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Tennessee
411

Tennessee State Parks

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USA Parks
Tennessee
Cumberland Plateau Region
Prentice Cooper State Forest
Prentice Cooper State Forest Cooper State Sky © Joshua Mark Sosna
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PRENTICE COOPER STATE FOREST
PRENTICE COOPER STATE FOREST
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, in Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga and is heavily utilized by the public. It is situated on the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. The property for Prentice Cooper was acquired by simple purchase between 1938 and 1944. The site was proclaimed a State Forest in 1945. Sixty-nine percent of the forest are in multiple-use regulated forests and the remainder is in conservation areas. Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas of the forest. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurs in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered Large-flowered Skullcap. The forest also includes several in-holdings owned by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and 3 cemeteries. Management activities of the forest focus primarily on sustainable timber management, forest management demonstration and wildlife habitat improvement while maintaining recreational opportunities for the public. There are 35 miles of hiking trails, including the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There also are two designated camping areas. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division has provided labor and portions of the forest for various types of research in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping.
History of the Area
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in Marion County, Tennessee, on the Cumberland Plateau. The forest has a rich history that dates back thousands of years when it was inhabited by Native American tribes. However, the recorded history of the area begins with the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century.

During the early 19th century, the land that would later become Prentice Cooper State Forest was settled and used for farming, logging, and small-scale mining. In the 1930s, as part of the New Deal programs implemented during the Great Depression, the U.S. government established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was responsible for promoting reforestation and conservation efforts across the country.

In Tennessee, the CCC played a crucial role in the development of state parks and forests. In 1937, the Tennessee State Forestry Division acquired the land that now comprises Prentice Cooper State Forest. The CCC worked diligently to reforest the area, plant trees, build roads, trails, and other infrastructure in what was then known as the "Cumberland Homesteads Project."

The title of the forest was later changed to Prentice Cooper State Forest, in honor of Prentice Cooper, who served as Tennessee's governor from 1939 to 1945. Cooper was an advocate for conserving natural resources and played a significant role in expanding the state's park and forest system during his time in office.
Camping
1. Davis Pond Campground offers primitive camping with fire rings, picnic tables and a nearby pond for fishing.
2. Hunter's Check Station Campground provides basic facilities like restrooms but requires self:sufficiency in terms of food and water supplies.
3. Backcountry Camping is allowed within the forest; however, campers must follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve nature.
4. Group campsites are available at Prentice Cooper State Forest which can accommodate larger parties or events.


Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Location
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located near Chattanooga, Harrison and Hixson

Trails
1. Mullens Cove Loop: A 10-mile trail featuring a waterfall, offering bird watching and wildflower spotting opportunities.

2. Indian Rockhouse Trail: This is an easy, half-a mile hike that leads to the historic Cherokee rock shelter site.

3. Pot Point Nature Trail: An approximately four miles long loop with views of Tennessee River Gorge; offers wildlife viewing chances.

4. Snoopers Rock Overlook Hike: Short one-mile round trip leading to panoramic vistas over the river gorge from atop Snooper's Rock overlook.

5. Cumberland Plateau Nature Trails (North & South): Two trails each around two-miles in length showcasing diverse flora and fauna across different habitats within forest boundaries.

6.Tower Drive/Double Pond via Tower Road - Approximately six miles out-and-back route suitable for all skill levels; features beautiful wildflowers during springtime.

7.Pot Point Cabin Blue Blazes - Roughly three miles moderate level hiking path providing scenic water views along its course towards rustic cabin area at endpoint.

8.Cumberland Mountain Segment of Cumberland Trail State Park- Extends through Prentice Cooper Forest covering about 13 challenging but rewarding mountainous terrain filled with breathtaking landscapes including gorges, cliffs etcetera.


9.Guthook's Guide Long Pathway- Part of larger Appalachian trail network extending into this state park region spanning several strenuous yet picturesque segments varying between five to ten plus mileage points depending on chosen section(s).

10.Lookout Creek Small Wild Area Route- About two-three hours' worth moderately paced walk alongside Lookout creek amidst dense woods teeming with local birds species making it ideal spot for avian enthusiasts particularly during migration seasons when variety increases manifold times.




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 18 by John_S
park review stars; one to five
March 31 Interesting park by bteresa11
park review stars; one to five Went there on a field trip and would like to talk to one of the rangers about questions on my Environmental Science trip there
April 9 Great Place for the outdoorsman by Doug
park review stars; one to five I usually go there to take my ATV and Truck to go offroading during the summer. I have been hiking there once. There are quite a few hiking/biking trails with lots of scenery. There is primitive camping at the gates, as well as a designated camping spot within the park. The spots at the gate are big enough for a camper or toy hauler unless it is a busy weekend for off roaders.
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Area Campgrounds
Best Holiday Trav-L-Park Chattanooga
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Raccoon Mountain RV Park
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Choo Choo Fly & Tackle
17 Cherokee Blvd
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 267-0024
Jack's Bait & Tackle Shop
4228 Bonny Oaks Dr
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 698-8339
Bait Shop
1401 Williams St
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 266-6422
Area Cabins and Lodges
Hoppy's Last Resort
3950 Tennessee Ave
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 825-7177
Read House Hotel & Suites
827 Broad St
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 266-4121
Marriott Hotels Resorts Suites: Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center
2 Carter Plaza
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 756-0002

Directions
From Chattanooga, head west on US-27 N for about 4 miles.

Take the Signal Mountain Road exit toward TN-8/US127.

Turn right onto Signal Mountain Blvd and continue for approximately 7 miles.

At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on Signal Mtn Blvd which becomes Taft Highway after a while.

After around six more miles turn left onto Game Reserve Rd/Prenctice Cooper State Forest entrance sign.

Drive until you reach your destination in Prentice Cooper State Forest.

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Tennessee
411

Tennessee State Parks

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