UC Outdoors

Brad Halfacre sits down with Ray Cutcher, Jordan Fraley, and Ashley Woolbright to spotlight the 13th Annual Cummins Falls Race happening February 28th. They break down everything runners can expect—from the 5K and 10K to the half and full marathon, including the famous Kayak Bridge section. All race proceeds support Friends of Cummins Falls State Park and future land acquisitions, helping preserve...

Brad sits down with Amy Gentry from the Upper Cumberland SORBA to dig into the heart of our region’s mountain biking community. Amy breaks down how the UC SORBA maintains local trails, what really happens at their volunteer “work parties,” and how anyone can jump in and get involved. She walks us through membership costs, where those dollars go, and the partnerships that keep our outdoor spaces cl...

Brad Halfacre dives underground with Brandon Burris, Dustin Sells, and Misty Pearson of the Clay County TN Cavers for a look into the hidden world beneath our feet. What started as one expensive commercial tour turned into a mission to make caving accessible for everyone—no grotto fees, no barriers, just pure exploration. They break down the unexpected peace of mind caving offers, the essential sa...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Michael Hodge from Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to explore what makes it one of Tennessee’s treasured International Dark Sky Parks. Michael explains why winter skies are clearer, which constellations shine brightest this time of year, and dives into the science behind what we see overhead. He also previews the December 14th meteor shower and shares the best places i...

Join Brad Halfacre as he sits down with Harry Smith from the Cookeville Area Pickleball community to talk all things pickleball! Harry shares the fascinating history of the sport — how it’s been around since the 1960s, where it started, and how it’s now played in over 70 countries. He breaks down the essential gear every player needs (including why safety glasses make his list!) and explains why p...

Brad Halfacre chats with Steve Carter from Outdoor Junction about all things hunting season! Steve gives us the scoop on the latest gear for muzzleloader season, updates on their indoor shooting range, and the exciting new line of hunting blinds hitting the shelves. He breaks down the details on CVA’s new smokeless muzzleloader — including what kind of powder it takes and why supplies will be limi...

In this episode, Brad Halfacre sits down with seasoned hunter Jordan Patrick to talk all things deer hunting—starting with how preseason patterning can make or break your setup. Jordan shares tips on spotting tracks and markings, prepping your gear, and how to choose what to bring based on your hunting grounds. They dive into weapon prep, group hunting safety, and why “playing the wind” is key to...

In this episode, Brad Halfacre is joined by Mark Oakley to break down everything you need to know about winterizing your outdoor toys. From trailers and campers to boats and jet skis, Mark shares his go-to methods for cleaning, protecting, and maintaining your gear through the harsh winter months. He offers practical tips on motor care, fuel storage, and preventive maintenance—whether you're stori...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Danny Parkins from the Cookeville Disc Golf Club to talk all things disc golf — from humble beginnings to local tournaments. Danny shares how a competitive loss at Hollywood Video sparked his passion for the sport and how disc golf has grown over the years. They discuss the evolution of gear, how affordable it is to get started, and why community makes all the differen...

On this week’s episode of Upper Cumberland Outdoors, Brad Halfacre is joined by Dr. Danny Bryan, local herpetologist from Cumberland University, for a deep dive into the world of amphibians and reptiles. Dr. Bryan shares his lifelong passion for these creatures through childhood stories of frog and snake hunting, and offers fascinating facts about Tennessee’s native snake populations—including the...

Grab your paddle and your pup—this episode is all about adventure on the water! Brad Halfacre chats with Jo Austin and Jack Gribble from Strong Paws Paddlers, a canine fitness-focused training group helping people and their dogs bond through paddle boarding. They dive into safety tips, training techniques, and why paddle boards are the go-to for dog-friendly water travel. Jo shares her role as a m...

 In this episode, Brad Halfacre sits down with Robbie Porter to talk all things rucking and the mission behind the UC Ruckers. From military-inspired endurance events to weekly meetups right here in Cookeville, this group blends fitness, mental toughness, and community. Robbie breaks down what goes into a 6-, 12-, and even 24-hour ruck—yes, people really do that—and how these challenges build more...

In this episode, Brad Halfacre is joined by Jonathan Nelms to shine a light on the work of the Friends of Cummins Falls State Park—a passionate volunteer group dedicated to preserving one of Tennessee’s most beautiful natural treasures. They discuss the park’s growth since its founding in 2012, the group's role in expanding and making it more accessible (including new wheelchair-friendly overlooks...

Brad Halfacre is joined by Lee Chadwell to discuss hunting safety and the latest hunting laws to help you get ready for the upcoming season. They break down recent legal updates, offer tips on the best locations for tree stands and hunting blinds, and share insights on ideal weather conditions and times of day to hunt. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to have a safe, successful season! Listen...

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Brad Halfacre sits down with Mark Green, a military veteran and outdoor educator at Volunteer State Community College, to explore the power of learning through experience. Mark shares how watching students light up during hikes, camping trips, and fieldwork has reinforced his belief that education shouldn’t be confined to the classroom. From leading Environmental Science majors through real-world...

Brad Halfacre and Anthony Jones talk about the upcoming BRAT—Bike Ride Across Tennessee, happening September 20–25 at Montgomery Bell State Park! This 5-day cycling event isn’t just about the ride—it’s a major fundraiser supporting Tennessee’s state parks, including scholarships for park rangers and much-needed equipment upgrades. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking to get invo...

Listen To The UC Outdoors Podcast Today!

Brad Halfacre welcomes Steve Carter from Outdoor Junction to talk all things gear, guns, and archery. Steve gives listeners a rundown of the store’s many departments—from firearms and ammo to archery and outdoor supplies—and highlights their indoor shooting range, including pricing and how it all works. He also discusses the store’s gun safety and permit classes, led by experienced staff. With bow...

In this episode, Brad Halfacre sits down with John Conrad, a retired radar electronics program manager turned passionate trailblazer in Fairfield Glade. John shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Cumberland County’s thriving hiking trail network and the annual month-long Hiking Marathon that now draws over 3,000 participants. From kid- and pet-friendly trails to a special 10K for those...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Ranger Justin Vaughn from Edgar Evens State Park to talk all things summer safety. From fire safety and how to properly build, control, and extinguish a campfire, to staying cool and hydrated in the heat, Justin shares essential tips for protecting your family during outdoor adventures. They cover everything from water safety laws and watching kids near water, to tick...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Jerry Shanks, a seasoned coyote hunter and trapper from Silver Point, Tennessee. Jerry shares the importance of managing coyote populations, explaining how these invasive predators can pose serious threats to livestock and native wildlife. He dives into the gear needed for successful coyote hunting, year-round hunting laws, effective techniques, and signs to watch for...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Tammy Wright, one of the original members of the Red Silo Runners. Originally from Nashville, Tammy shares how a casual walking group with friends after lunch at Crawdaddy’s grew into a vibrant community centered around the Red Silo Brewing Company. With over 800 online members across the country, the Red Silo Runners welcome walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels...

Brad Halfacre chats with Tonya and Joey Posten, owners of Old Mill Campgrounds, located right next to Cummins Falls State Park. They share what makes their campground special including 41 RV sites with electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, as well as cozy cottages and two Airbnb rentals. Tonya and Joey talk about booking details, pricing, upcoming local music events, and the joy of camping as a way to re...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Mandy and Jenny from the Putnam County YMCA to talk about the wide range of programs they offer for families and individuals of all ages and abilities. With over 30 years of combined experience at the Y, they share details about youth day camps, swimming lessons for all ages, and soccer clinics that will prepare you for their Soccer Saturdays. A big focus of the conver...