Gilbert-Stephenson Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gilbert-Stephenson Park, located in the state of Tennessee, is a popular destination for individuals seeking outdoor recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park offers a variety of activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park also boasts several points of interest, including a beautiful lake, a waterfall, and a historic iron furnace.

Fishing is a popular activity at Gilbert-Stephenson Park, with the park’s lake stocked with a variety of fish species. The lake is also surrounded by scenic hiking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the waterfall, which can be accessed via a short hiking trail.

Gilbert-Stephenson Park also has a rich history, with the historic iron furnace serving as a reminder of the area’s industrial past. The furnace is open for tours and provides visitors with a glimpse into the iron industry that once thrived in the area.

The best time of year to visit Gilbert-Stephenson Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors should also be aware that the park is closed during the winter months.

Overall, Gilbert-Stephenson Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just looking for a relaxing day out, this Tennessee park is definitely worth a visit.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References