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Cross Plains State Natural Area

A rare cedar-glade ecosystem — thin soil, wildflowers found almost nowhere else, and total silence.

Where
Cross Plains
Time needed
2 hr visit
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Yes
Cedar glades and limestone outcrops at Cross Plains State Natural Area Cedar glades and limestone outcrops at Cross Plains State Natural Area

What to expect at Cross Plains State Natural Area

Cross Plains State Natural Area protects one of Middle Tennessee's rare limestone cedar glades — an ecosystem so specific it hosts plant species that grow essentially nowhere else on earth. The 168-acre preserve is thin soil over cedar-cracked bedrock, red cedars in the surrounds and open glade in the middle, and in April and May it explodes with Tennessee coneflower, glade cress and Nashville breadroot. The rest of the year it is a quiet, austere walk that most Tennesseans have never heard of.

There is one primary loop trail, about 1.8 miles, that leaves the small gravel lot and threads through cedars into the open glade area, then curves back through mixed woodland. It is mostly flat but the rock surface is uneven — proper shoes matter. There are no facilities, no ranger station and no signage beyond the entry board; a printed trail map from the Tennessee State Natural Areas website is worth bringing. Silence is the point — expect to hear nothing but wind and the occasional pileated woodpecker.

Peak visit is late April to mid-May for the wildflower bloom, especially the Tennessee coneflower which is only just off the federal endangered list. Go early on a weekday to have the glade to yourself; even on peak wildflower Saturdays you'll rarely see more than a handful of people. Stay on the trail — the glade plants are fragile and a single footstep destroys years of growth. Cross Plains village is 5 minutes away with the Thomas Drugs old-fashioned soda fountain worth a stop.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryYes Time needed2 hr visit WhereCross Plains Opening hours Daily dawn to dusk Hotels near Cross Plains State Natural Area

Questions about Cross Plains State Natural Area

Is there an entry fee?

No — state natural areas are free to visit.

When is it free?

Always, every day, sunrise to sunset.

How long should I allow?

Two hours for the loop with time to look at wildflowers.

Is it ever closed?

The area is open year-round but has no facilities and can be muddy after rain.

Do I need to book?

No booking or permits. Groups over 10 should notify the state natural areas office.

Where do I park?

Small free gravel lot on East Robertson Road east of Cross Plains village.

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