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Entry 112: Montgomery Bell State Park: History, Hiking, and Hidden Stories in Middle Tennessee

Discovering Montgomery Bell State Park:

History, Hiking, and Sacred Spaces in Tennessee



Montgomery Bell State Park, nestled in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, offers more than scenic beauty—it’s a place where history, nature, and memory converge. On a recent visit, I explored five deeply meaningful sites across the park: the visitor center and wildlife rehab center, the Montgomery Bell Trail, the historic Birthplace Shrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Laurel Furnace Workers Cemetery, and the filming location of Ernest Goes to Camp. Each place tells a story—of the land, of the people, and of our shared connection to both.

Whether you’re planning a visit to this iconic Tennessee state park or reflecting on the importance of preserving public lands, here’s a closer look at five unforgettable stops within Montgomery Bell.



A Gateway to Stewardship: The Visitor Center and Wildlife Rehabilitation

The Montgomery Bell State Park Visitor Center welcomes guests with a modern design and deep reverence for the park’s history and ecology. Inside, exhibits share the story of the land—its flora, fauna, and past. Adjacent to the center is an animal recovery and rehab facility, where visitors learn about local wildlife and the park’s role in conservation.

This space reminded me that parks aren’t just recreational—they’re restorative. They heal. They protect. They educate.

“To know a place is to love it, and to love it is to protect it.” – Aldo Leopold



The Montgomery Bell Trail: A Walk Through Time

The Montgomery Bell Trail is a loop of serenity, winding through hardwood forest, beside creeks, and across timeworn bridges. Every footfall seemed to echo with history. The filtered sunlight, the shifting shadows, and the hushed rustle of leaves created an immersive experience that felt like both a journey and a homecoming.

This trail is more than a path—it is a reminder that nature speaks, and if we slow down, we can still hear it.

“A place belongs forever to whoever claims it hardest… remembers it most obsessively… loves it so radically.” – Joan Didion


 

The Birthplace Shrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

In a quiet clearing stands a log chapel—unassuming, but extraordinary. This is the Birthplace Shrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a reconstructed homage to Rev. Samuel McAdow’s early 19th-century cabin, where the church was founded.

Built in 1956 and consecrated by the fellowship of over 100 worshipers a year later, the site now includes a chapel, a monument tower, and twin monuments dedicated in 2010 to honor both the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

To walk this land is to feel the weight of legacy—of conviction, community, and enduring faith.



 

Laurel Furnace Workers Cemetery: A Hidden Story in the Forest

Tucked away along the trail lies the Laurel Furnace Workers Cemetery. Here, in quiet woods, lie the graves of furnace laborers whose names have been largely lost to history. Their resting place, marked by aging stones and forest growth, is a solemn reminder of Tennessee’s early industrial laborers and their quiet, often overlooked contributions.

This small plot of land tells a story not of grand moments, but of ordinary lives that mattered.

“A place is not truly known until we’ve walked it with memory and reverence.” – Wendell Berry



Ernest Goes to Camp: A Nostalgic Stop at a Pop Culture Landmark

As a child, I adored Ernest P. Worrell. His goofy charm, his big heart, and his unforgettable catchphrases were a staple of my childhood movie nights. My family and I watched all the films, but Ernest Goes to Camp—his first big adventure—was the most special.

To stand where that movie was filmed, right here in Montgomery Bell State Park, brought back waves of nostalgia. I could almost hear his voice, feel the laughter, and remember a simpler, sweeter time.

“Gee, I'm glad it's raining. It makes my face wet so no one can see me cry.” – Ernest P. Worrell
“We are made by places as much as we make them—sometimes with a laugh, sometimes with awe.” – Rebecca Solnit



A Brief History of Tennessee State Parks

The story of Tennessee State Parks began in 1937, when the state established its first state park system in partnership with the Civilian Conservation Corps. These early efforts were grounded in the belief that public lands should serve the people—for recreation, education, conservation, and connection.

Today, Tennessee boasts 56 state parks across more than 135,000 acres. From the rugged mountains of Fall Creek Falls to the historic trails of Fort Pillow, the system preserves not just landscapes, but stories—of struggle, survival, culture, and natural beauty.

Montgomery Bell is one of the crown jewels of that system—a place where nature, history, and spirit meet. Whether you come to hike, reflect, or simply stand still and listen, you’ll find yourself part of something enduring.


Planning Your Visit

Montgomery Bell State Park
1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029
tnstateparks.com/parks/montgomery-bell

Whether you’re chasing childhood memories, seeking spiritual stillness, or simply exploring a new trail, Montgomery Bell State Park offers a journey into the heart of Tennessee—and maybe, a little deeper into yourself.


5 Family-Friendly Attractions Nearby

  1. Adventureworks Zipline Forest – Family-friendly ziplining experience just minutes from the park.

  2. The Storytellers Museum and Hideaway Farm – Explore Johnny Cash’s legacy in nearby Bon Aqua.

  3. Dickson Williams Park – Great playgrounds, walking trails, and open space for picnics and play.

  4. Renaissance Center in Dickson – A community arts and education center offering theater and visual arts.

  5. Loretta Lynn’s Ranch (Hurricane Mills) – A bit farther out, but worth a day trip for fans of country music and outdoor fun.


5 Local Places to Eat Nearby

  1. Back Alley BBQ (Dickson) – Authentic Southern barbecue with a cozy, rustic vibe.

  2. House Blend (Dickson) – A relaxed café with sandwiches, soups, and excellent coffee.

  3. Zander’s Woodfired Pizza – Local favorite offering artisan-style pizzas and salads.

  4. Fussell’s Shop-n-Fill (Burns) – A surprising gem known for homestyle breakfasts and burgers.

  5. Mesquite Mexican Grill (Dickson) – Fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine with family-friendly service.



Labels:
Location: Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA

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