News from the Friends of Long Hunter

The Friends of Long Hunter State Park added 96 new photos to the album Scenes From The Park - Spring 2012 (March - May) at Long Hunter State Park. Two photo albums - "60 Leaves of Long Hunter" and “60 Trees of Long Hunter - Bark in Winter” are avalable on the Friends Facebook page. A big thanks to our Friends of Long Hunter!

Long Hunter State Park is situated along the shore of J. Percy Priest Lake. It consists of four units: Couchville, Baker's Grove, Bryant Grove and Sellars Farm. Picnicking, swimming, hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, nature photography and wildlife observation are among the activities available to park visitors. Planned activities include interpretive and recreation programs for the general public and environmental education programs for school and other interested groups.

Biking

The Jones Mill mountain bike trail is located in the Bryant Grove Recreation Area. It features two loops: one two-mile loop and one four-mile loop. These trails offer a variety of challenges to mountain bikers and a great view of the lake from Bald Knob. Hikers are also welcome on the bike trail.

Boating

J. Percy Priest Lake
Pleasure boating and water-skiing are popular on the 14,000-acre J. Percy Priest Lake. Long Hunter offers two launch ramps on J. Percy Priest Lake.

Couchville Lake
Rental boats are available for Couchville Lake at the park during the summer-use season.

Small personal boats without gasoline or diesel motors are allowed year round on Couchville Lake. There is no launch ramp on Couchville Lake for private boats.

Life jackets are required to be worn by anyone on Couchville Lake, including individuals using park rentals or a personal craft.

Tennessee Boating Regulations

Events and Programs

Volunteer Trail Clean-up on April 28 at 9 a.m. CT
Help the Middle Tennessee Hiking Meetup Group clear trash that washes up from Percy Priest Lake onto and near the Volunteer Trail. Learn More.


Self-guided Tree Trail Brochure
Butterfly Checklist
Dragonfly and Damselfly Checklist

Fishing

Fishing on the J. Percy Priest Lake is very popular at Long Hunter. Catches include large- and small-mouth bass, rockfish, stripe, crappie, bream and catfish. There is no charge for fishing; however, all fishermen over 12 years of age must possess a valid Tennessee fishing license.

Valid TN fishing license required

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Group Camping

An area with adjacent lakeshore has been set aside for use by scout, church, or other organized youth groups. There is a small charge for overnight use and advance reservations must be made. Adult supervision is required.

Hiking

There are several hiking trails at Long Hunter designed to provide pleasant walking experiences for all. Among the more popular is the two-mile loop Lake Trail around Couchville Lake. It is also home to the Jason Allen Arboretum Trail at Couchville Lake that weaves its way through the first certified arboretum in a Tennessee State Park. Visitors along the Jason Allen Arboretum Trail will see 44 stenciled leaves on the barrier-free, hard surfaced path that signify where the different trees are marked. These stenciled leaves were created by Tina Turbeville, a Friend of Long Hunter, who worked with Jason and Fred Dickson, another Friend of Long Hunter, to carefully apply the leaf stencil to the Arboretum trail. Unlike most sites where trees are planted for the sole purpose of creating an arboretum, these trees were already occurring naturally around Couchville Lake. This provides a wild feel and makes the arboretum site even more special.

View the Couchville Lake Arboretum Trail Tree Guide.

The Nature Loop Trail and Inland Trail located at Couchville, are popular short walks. The mile-long Deer Trail begins at the park office and meanders through old field and young forest habitats. The longer Bryant Grove Trail connects Bryant Grove to Couchville.

For the more adventurous, the Bakers Grove Primitive Use Area offers longer day hikes on the Day Loop Trail, and day hiking and overnight camping on the Volunteer Trail. These trails wind along the shore of J. Percy Priest Lake, climb overlook bluffs, and wander through hardwood forest, cedar glades, and interesting rock outcroppings.

From The Tennessee Conservationist's Great Hikes With Fran Wallas:
Three Ways to Hike The Perfect Winter Trail at Long Hunter State Park

Detailed GIS Park Map

Meeting Facility

The park also features the Liana Dranes Nature Circle Room at the park office that can accommodate 25 people arranged classroom style or 40 people arranged conference room style. Contact the park office at (615) 885-2422 for more information on availability.

Picnic Facilities

The park provides two large picnic shelters. The Bryant Grove site is situated around a central parking area and provides lakeshore swim beach, a rustic playground and a volleyball court. The Couchville site, located a short walk from the two parking areas, is located on Couchville Lake near the barrier free Lake Trail. Picnic shelters may be reserved for family reunions, church groups, or other group outings. Each shelter is convenient to restroom facilities. The park begins taking reservations for the shelters on January 1.

Sellars Farm

Click here to learn more about the Sellars Farm state archaeological site at the Tennessee History for Kids Web site.

Swimming

Non-supervised swimming is permitted at Bryant Grove. Swimming in Couchville Lake and in the area of boat ramps is prohibited. CAUTION: The lake bottom is hazardous and you must swim at your own risk!

Pet Policy

While Long Hunter is a pet-friendly state park, not all areas of the park are open to pets. Bryant Grove and Couchville Lake picnic areas do not allow dogs or other pets. Please note pet accessibility signs at various locations inside the park.

Please Remember

Long Hunter is a sanctuary. All area features including plants and animals (living and non-living), rocks, minerals, artifacts, and fossils are protected by State law. Violators are subject to prosecution. Please be careful with fires and help us keep your park neat and natural.

History

View the History of Long Hunter State Park

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome to the park.