Noteworthy Hike in TAG: Sherwood Forest
Franklin County, Tennessee
Activities: Hiking, Nature Appreciation, Natural Bridge, Hunting
Easy to Moderate
Just about a year ago, I wrote about the history of a newly acquired area by the State of Tennessee, the Sherwood Forest. You can read that article here:
On October 20, 2017 an official dedication ceremony was held in Sewanee, Tennessee celebrating the 4,061 acre addition which is now open for public use. With this new addition to the South Cumberland State Park it has officially become Tennessee’s largest state park at 30,837 acres. The Sherwood Forest tract is home to nine rare plant species, the threatened painted snake coiled forest snail, prehistoric pictographs and has a natural bridge.
There is a three mile loop trail in progress with only the first half mile currently completed. The half mile trail takes you to a gorgeous overlook that has views of Lost Cove and the Crow Creek Watershed and just past the overlook is a natural bridge. In addition to the planned three miles, there are also several miles of jeep roads available for hiking. The property will also be open to hunters during deer gun season from November 18 – January 7 and spring Turkey hunters March 31-May 13 so if you visit the area during this time you will want to take precaution. The area is a day use only so the gates close at dark.
On Sunday, November 5, 2017 Jason Hardy, myself and Jim & Rachel Campbell drove over to the new area to check it out. To get there you take Highway 156 from either South Pittsburg or Sewanee to Old CCC Road. Follow Old CCC road all the way to the end and you will come to the gate, just past the gate is a large gravel parking area and kiosk. The park is still in need of volunteers to help complete the three mile trail. Current workdays are scheduled for November 11, 15 & 22. For more information on future work days contact Ranger Jason Reynolds at Jason.Reynolds@tn.gov.
