Things to Do in Cedars of Lebanon State Park
SIGHTSEEING
Located in Wilson County, Cedars of Lebanon State Park is part of Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. The park is named for eastern red cedar trees found throughout the area which remined early American settlers of the famed Biblical cedar forests that thrived across Mount Lebanon.
Cedars of Lebanon State Forest is known for its cedar glades, a unique type of ecosystem that has adapted to the thin (or nonexistent) soil layers that often occur in the eastern Central Basin. These glades are typically flanked by thick stands of red cedar, a type of juniper tree that can survive in soil layers too thin to support most large wooded plants.
The 1,139-acre park features 117 campsites equipped with picnic tables and grills, electric and water hookups with an additional 30 tent and pop-up campsites available. There’s also a modern group lodge called Cedar Forest Lodge, open year-around for organized group and is popular for Cedars of Lebanon State Park wedding. There are also a number of cabins throughout the state park.
Sadie Ford Heritage Farm and Art Center is a museum that occupies 73.3 acres opposite the entrance to Cedars of Lebanon State Park. The house and outbuildings, including a milking barn, livestock barn, and corncrib, are characteristic of an early-to-mid 20th-century working farm that will bring you back to old times. The property contains natural cedar glade, barrens, and woodland communities which represent a cultural landscape with a high level of historic integrity.
Cedar Forest Lodge
ONE DAY TRIP IDEA
There are a lot of enjoyable activities available in Cedars of Lebanon State Park. You can visit the historic museum of Sadie Ford Heritage Farm and Art Center just across the entrance. The museum is recommended for kids, so don’t forget to bring your children to the state park.
Another option your kids would absolutely love is the disc golf course. It is an 18-hole short course landscaped through cedar woods with limestone karst topography. The throws are short but technical. The course stays busy year-round and is used frequently by local disc golfers. Make sure your family doesn’t miss the chance to try it!
When it comes to state park, then hiking is a must! Ten miles of hiking trails stretch through the forests and glades. Enjoy the glimpses of wilderness creatures like fox, deer, and turkey throughout the park. For an easy walk, you can start from the Ceder Forest Trailhead and proceed through the Cedar Forest Trail. There are also other trails available including Dixon Merritt Trail, Hidden Springs Trail, and Limestone Sinks Trail which offer you differing facades of the park landscape. There’s also Jackson Cave, one of the park’s premier attractions which serves as the main surface vent for groundwater during wet weather as part of an underground karst network linking sinkholes and other cave openings.
Besides, there’s also Horse Trail which gives you offers access to the Cedars of Lebanon Forest by horseback riding only. Another option for your planned vacation can also include birding. The forests consist of cedar glades, unique habitats that support rare or endemic plants, and attract birds of open country such as indigo bunting, prairie warbler, field sparrow and yellow-breasted chat.
CAMPING
Cedars of Lebanon State Park camping offers 117 campsites equipped with picnic tables and grills, electric and water hookups. There are an additional 30 tent and pop-up campsites available. A modern group lodge, open year-round for organized groups, has a total sleeping capacity of 80 people.
Some visitors love the campsites in section 3, especially between campsites 90 to 95. It is near facilities too where you can take a shower, wash your hands or brush your teeth. The bathrooms are on one side while the showers are on the back side. It is divided into 3 sections. Section 1 is for RVs only. Also, section 2 is gravel while section 3 a paved section. Both section 2 and section 3 are for RVs or tent sites.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park cabins are also available for your staying option as a perfect getaway from the mundane daily routine. Take a break and adore the beauty of nature for some days and you’ll feel so much refreshed later!
HEALTH ADVISORY
Due to the pandemic spread, it’s advised to not visit the park if you’re sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. You’re also encouraged to practice social distancing by maintaining at least six feet of separation between you and other visitors. And if the parks are full, consider coming back at a different time. Don’t forget to always wear your mask.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The park is open all year round, but you can especially enjoy many activities available during the summer. The Olympic-sized swimming pool at Cedars of Lebanon State Park is also open during summer. Spring and autumn would be perfect for hiking.
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Comfort Suites is a low-key all-suite hotel that is just 6 minutes-walk from discount shopping at Lebanon Premium Outlets and 2 miles from downtown Lebanon. Modern 1-bedroom suites come with 42-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. Some suites add pull-out sofas or whirlpool tubs. Hot breakfast and parking are free. There's also an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna and an exercise room, as well as a business center.
Another staying option for you is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lebanon. An 8-minute walk from Lebanon Premium Outlets, this casual hotel is also 2.9 miles from the Lebanon train station, offering service to downtown Nashville.
All of the contemporary rooms include microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers, as well as free WiFi, pillow-top mattresses, and flat-screen TVs with premium HD channels. Upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs, while suites feature separate living rooms. Kids 18 and under stay free with a parent or grandparent.
An outdoor pool and a fitness center are offered, plus there's an on-site market. Hot breakfast and parking are complimentary.
Comfort Suites Cedar of Lebanon State Park
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lebanon
BEST RESTAURANTS
The Glade Diner is an old-fashioned country style restaurant located in the Mt. Juliet area with plethora of food options. The staff are friendly, offering an excellent service. Some customers recommend the chicken sandwich along with a side as well as the catfish. The pie is one of many dessert options loved by all!
Though there’s Subway close by, you have to try paying a visit to the Ziggy's Pizza & Sandwich Shop. It’s an excellent local pizza joint with good local ownership, and in contrast with Subs, Ziggy’s is not a fast-food restaurant. So you’ll absolutely love the made-fresh pizza and calzones as well as subs of many variants such as the pot roast!
The Glade Diner
Ziggy's Pizza & Sandwich Shop
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
The Cedars of Lebanon Visitor Center is your best spot to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park. You’ll find a lot of cute local things for sale there.
Cedars of Lebanon Visitor Center
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