Montgomery Bell State Park - Montgomery Bell Trail

Montgomery Bell State Park located in Dickson County, Tennessee is a 3,850 acre park. It includes 2 areas which are included in the Tennessee State Natural Area program for their ecological quality as the “best known example of representative oak-hickory forest on the Western Highland Rim in Tennessee” . The Old-Growth Forest Network recognizes a stand of oak-hickory forest near the trailhead of the Montgomery Bell Trail as old-growth, estimated to be around 100 years old in 2026. Prior to recognition in the Network, this forest experienced a natural disturbance from a windstorm that swept through the area. These types of natural disturbances are part of the natural processes of maturing forests. The land managers at the park clear the trails for visitor access, but leave these naturally disturbed areas to regenerate on their own as fallen trees and coarse woody debris and toppled trees create beneficial habitat for wildlife.

The mature forest at Montgomery bell can be found close to the trailhead, including an adjacent wetland with mesic species. Visitors can expect to see white oak, tulip poplar, sugar maple, and beech trees with an herbaceous understory including spring ephemerals like Virginia Blue Bells.

The entirety of the Montgomery Bell Trail is 10 miles and loops around the park and includes 3 overnight shelters built in the 1970’s. The longer history of Montgomery Bell State Park includes historic iron fabrication in the 1800’s and the establishment of the park thanks to the hardworking Conservation Corps in the prost-depression era. The park includes a lodge and many family friendly activities for all age groups.