Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is a 274-acre protected area located in the state of Tennessee.


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Summary

It is situated in the Cumberland Plateau region and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are several reasons to visit the preserve, including its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.

One of the main points of interest in Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is the Raccoon Creek, which meanders through the area and provides a habitat for many aquatic species. The preserve is also home to several species of rare and endangered plants, such as the Tennessee purple coneflower.

Visitors can explore the preserve on several hiking trails, including the Raccoon Creek Trail, which follows the banks of the creek and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other trails include the Ridge Trail and the Cedar Trail, both of which provide opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, turkey, and foxes.

Interesting facts about the preserve include its history as a former site for coal mining and logging, and its subsequent restoration by the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation. Today, the area is a thriving ecosystem and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the preserve is open year-round and visitors can enjoy different activities depending on the season, such as birdwatching in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.

Overall, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty and diversity of Tennessee's natural landscape.

       

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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.
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