Montgomery Bell State Park

Located only 40 minutes from downtown Nashville, TN in Dickson County, Montgomery Bell State Park serves as a natural oasis for local city dwellers and a peaceful vacation destination for travelers. Three lakes are nestled into the 3,850-acre park and provide visitors the opportunity to soak up the sun on their swim beach shores and paddle the calm waters.

The park was once the center of the iron industry in Middle Tennessee. The park's namesake, Montgomery Bell, formed one of the largest iron industries in Tennessee. Iron was once thought to be more valuable than gold and was a very lucrative industry at the time.

Visitors can experience a natural retreat at the newly renovated Lodge inside Montgomery Bell. The fully remodeled 117-room Lodge sits on the banks of Lake Acorn and provides guests with the opportunity to escape to peace and quiet while being just minutes away from the interstate. The renovated Lodge features modern rooms, a new full-service restaurant and bar open to park visitors, and 6,000 square feet of flexible event space. The Lodge is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city—enjoy lounging by the outdoor pool or kick back with a craft beer in the lounge.

The park also has eight environmentally-friendly modern cabins available for rent near Lake Acorn. The park's campground can accommodate campers up to 60 feet on most electrical sites. The campground has on-site sewer at 40 sites and can accommodate small pop-up campers and large RVs. There are 94 campsites available at the park.

Group Camp One was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is considered a historic landmark. The buildings are constructed of hand-hewn stone. The 47 rustic cabins, which do not have air conditioning or heating, sleep 120 people.

The site of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church is also located at Montgomery Bell State Park. The church was founded in 1810 in the log cabin home of Reverend Samuel McAdow. A replica of the cabin and a church are within the park.

There are many activities to try at the park. Most notably, they are hiking, biking, golf, and fishing. There are nearly 19 miles of trails throughout the park with one that follows the circumference of the park. The Par 72, 18-hole golf course is a local treasure. The clubhouse, with a snack bar and pro shop, also has a furnished patio that can be reserved for events. There are three lakes within Montgomery Bell State Park for fishing and boating. Kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and flat bottom fishing boats are rented for use on Lake Acorn through Broken Paddle Outfitters staffing the onsite boat dock station. Broken Paddle Outfitters can be contacted at 615-669-8196. Private boats are allowed on Lake Acorn. Gasoline motors are prohibited.

To view a Story Map about the park, click here.

Park Trail Maps

Looking for a trail map? Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. The page includes all the trail maps we have available, organized by park. We have free and paid options that provide you with the details you need to have your next great adventure in Tennessee.

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