Hike This Ancient Forest In Tennessee That’s Home To 10,000-Year-Old Trees
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Meghan Kraft
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You probably thought we were going to talk about East Tennessee, didn’t you? Nah, we’re headed out to Memphis to experience the incredible, historical heft of Old Forest State Natural Area. Located in the ever-popular Overton Park, this chunk of ancient forest is tucked away in the heart of the Memphis metropolitan sprawl. The hiking trails are quick and to the point, delivering a hefty serving of natural beauty and history every time you visit.
Memphis is host to one of Tennessee's most incredible facets of state history, an Old Forest that hearkens back thousands of years.
Overton Park is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a public park that is open daily to the public without any entrance fee. The Old Forest itself, however, is tucked away on 172 acres within the park itself.
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Known as the Old Forest Arboretum of Overton Park, the forest itself was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in the late 1970s, even becoming a part of the highly regarded Overton Park Historic District.
Walking trails are abundant throughout the old forest, with tree species and plants identified by markers along the way. Keep your eyes peeled, friends!
The Old Forest conservation project began all the way back in 1901, upon the introduction of Overton Park. The park itself takes up 341 acres, with 172 of those designated to the Old Forest. The city of Memphis began tree inventory during the years of 2008 to 2009, where a handful of black cherry and oak trees were measured as "Tennessee Champion Trees."
If you wander the trails with Fido or your best buddy, you just might run into a whole heap of the 332 plant species found in the Old Forest, many of those native to the state of Tennessee. It's truly like taking a step back in time.
Have you been? Would you visit? The next time you're in Memphis, we have an idea of what you should add to your travel agenda.
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We'll see you in the forest, friends! You can visit for yourself during daylight hours at 1914 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee.
If you’re looking for a bit more of state history, then you may want to check out this incredible country store. It’s a fun step back in time!
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