Big Cypress Tree State Park, Greenfield, TN


Tennessee has many state parks for visitors to enjoy. Big Cypress Tree was named for the largest bald cypress tree in the United States. Not only was it the largest cypress tree it also had the distinction of being the largest tree of any species east of the Mississippi River. The tree that gave the park its name was more than thirteen hundred years old. A storm in 1976 produced the lightening that hit the top of the tree. The tree went on to smolder for two weeks. The trail that once took visitors to the tree has been closed.

Big Cypress Tree hosts many annual events such as the Big Cypress Fall Festival. Musical entertainment, arts and crafts and birds of prey programs encompass the events at the festival. A Civil War encampment is set up for visitors to see and they also have a program about geo-caching.

The State Park is located at 2965 Big Cypress Road, Greenfield, TN. During the summer the park is open from 8:00 am to sundown and in the winter the hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The park is in the northwest section of the state approximately seven miles from Greenfield. Visitors should take Highway 45E and 445 to reach the park.

Native wildflowers have recently been planted at the park and they draw many species of wildlife. Hummingbirds and butterflies are particularly fond of the recent plantings. Nature lovers enjoy hiking in the state park to see the seventeen flower beds of wild flowers. Benches are throughout the area so that guests can watch for wildlife and relax. Photographers find the colors of the flowers and trees make for wonderful pictures.

Big Cypress Tree State Park has approximately three hundred and thirty acres. It is in the floodplain of the Obion River's Middle Fork. Picnic facilities are available for visitors to the park. They have placed some of the tables under a shelter so that guests can have shade if they want it. The shelter has grills, water and electricity and they can be reserved. Besides the shelter there are ten picnic tables on concrete pads that have grills.

Some of the wildlife that can be observed at the park are bluebirds, doves, deer, owls, hawks, squirrels, and bats. Bald eagles can sometimes be seen in the month of September.

Scout camporees are a popular activity for the Boy Scouts at Big Cypress Tree State Park. Individual troops also have camp outings during the year and the park is also used as a training site for new leaders. Churches have used the park for services and cookouts. Families like to use the facility for reunions; schools find the park very informative for field trips. Camping is only allowed for the Boy and Girl Scouts.

There is a play area for children ten and younger, a basketball goal, swings for children that are five to twelve and a ball field with a backstop. The fall is generally warm to cool but dry. The winter will be cold and generally wet and spring is rainy and cool.

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