May 4 is the 50th anniversary of the Natural Areas Preservation Act of 1971, a piece of legislation protecting Tennessee’s 85 natural areas.
But first, what is a natural area? Chances are you’ve been to one, as there are 5 state natural areas + 6 natural area parks in Nashville – and many others in surrounding counties. These areas are home to some of Tennessee’s rarest species + span nearly 130,000 acres of forests, glades, grasslands, and scenic vistas.
To celebrate this milestone, Tennessee State Parks will host guided hikes on May 1, where residents can explore natural areas like Radnor Lake, Couchville Cedar Glade, and Montgomery Bell State Park. But for those who want to hit the trail or go fishing on your own time, consider this your guide. 🎣
Radnor Lake State Natural Area, 1160 Otter Creek Rd.
- 1,367-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed on paved surfaces
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
Hill Forest State Natural Area, off Hwy. 100, across from Edwin Warner Park
- 225-acre natural area
- Limited access with permission from Warner Parks
- Dogs not allowed
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
Bells Bend Park, 4187 Old Hickory Blvd.
- 808-acre park and natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Fishing + camping allowed
Beaman Park State Natural Area, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd.
- 1,678-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
Montgomery Bell State Natural Area, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd., Burns
- 1,086-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Fishing + camping allowed
John Noel at Bon Aqua State Natural Area, 9400 Co Hwy. 952
- 35-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
Hamilton Creek Park, 2901 Bell Rd.
- 790-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Fishing allowed
Peeler Park, 2043 Neely’s Bend Rd.
- 600-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
Shelby Bottoms, 1900 Davidson St.
- 960-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Fishing allowed
Warner Parks, 1225 Belle Meade Blvd.
- 3,100-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Fishing allowed
Mount View Glade State Natural Area, 5704 Tru Long Dr.
- 9-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area, Tyler Sykes Trail, Hermitage
- 140-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
Vesta Cedar Glade, Moccasin Rd., Lebanon
- 150-acre natural area
- Open to the public with trail access
- Dogs allowed
- Hunting, fishing + camping prohibited
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