“Get outside and explore.” That’s been our motto since the pandemic started. With a multitude of state parks in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama near our home, we’re finding new outdoor spaces for hiking, playing, and rest and relaxation. Our latest adventure was a visit to Tims Ford State Park, located in Winchester, Tennessee.
Tims Ford State Park
This sprawling 1321-acre park sits on the edge of the Tims Ford Reservoir at the base of the Cumberland Plateau. From the Native Americans who hunted and fished on the Elk River beginning around 12,000 years ago to a river crossing created by Abner Tims to help settlers, the area has a history that stretches back for generations. Today, the park is only ten miles from the city of Winchester, but the serene setting is isolated and feels as if you’ve left city life behind.
Activities Available At Tims Ford State Park
Hiking and Biking- There are over 27 miles of trails to discover throughout the park. The trails are divided into 3 categories; dirt hiking trails, paved multi-use trails, and mountain biking trails. We hiked along the Lost Creek Overlook Trail, a 1.35-mile moderate trail that begins at the Ranger’s station and winds through the woods to a scenic overlook. Along the way, you’ll pass over two well-kept suspension bridges and catch stunning views of the lake. The trail was fairly easy with some uphill walking and some tree roots jutting out along the trail.
On the way back, we took the paved 1.10-mile Overlook Trail. It’s an easy walk, pretty much straight, flat, and wheelchair accessible the entire way. There are also benches every 100 feet or so, if needed.
Nature Exploration- Start with a visit to the Wildlife exhibit featuring a rescued barn owl, a rescued hawk named Bella, and a rescued Great Horned Owl. Because of the proximity to two distilleries, one owl is named “George Dickel” and one is named “Jack Daniels” or “J.D.” for short. Weekly ranger-led interpretive programs on wildlife, local history, and native plants are offered during the summer months. Be on the lookout! You might see wild turkeys roaming the fields, white-tailed deer grazing, and songbirds chirping overhead.
Camping- There’s 52 spots for RV or tent set-up. All include water, electric amps, a fire ring, and picnic tables. Bath houses with hot and cold water, along with sewage disposals facilities, are centrally located in the campground.
Swimming- An Olympic sized pool, located near the marina, opens seasonally on Memorial Day weekend. Near the pool, you’ll find a playground, picnic area, and a sand volleyball court.
Fishing-Visitors to be Lake View Marina can find both a fishing pier and a boat dock. Although the area is known for its Smallmouth and Striped Bass, you could also catch Largemouth Bass, crappie, catfish, and Bluegill. A cleaning station and an area to purchase bait are available at the marina.
Water Sports-Bring your canoes or kayaks (or rent one from the marina) to spend a day on the lake. Paddle Boats are available for rent as well.
Recreation Areas- Although picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, there are two recreation areas with picnic tables, playgrounds, and other outdoor sports activities.
Golf– For golfers, visit the Bear Trace, a challenging Jack-Nicholson designed 18-hole course. The course provides stunning lake views, and, in-season, the Bear Trace grill, for grabbing a quick bite.
Annual Park Events- The park hosts 3 annual events; an Easter Sunday celebration and egg hunt, Heritage Day on the second weekend in October, and a Tims Ford Christmas, the first Saturday of December.
Accommodations:
Cabins: Located directly above the marina, you can find 20 cabins. Each cabin has two bedrooms and sleeps 8 people. All cabins include a full kitchen, a full bath, a living room, and a deck that overlooks the lake. Some cabins are pet-friendly and all are handicapped accessible.
Resort and Restaurant: The Blue Gill restaurant and resort is located six miles from the main property at the holiday resort and marina, has five cabins, five motel rooms, and a full-service restaurant.
Tips to Know Before You Go:
*Tims Ford State Park is located at 570 Tims Ford Drive, Winchester, Tennessee.
*Admission to any Tennessee State Park is free.
*Due to COVID, masks are required to enter the ranger’s station.
*Visit during the week to avoid crowds.
*You can download a park map before your visit here.
*Before you go, download the new FREE Healthy Parks, Healthy Person app available for android and iPhones. By activating it when you enjoy outdoor activities at a park, you can earn rewards such as free overnight stays at one of the park cabins.
Have you visited Tims Ford State Park? Tell us about your experience in the comments! What is your favorite state park?
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We have gone fishing a ton since the pandemic started. It was our outlet because I have autoimmune disorders and going places is risky. We went to the park two weeks ago and I don’t know what we will do this coming weekend yet. But I’m leaning on going somewhere outside.
This is a piece of heaven! The perfect place to spend some time with my family!
That is a gorgeous setting. I would love to visit there and do some pictures for my website.
This is right up my alley and what a wonderful time of year to visit a park!
This is such a beautiful park. I would love to take my kids to the park and play.
State Parks are always fun to visit because there are always a lot of things to do. I would love to stay in that cabin.
What a beautiful park. Looks like there are so many activities to do.
What a gorgeous spot! I’d love to visit somewhere like this. We have many places local like this, it’s just getting to them safetly during this time.
Camping is really my thing with my friends. Thanks for sharing this, I hope to explore this someday.
Absolutely beautiful! I love exploring, so many hidden gems out there.
Wow over 27 miles of trails? Now that is my kind of park! I love going on hikes in nature!
That is gorgeous. I love getting out and exploring nature and wildlife. That’s a great spot!