Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Susan Woods will lead us on a 6 mile hike considered moderate due to some elevation change. We will meet in the parking lot near the Pilot Knob folklife center. We will then caravan to the back gate where the hike will begin. It will feature some newly accessible areas that were opened up by the 2020 tornado which include some views of Kentucky Lake and recently installed camping cabins. We will also visit an interesting but abandoned retreat camp previously owned by Bethel University. Now having a back gate, the park can offer hikers better access to some of the more remote trails due to a property acquisition a few years ago. As we enter the park by the back gate we will be able to appreciate the new group camping area. Hikers will also be able to observe the new signs at the intersections that were purchased through an Evan Means Grant (TTA). There will be an option for a 3-4 mile hike that will include all of the above except the abandoned campsite if you prefer. Susan will need to know by Thursday, December 8 which hike you prefer and if you plan to hike. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Pilot Knob meaning Jackson is about 70 miles (1 hour 20 minutes). Please call or text Susan at 731-441-8066 or woodsbob@bellsouth.net .