Natchez Trace State Forest, a Tennessee State Park near Lexington

USA

Tennessee

Natchez Trace State Forest

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY

State Park Location Maps:

(click here to zoom and navigate local map)

(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)

View TOPO Maps!

Get directions to this park:

State Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open

State Park Link:
Natchez Trace State Forest

Nearby Parks:
Busseltown Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Mousetail Landing State Park
Duck River Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

State Park Contact Information:
	Natchez Trace State Forest 24845 Natchez Trace Road Wildersville, Tennessee 38388 Phone: 731-968-3742 Toll Free: 800-250-8616 Reservations: 800-250-8616	Area Accommodations
Adopt-A-Park Contacts:
	Photography: add your photos

State Park Overview:

The Forest is located in central-western Tennessee, in portions of Henderson, Carroll, and Benton Counties. It is approximately 30 miles east of Jackson and is bisected by I-40. The Forest originated from lands purchased by the Resettlement Administration and became a State Forest in 1949. At the time of purchase the land was severely abused by poor agricultural practices that caused severe erosion and resulted in a deeply gullied landscape. When the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division took over management of the land, the emphasis for many years was on fire control and establishment of vegetation to prevent erosion. Loblolly pine, because of high rates of litter production, proved very satisfactory for that purpose and hundreds of acres of pine plantations were established. The Forest now consists of 67% hardwood types and 30% pines. Hardwood stands exceeding 60 years of age occur on 39% of the forest on land that was never cleared for agriculture or had been abandoned for farming. On the other hand, 57% support trees whose age are 10 to 60 years and probably originated on former farmland. Large areas have been salvaged as a result of approximately 7,300 acres of older age class stands being blown down to various degrees by a severe thunderstorm in 1999. There are 16 cemeteries, 62 historic sites, 1 prehistoric site, 4 ponds, and 1 primitive campsite on the forest. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational uses include 28 miles of hiking trails, camping, picnicking, horseback riding and OHV use are allowed on certain marked forest roads.

Reviews By Park Visitors:

visitor rating:

(6 votes) |Post Your Own Review

amazing park

great park and staff! fun amd easy camping!!

(name not given) 22-Apr-2008

Wonderfully Relaxing Place!

Husband and I tent camped here in Campground #1 on Cub Lake. The Campground Host is extremely friendly and helpful. This is the smaller of the 3 campgrounds located at NTSP, but each site is level, graveled and spacious. It is heavily wooded, so there is plenty of shade. Each site has water & electric hook-ups, a barbecue grill and a fire ring with attached grill. Bath House is well maintained and cleaned regularly. There is a horseshoe pit in the campground, with the horseshoes provided by the camp host. Swimming beach, fishing, pedal & paddle boat rentals are all a short walk away, on a bridge over the lake. In addition to the above mentioned activities, NTSP also has a stable in which you can schedule a horseback ride. There is also an archery range and firing range, (supply your own equipment), and plenty of hiking trails. There is a nice lodge located at Pin Oak Lake with a restaurant, as well. We loved this place and will be back!

Written by Kristi....Cordova, TN 30-Jun-2008

its very nice

Written by stacilovesrobert2009@yahoo.com 2-Jul-2008

Great Park

The water was good for swimming, a very fun park.

Written by birdwatcher2 18-Jul-2008

An awesome stop along the way

Very clean area with friendly staff, we spent the day on a boat which are very inexpensive and a great way to shake off the vigors of road tripping

Written by Josh McDowell 16-Aug-2008

one of the best we have ever stayed at.

(name not given) 24-Sep-2009

Area Accommodations

Hotels/Motels

Comfort Inn Dickson - Dickson, TN
The Comfort Inn? hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 40, offering easy access to many nearby business parks and industrial areas also including Montgomery Bell State Park, offering boating, fishing, and miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Web Site: http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-dickson-tennessee-TN351

Advertise your park related business
on stateparks.com

...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc