To kick off the Trails and Ales Tour, I’ve picked a hiking area that goes back to my high school days, Laurel-Snow State Natural Area. Though I’m familiar with hiking Laurel-Snow, my knowledge of Monkey Town Brewing is a little limited. That said, this combination appropriately (and humorously) named Fallen Drunk Monkey, is a fun journey filled with pleasant views, fun water adventures, and great brews.
We’ll break down the Fallen Drunk Monkey first by touching on the trail before hitting the ales.
Laurel-Snow and The Cumberland Trail
Located in Dayton, Tennessee, Laurel-Snow Natural Area is a segment of the Justin P Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. Also known as the Cumberland Trail, this trail is unique in that it is currently a series of trails with the ambitious goal of connecting all trails. Once completed, the Cumberland Trail will be more than 300 miles stretching from the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park down to the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. In other words, the full Cumberland Trail will almost be as long as the state of Tennessee! To learn more about the Cumberland Trail, check out Cumberland Trails Conference website or visit Friends of the Cumberland Trail. Both sites contain a wealth of knowledge about Laurel-Snow and the entire Cumberland Trail system.
Laurel-Snow State Natural Area lies right in the middle of the Cumberland Trail and this natural area has a rich history that comes alive while hiking along its trails. In fact, Laurel-Snow Falls trail holds the honor of being the first National Recreation Trail designed in Tennessee. Before becoming a natural area, it was used for mining and logging. Some of the trails are old logging roads, and hikers can still see remnants of the former Richland Mines.
One Big Area Two Big Falls
One of the many positives with Laurel-Snow falls is the option to hike to two beautiful waterfalls. Usually when I hike Laurel-Snow, I opt for Laurel falls. This waterfall is huge, and hiking up the side of it for a panoramic view of the valley is epic.
Regardless of the option you choose, both trails have plenty of views and playful water-based backdrops. There’s easy access to swimming holes which is perfect on warm, sunny days.
Monkey Town Brewing Company
If you’re not familiar with the history of Dayton, Tennessee then you may be asking yourself: What kinda name is Monkey Town Brewing Company? The name originates from the Scopes “Monkey” Trial that made national and global headlines in 1925. In short, a science teacher was convicted of teaching evolution in Tennessee, which was outlawed.
The brewery opened its doors in 2014 and how has three locations in Tennessee. Monkey Town has a wide variety of beer selections for any beer enthusiast or novice. Every time I go to Dayton, I always make a stop there and always find a new brew to try. The food menu complements the beers on tap, and I recommend their wings. If you’re feeling extra, I also suggest checking out the Irish Nachos…yes, you read right – Irish Nachos.
In addition to good beer and fun food, Monkey Town also host different events, including Thursday night trivia. Though, if you venture out for trivia after a hike, watch out for Angie and her dad Steve. Those two always have a powerhouse trivia team!
I’ll also give a tip of the hat to Monkey Town for assisting the Cumberland Trail with a great fundraising initiative. The brewery sold a custom made glass and brewed a special beer for the fundraiser. When we heard about the fundraising efforts, my son Max and I hightailed it to Dayton for an April hike followed up with a stop at the Brewery. The glass is cool and the beer was refreshing.
High Points of Fallen Drunk Monkey
Now that you got the lowdown about the hike and brewery, here are some reasons why this dynamic duo makes for a great trail and ale journey.
Fallen Drunk Monkey Year Round
You know the hikes where you may say, “Hit it in the summer” or “Check out the colors in the fall” Well there is a reason to hike Laurel-Snow anytime of the year.
During the warmer months, there’s plenty of swimming holes to take advantage of, along with the waterfalls. During fall, the trail becomes a colorful landscape with crisp, fresh air. The winter hikes are also a fun trek, especially if you hike to the top of Laurel Falls.
The seasonal hiking diversity is well complemented at Monkey Town Brewing. Monkey Town is consistently changing up their beers by adding fun options year round. This brewery is the first place where I had a cerial barrel-aged stout, and it was an experience! Their latest creation, The Wheat is Dark and Full of Terror German Weizenbock, sounds like a great autumn drink that I’m looking forward to trying soon.
Fallen Drunk Monkey History
As previously mention, Dayton is home to a quirky part of American History which is still on display. When hiking you’ll see relics of the past, but the history tour doesn’t stop there. The Historic Courthouse where the Scopes Trial was held is walking distance from the brewery. I recommend making some time to walk from the brewery to see the beautiful, classic building, plus, if it’s during business hours, you can go inside and check out the mini-museum in the courthouse.
You can also walk around the square in downtown to see some classic structures and visit locally-owned shops.
Try the Fallen Drunk Monkey
So, if you haven’t been to this part of Tennessee, I recommend you give it a try. If you live within driving distance, then I highly recommend it!
Once you’ve ventured out, let me know what you think below in the comments section. If you’ve done this trail and ale before, share your thoughts. Is this accurate? Did I miss any important items?
Hit the Trails with Salomon XA Pro 3D
An all-weather, waterproof trail shoe equipped with gore-tex and offers an incredible fit.
I’ve wore these on the AT, Cumberland Trail and spots in Iceland.
I highly recommend these waterproof bad boys!
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