David “Davey” Crockett (“King of the Wild Frontier”) was a 19th-century frontiersman, soldier, and politician. He died at the Battle of the Alamo and is memorialized in song and on stage as a folk hero. The park bearing his name is a fitting tribute to his legend.
Facts and figures
- The 1,319-acre park has a museum with exhibits depicting Crockett’s life here and a water-powered grist mill.
- Swimmers can cool off in Lake Lindsey or, in summer months, in an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a modern bathhouse and a wading pool for children.
- The park has two campgrounds with more than 100 campsites, including eight primitive sites.
- The park’s seven cabins were the first state park cabins to receive LEED Silver certification.
History
In 1817, along the banks of Shoal Creek, Crockett established a powdermill, a gristmill and a distillery. All were washed away in a flood in September 1821. Those losses caused Crockett to move to West Tennessee where he was elected to Congress. While in Washington, he fought for his people’s right to keep land they had settled on in the new frontier of West Tennessee.
The park was established in 1959 on 1,100 acres of land that includes the site where Crockett had his mills and distillery.
Things to see and do
There are approximately 10 miles of natural and paved hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. The trails wind past Shoal Creek and Crockett Falls, limestone bluffs, abundant wildlife and serene forest.
The 40 acre Lake Lindsey is ideal for fishing (those 13 and older need a valid Tennessee fishing license) or cooling off. Paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and fishing boats are available for rent. The park has an onsite restaurant that overlooks the scenic lake. The restaurant features home-style cooking from the buffet or menu.
The park hosts annual events including David Crockett Days (second weekend in August), Halloween History Trail, Winter Speaker Series, Glow in the Park 5K and a weekly program schedule throughout the summer months.
Best time to go
The park is about two hours south-west of Nashville, so while weekends can get crowded, the ample campsites mean you’ll usually have options year-round, though you should call ahead on summer weekends.
