PRENTICE COOPER STATE FOREST
PRENTICE COOPER STATE FOREST
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, in Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga and is heavily utilized by the public. It is situated on the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. The property for Prentice Cooper was acquired by simple purchase between 1938 and 1944. The site was proclaimed a State Forest in 1945. Sixty-nine percent of the forest are in multiple-use regulated forests and the remainder is in conservation areas. Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas of the forest. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurs in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered Large-flowered Skullcap. The forest also includes several in-holdings owned by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and 3 cemeteries. Management activities of the forest focus primarily on sustainable timber management, forest management demonstration and wildlife habitat improvement while maintaining recreational opportunities for the public. There are 35 miles of hiking trails, including the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There also are two designated camping areas. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division has provided labor and portions of the forest for various types of research in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping.
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in Marion County, Tennessee, on the Cumberland Plateau. The forest has a rich history that dates back thousands of years when it was inhabited by Native American tribes. However, the recorded history of the area begins with the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century.
During the early 19th century, the land that would later become Prentice Cooper State Forest was settled and used for farming, logging, and small-scale mining. In the 1930s, as part of the New Deal programs implemented during the Great Depression, the U.S. government established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was responsible for promoting reforestation and conservation efforts across the country.
In Tennessee, the CCC played a crucial role in the development of state parks and forests. In 1937, the Tennessee State Forestry Division acquired the land that now comprises Prentice Cooper State Forest. The CCC worked diligently to reforest the area, plant trees, build roads, trails, and other infrastructure in what was then known as the "Cumberland Homesteads Project."
The title of the forest was later changed to Prentice Cooper State Forest, in honor of Prentice Cooper, who served as Tennessee's governor from 1939 to 1945. Cooper was an advocate for conserving natural resources and played a significant role in expanding the state's park and forest system during his time in office.
1. Davis Pond Campground offers primitive camping with fire rings, picnic tables and a nearby pond for fishing.
2. Hunter's Check Station Campground provides basic facilities like restrooms but requires self:sufficiency in terms of food and water supplies.
3. Backcountry Camping is allowed within the forest; however, campers must follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve nature.
4. Group campsites are available at Prentice Cooper State Forest which can accommodate larger parties or events.