Despite the cold weather, Timberland Park, located on the historic Natchez Trace, continues to attract visitors and hikers. Opened in October 2014 by Williamson County Parks and Recreation (WCPR), Timberland is the department’s newest park, offering two rustic trails, an ADA accessible trail with overlook, and an interpretive center.
WCPR Interim Director Gordon Hampton reports that the park is becoming a popular stop for travelers of the Natchez Trace Parkway as well as locals.
“Many of the people that stop in are folks that are driving the parkway,” Hampton said. “We have been keeping a visitors log since we opened and many of our visitors are from other states.”
In addition to welcoming visitors, the Timberland Park staff is busy preparing new trails. The lack of heavy foliage in winter provides the perfect opportunity to walk and survey the property for new trail routes. The park hopes to have new hiking options by springtime, according to Hampton.
The three-story stone fireplace in the interpretive center is welcoming on a winter day, and staff is on hand to provide walking sticks to hikers as well as trail information. Antique tools and vintage photographs line the walls, along with maps. Restrooms and fresh water are available in the center.
The Timberland property was acquired by the State of Tennessee in 1975 and by Williamson County in 1996. It was dedicated on October 27, 2014 after a cooperative effort between WCPR, Williamson County Government, local leaders, the Tennessee Department of Transportation-Highway Beautification Office, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation, the National Park Service, the Natchez Trace Parkway, the National Scenic Byways Program and the Federal Highway Administration.
Timberland Park is located at mile marker 437.2 on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. There is no entrance fee to the park, which is currently open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April through October. Timberland Park is a day use park and may close due to inclement weather, including but not limited to: rain, freezing temperatures, snow and ice. For inclement weather updates, please call (615) 591-8524.
For more information about the Timberland Park or the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department visit their website at www.wcparksandrec.com or call (615) 790-5849, or (615) 232-4154 (on-site). Send email inquiries to TimberlandPark@williamson-tn.org.
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