🌿 Exploring Tennessee's Newest State Park: Head of the Crow

Tucked away in Franklin County, Head of the Crow State Park spans more than 4,200 acres of rugged Tennessee beauty. This hidden gem protects the headwaters of Crow Creek and showcases a classic karst landscape filled with caves, sinkholes, springs, and hardwood forests that support rare wildlife.

From sandstone arches to vast cave systems, the park offers a glimpse into some of the state’s most fascinating geological and ecological wonders. Two of its standout features, the Sewanee Natural Bridge and Buggytop Cave, are among Tennessee’s most stunning natural landmarks. The Sewanee Natural Bridge is a 50-foot sandstone arch that frames the scenic Lost Cove below, while Buggytop Cave boasts one of the largest cave openings in the state.

Visitors might even spot one of the region’s rarest residents, the Painted Tigersnail, a brilliantly patterned species found only within a 10-mile radius of this area.

🌳 A Network of Protected Natural Areas

Head of the Crow State Park brings together four distinct state natural areas, each preserving a unique piece of Tennessee’s natural heritage.

• Sherwood Forest State Natural Area (3,075 acres)Sherwood Forest protects critical habitats for several federally endangered and threatened species, including the Morefield’s Leather Flower and the Painted Tigersnail. The forested landscape offers a quiet retreat for hikers and nature lovers while supporting remarkable biodiversity.

• Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee Carter State Natural Area (931 acres)This area features a sprawling cave system that stretches from Lost Cove to the headwaters of Crow Creek. The streams here vanish into underground channels, traveling for more than a mile before reappearing at the impressive entrance of Buggytop Cave, a favorite destination for adventurous visitors.

• Natural Bridge State Natural Area (1 acre)Though small in size, this site highlights a spectacular sandstone arch that rises 25 feet high and spans 50 feet across. The Natural Bridge provides a beautiful overlook of Lost Cove and a nearby wet-weather spring.

• Hawkins Cove State Natural Area (249 acres)Hawkins Cove protects populations of Cumberland rosinweed, a rare sunflower species that grows only on the Cumberland Plateau. The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee originally preserved this land before transferring it to the state to ensure long-term protection.

🌄 Experience Tennessee’s Wild Side

Whether you are drawn by geology, rare wildlife, or the peaceful seclusion of the forest, Head of the Crow State Park offers a truly unique Tennessee adventure. From hiking and photography to simply soaking in the quiet beauty of Lost Cove, this park invites visitors to explore the natural wonders that make South Central Tennessee so special.

📍 Head of the Crow State Park, Sewanee, TN

🗺️ Learn more about Tennessee’s state parks and natural areas at ExperienceTN.com.