big cypress tree state park

We like to see nature and take our time when traveling....and since we were going to go past this state park...the name sounded interesting. It sits 5 miles out in the country off the road that we were traveling, so fortunately it did not take hours to get to. But it is a small park with a nice play area for kids and a short nature walk. It also has a baseballl diamond and a little information about the park. I had so hoped for more. But the price was certainly right and we did get to walk the short nature trail that pointed out about a dozen or so trees.

Don't waste your time. After you get there you find out that the tree is no longer standing. Big let down!

Great hiking trail with large trees. Small lake. Picnic tables and swing sets with slides for the kids.

If you need a park to go to in the NW TN area, this is it. The tree isn't there anymore, but the trail is very relaxing. Great place to play ball, observe greenery, and spend time with loved ones.

I wish the Tennessee state tourism magazine/book would have mentioned that the park consists of a picnic area, and a 0.3 mile loop hike that does NOT include the big cypress tree that died in 1976. Seeing the championship tree is the only reason I went. It's a clean park with a small playground for children, so if you are in the area and need to get some fresh air, go ahead and make a stop, but it's not worth driving out of the way for. I hiked the trail at a leisurely pace and still only spent 11 minutes total at the park, which included reading the history at the kiosk!

BCTSNA, located in west Tennessee, consists of a picnic area, trails, flower gardens, and a softball field. There are no camping facilities either. Needless to say it’s a small park, but it borders the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area so there is more than meets the eye. The park is not really close to any major highway (or big cities for that matter) so you won’t hear many vehicles. While you are in the general area, you have ample opportunity to visit a handful of National Wildlife Refuges, Reelfoot Lake, Paris Landing SP, etc. West TN is definitely full of opportunities to enjoy nature, wildlife, small towns, etc.

Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area is a great day-use area for picnics and outdoor recreation, and nice place for a nature walk.The park consist of 330 acres, but only a small part is easily accessible by visitors. The park was named after a national champion bald cypress tree, the largest in the U.S. Unfortunately, it was struck by lighting in 1976, and did not survive. The tree's diameter was 13 feet, and its circumference was 40 feet. A two-mile long trail use to lead to the stump of the mighty tree, but continual wet conditions forced the trail's closure. Currently the only way to even get near it is by boat, and the state park officials don't even recommend that. So, rather than close the park, they turned it into a nice day use area. A new picnic shelter is there, along with a playground, and recreation field. A small nature hike (.3 mile) has markers that identify the various types of trees found at the park. Special events, such as a fall festival are also held here annually. All in all, Big Cypress Tree went from obscurity to a very useable park for many people. The park is located about five miles west of Greefield. Signs on U.S. 45, just north of Greenfield, show the way.