kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats for you to enjoy. Equipment may be borrowed from the CSS Adventure Center located next to the CSS Farm Store. In exchange for you drivers license, and after each adult has signed a waiver (for themselves and any minors for whom they are a guardian), an oar and personal flotation devices (PFD) may be issued to each explorer. A large personal flotation device (PFD) must be in each watercraft. Swimming is not permitted. Return all equipment to the Adventure Center to recover your license.
We know that our natural heritage is only sustainable, and that we will only want to accept our responsibility as Stewards if we truly appreciate its value. There is no more certain way to be grateful for what we have been honored to preserve than to experience it.
Now, GET OUTSIDE !!!