Timberland Park is Open for Fun in Williamson County, Tennessee
More than 14 years ago Williamson County got a hold of 74 acres adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Now, the county has finished transforming what was once declared surplus property into a public park that all visitors can enjoy.
Perched on hilly, secluded land, Timberland Park is meant to be a recreational spot for Tennesseans and other travelers going through the historic Franklin area along the Trace. The park features hiking trails and an interpretive center that highlights the history of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the native American tribes that called the area home and the more recent history of logging. Don’t worry though, the logging has long passed and the local trees are currently employed as natural artists, painting the sky with brilliant fall foliage this time of year.
See more on fall colors along the Natchez Trace Parkway here.
The county used two grants and matching funds from county coffers to make improvements to the park beginning last winter. Because the park is located along the Natchez Trace, a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, the county also received a federal grant to undertake the project. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation also chipped in.
The project installed a hiking trail, parking areas, picnic tables, a visitor building and other amenities visitors can enjoy. Learn more about recreational activities along the Parkway here. Also, see why the Natchez Trace has the best picnic spots.
The land is full of steep ravines and is far from flat. In fact, the only area that could be called level is a small area where the building and parking areas are located. The hills and gullies make for an excellent hiking area! All sorts of critters are abundant on the property, and they won’t mind you strolling by. Hike and say hi to these little fellows:
Upon entering the park, a circular drive includes a paved area for cars and RVs to pull off the road and enjoy the trail, picnic tables and an environmentally green building with a self-sustaining well system, rainwater recapture and a solar-based electrical power system.
You can find the park at mile marker 437.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from November until March, and entrance is free. Once warm weather comes back around, the park will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April through October.
We certainly hope you’ll check out Timberland Park as soon as you can!
To plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Get social with us and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
Download our 2014 Visitors Guide HERE
