During its first month of operation, Timberland Park, a new 72-acre rustic wooded preserve operated by Williamson County Parks and Recreation, welcomed almost 1700 visitors to its Natchez Trace Parkway location.
Located near the northern terminus of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, Timberland is a natural stopping point for travelers on the 441-mile national scenic byway. Gordon Hampton, interim director of the Parks Department, reports that the park is attracting both local residents and travelers.
“We have had a steady stream of visitors since our opening,” he said. “We have had visitors from 20 other states and even some from Scotland.”
Many park visitors utilize the two rustic trails on the property as well as an ADA accessible trail with overlook. The Timberland property also features an eco-friendly 2000-square-foot interpretive center providing information and displays about the property’s history as a logging site. Restrooms and fresh water are available in the center which features a three-story stone fireplace and attached deck.
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 open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November through March; 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 by not limited to: rain, freezing temperatures, snow and ice. For inclement weather updates, please call (615) 591-8524. To reach Timberland, access the Natchez Trace Parkway from Highway 96 West. At the top of the access ramp, turn left (south). The park is immediately on the right.
For more information about the Timberland Park or the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department visit our website at 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” us on Facebook.
