Tennessee State Park Montgomery Bell
What most people don’t expect to find in the park are the remains of a colonial American industrial empire.
The park is named after one of the first and most prominent industrialists in Tennessee history, Montgomery Bell, and the park is actually the site of his first iron ore furnace in Dickson County. It was established in the early 1800s. The area quickly became crowded and scarred with workers, mud roads, buildings, loggers, miners and heavy equipment. Eventually, the industry moved to the great steel mills in the northeast and the land once more returned to its natural state, reclaiming its lost beauty. The only remnants that visitors can see now of those days are the Laurel Furnace and its abandoned ore pits.
When the land was ceded over to Tennessee, the state began work on turning a decayed image of a dead industry into a charming picturesque state park.
The park is located off Highway 70 in the Burns community of Dickson County. It is spread out over nearly 4,000 acres of Tennessee wilderness and 20 miles of hiking trails. Visitors who love observing the abundance of nature will marvel at the all the wildlife they’ll see roaming the park: deer, fox, squirrels, birds, turtles, snakes, possums, beavers.
For the more adventurous, there is even an 11.7-mile overnight trail that can be explored. Three primitive overnight campsites are provided as basic shelters along the route.
Other lodging amenities include: eight two-bedroom cabins and a first-come, first-served park campground with sites for tents and campers up to 60 feet. Two pull-through sites are handicapped accessible. All the sites have electric and water hookups and there are three bathhouses with restrooms in the campground.
For those who want to enjoy the beauty of Montgomery Bell State Park without actually living in nature, there is a 110 room resort inn. All the rooms have lake views and several are designed to accommodate persons with disabilities. The inn also offers cable television, an indoor year-round pool, Jacuzzi, game room and exercise room. The inn’s restaurant offers traditional Southern cuisine with finger licking a readily accepted behavior with a plate full of home made fried chicken in front of you.
Everyone’s favorite spot in the park seems to be Lake Acorn. It has a sandy beach that just calls to anyone who walks by its banks. Of course, there is plenty to do in the lake as well. Canoes, rowboats and paddle boats are available for rent. If you’re eager to hook into a fish worth bragging about then caste a line in any of the parks three lakes, Acorn, Woodhaven or Creech Hollow. There are plenty of catfish, crappie and bass to chase and there is no fee for fishing, though you will need a state fishing license for the day. However, as a sanctuary, no hunting or firearms are allowed in the park.
Two other attractions that are favorites among visitors and locals include the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, founded in 1810 and the Harpeth River, which has become popular with canoeists. The state even maintains several entry and takeout points, so you don’t have to worry about fighting through muddy banks and walls of reeds just to get to the water.
In all, Montgomery Bell State Park is an ideal destination for individuals or families who are looking to surround themselves with the natural beauty of the Tennessee wilderness.
For park information, call (615) 797-9052, or for the inn at (615) 797-3101.
