Tims Ford State Park
Tims Ford State Park, also known as Tims Ford State Rustic Park, is a state park in Franklin County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. The state park is situated on the north shore of Tims Ford Lake near the north escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau, about ten miles from the city of Winchester.
History
In 1978, the park opened with, including a visitor center, 20 cabins, and 50 camp sites.In 1997, almost 20 years later, the state of Tennessee bought an additional for the park from the Tennessee Valley Authority for US$1.3 million.
In 1999, the first major expansion of the park facilities was the opening of the Bear Trace Tims Ford Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Since the year 2000, the Tims Ford Reservoir Land Management and Disposition Plan has enabled the park to expand further by approximately.
In 2011, a new visitor center opened.
Geography
Geologically, the park is located in the Highland Rim province, a hilly, slightly dissected area characterized by karst topography and scattered knobs. Terrain within the park is generally steep, except when approaching the lake shore.Tims Ford Lake, from which the park takes its name, was formed by a TVA hydroelectric dam over the Elk River. This dam was completed in 1970. The lake itself is named after an early river crossing.
Amenities
The park has 11 hiking and biking trails.Facilities and management
The park is open year round and is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.The park includes 11 hiking trails, two campgrounds, two pavilions, a marina, and an 18-hole golf course called The Bear Trace, designed by Jack Nicklaus.