Timberland Park Adds Nature Trails

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the addition of several new trails at Timberland Park, located on the historic Natchez Trace Pkwy. Since the 72-acre park opened in October 2014, the rolling, sometimes steep terrain has provided opportunities to develop both flat, ridge-top trails as well as more strenuous steeper trails. The trail network now includes about 3.5 miles, with trails rated as easy, moderate and difficult and reaching to the park’s boundaries on three sides.

Timberland Park Nature Trails
Before cutting a new trail, Billy Bilbrey studies a hillside section at Timberland Park, located on the historic Natchez Trace Pwky. in Franklin.

Park employees, led by retired Tennessee State Park ranger and experienced hiker Billy Bilbrey, have identified and constructed the network of new trails. Bilbrey said trail building and maintenance is an ongoing process. “We level the trails as much as we can, using mulch, rock and dirt,” he said. “Then, we continually check the trails for any signs of erosion or obstacles like fallen limbs.” When needed, Bilbrey and his crew make repairs, and may add water bars to redirect rainfall or ‘steps’ on steep sections.

In the Timberland Park visitors’ center, hikers can check the park trail map for each trail’s degree of difficulty and pick up a hiking stick. While hiking, visitors will also find resting benches, picnic tables and directional markers, as well as plaques identifying various tree species. On the park’s ADA accessible trail, there is an overlook deck with seating for 20.

Timberland Park is located at mile marker 437.2 on the historic Natchez Trace Pkwy., just south of the famous “Trace” bridge over Hwy. 96 West. The park is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, follow Timberland Park on Facebook, or visit www.wcparksandrec.com or call (615) 790-5849, or (615) 232-4154 (on-site). Send email inquiries to [email protected]. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or following on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest or YouTube.

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