In a state famous for its beautiful scenery, the Tennessee park system preserves some of Tennessee’s finest with its misty mountains, lush forests, majestic waterfalls and hiking trails through unspoiled wilderness and wildlife refuges. You’ll find more than 50 state parks in Tennessee, each with their own special charm and appeal. Discover over 200 waterfalls and 3,800 documented caves in Tennessee.

Bledsoe State Forest. Adjoining the southeastern perimeter of Long Branch Lakes–site of the community’s Equestrian Center–is Bledsoe State Forest. Its 7,000 wooded acres stretch across parts of Bledsoe, Cumberland, Van Buren and White counties.

The forest is enjoyed by those who delight in its lush natural beauty, hiking trails, horseback trails, primitive camping, fishing and hunting. Bledsoe State Forest can be reached by traveling State Route 30 for approximately 8 1/2 miles west of Pikeville towards Fall Creek Falls State Park. For more information, call 423-881-3585. Or visit www.stateparks.com/bledsoe

Fall Creek Falls State Park. Located approximately three miles southeast of Long Branch Lakes is this paradise of more than 20,000 acres stretching across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Among the most scenic and spectacular outdoor recreation areas in America, Fall Creek Falls is laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, beckoning to those who enjoy nature at her finest. While Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States, other waterfalls in the Park are Piney and Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. With its many amenities and panoramic natural setting, it is little wonder that Southern Living magazine readers voted Fall Creek Falls the best state park in the Southeastern United States.

Annual Park Events
Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage (1st weekend in April)
Rock Climbing Workshops (June and September)
Mountaineer Folk Festival (Weekend after Labor Day)
Fall Colors Weekend (3rd weekend in October)
Wild Foods Day (Late October)
Christmas on the Mountains (1st weekend in December)

The Park is located 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville; it may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30. For more information, call (423) 881-5298. Or visit www.tnstateparks.com/FallCreekFalls