• Type:
  • Loops/Out and Backs

  • Difficulty:
  • Easy

  • Scenery Ranking:
  • 3/5

  • Accessibility:
  • Easily Accessible

  • Trail Maintenance:
  • Well Maintained

  • Facilities:
  • Restrooms
  • Camping
  • Picnic Area

Tims Ford State Park

Intro:

Tims Ford State Park, Located on the scenic Tims Ford Lake and also near the beginning of the Elk River, Offers several miles of scenic hiking trails. It is also located near the Tims Ford Dam, which is worth a trip to see as well.

Trail Head:

All trail heads are located on park property.

To access the trail head: The Lost Creek Overlook trail head is located just beside the visitors center. The paved Marbel Plains trail is also located in that area. Across the road from the visitors center is the trail head for one of the other trails.

Difficulty:

Most of the trails are fairly easy. There are some steep hills in places.

Hiking the Trail:

A good way to hike to the Lost Creek overlook is to take the dirt Lost Creek Overlook trail to begin with. This trail is really cool since it takes you alongside Tims Ford Lake. As you are taking this trail you will cross two swinging bridges. These bridges take you across a deep ravine. Both bridges are really cool since you basically get to hike along the tree tops that are growing from the bottom of the ravine. The trail is pretty straight forward and easy to follow. Once you get to the overlook you can also take some other trails. You could take the paved trail back to the parking area if you want. As for me I took the Lost Creek Overlook trail on my way out and also on my way back. You should end up with about a 2.6 mile round trip if you just hike to the overlook and back.

Scenery:

You will get good views of Tims Ford Lake, Tennessee woodlands, and the view from the swinging bridges are pretty cool as well.

Trail Maintenance:

The trails are well maintained. Some of the park's trails are paved.

Facilities:

Tims Ford State Park offers RV camping, cabins, a swimming beach, canoe and kayak rentals, play grounds and a golf course and much more. For more information about TFSP you can visit http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/tims-ford