Cedars of Lebanon State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Cedars of Lebanon State Park — A unique Tennessee park named for its extensive eastern red cedar forests — featuring rare limestone glade ecosystems with globally unique plant species, 12.5 miles of bridle trails, over 100 campsites, caves, sinkholes, and a swimming pool.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Wilson County, Tennessee, protects one of the state’s most unusual landscapes — a vast forest of eastern red cedar trees growing atop a limestone bedrock riddled with caves, sinkholes, and open glades. The park’s limestone glade ecosystem is globally rare, supporting plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Beyond its ecological significance, the park is a popular destination for camping, horseback riding, disc golf, and nature exploration.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Wilson County, TN (near Lebanon) |
| Ecosystem | Eastern red cedar forest + limestone glades |
| Campsites | 100+ sites — electric/water hookups, grills, tables |
| Bridle Trails | 12.5 miles — dedicated trailhead with trailer parking |
| Cabins | Historic log cabin + group lodge |
Unique Geology
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Limestone Glades | Desert-like open clearings — globally rare ecosystem |
| Caves | Limestone caverns — visible from trails |
| Sinkholes | Deep depressions — stay on marked trails for safety |
| Unique Flora | Plant species found nowhere else in the world |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Multiple trails through cedar forest and limestone glades |
| Horseback Riding | 12.5 mi of bridle trails — bring your own horse |
| Camping | 100+ sites with hookups + cabin + group lodge |
| Swimming | Seasonal pool |
| Disc Golf | Course on-site |
| Nature Center | Educational exhibits on glade ecology |
| Picnicking | Multiple shelters available |
| Wildlife | Deer, wild turkey, fox, diverse bird species |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are limestone glades?
Limestone glades are open, rocky clearings where thin soil over limestone bedrock creates desert-like conditions. At Cedars of Lebanon, these glades support a unique plant community with species adapted to extreme heat, drought, and alkaline soils — some found nowhere else on Earth. The park’s Nature Center explains this rare ecosystem in detail.
Can I bring my horse to Cedars of Lebanon?
Yes — the park has 12.5 miles of marked bridle trails with a dedicated trailhead and large gravel parking area suitable for horse trailers, located on Stables Road at the southern end of the park. Bring your own water for horses. Multi-use trails are shared with hikers in some sections.
