Tims Ford State Park

Tims Ford State Park, also known as Tims Ford State Rustic Park, is a state park in Franklin County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. The 3,546-acre (1,435 ha; 14.35 km²) state park is situated on the north shore of Tims Ford Lake near the north escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau, about ten miles from the city of Winchester.

Tims Ford State Park
Tims Ford Lake from the campground
Type	Tennessee State Park
Location	Franklin County, Tennessee
Coordinates	35.219568°N 86.250586°W / 35.219568; -86.250586
Area	3,546 acres (1,435 hectares)
Created	1978
Operated by	Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Open	Year round
Website	Tims Ford State Park

History

In 1978, the park opened with 478 acres (193 hectares), including a visitor center, 20 cabins, and 50 camp sites.^[1]

In 1997, almost 20 years later, the state of Tennessee bought an additional 1,600 acres (650 hectares) for the park from the Tennessee Valley Authority for US$1.3 million (equivalent to $2.5 million in 2024).^[1]

In 1999, the first major expansion of the park facilities was the opening of the 6,790-yard (6,210 m) Bear Trace Tims Ford Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.^[1]

Since the year 2000, the Tims Ford Reservoir Land Management and Disposition Plan has enabled the park to expand further by approximately 2,000 acres (810 hectares).^[1]

In 2011, a new 4,000-square-foot (370 m²) visitor center opened.^[1]

Geography

Geologically, the park is located in the Highland Rim province, a hilly, slightly dissected area characterized by karst topography and scattered knobs.^[2] Terrain within the park is generally steep, except when approaching the lake shore.^{[citation needed]}

Tims Ford Lake, from which the park takes its name, was formed by a TVA hydroelectric dam over the Elk River. This dam was completed in 1970.^[3] The lake itself is named after an early river crossing.^[4]

Amenities

The park has 11 hiking and biking trails.^{[citation needed]}

Facilities and management

The park is open year round and is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.^{[citation needed]}

The park includes 11 hiking trails,^[5] two campgrounds, two pavilions, a marina, and an 18-hole golf course called The Bear Trace, designed by Jack Nicklaus.^[6]

See also

• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation