🌤 Weather at Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–79 °F | 62–90 °F | 33–84 °F | 26–52 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Gladeville, 8 mi away, elevation 600 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area is a Class II Natural Scientific State Natural Area of about 190 acres in Rutherford County, Tennessee, near La Vergne. It lies on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land at J. Percy Priest Lake.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | Class II Natural Scientific State Natural Area (TDEC) |
| Size | About 190 acres (TDEC boundary data) |
| County | Rutherford County |
| Managed by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (TDEC natural area data) |
| Namesake | Elsie Quarterman (1910–2014), Vanderbilt University plant ecologist |
About the Namesake
Elsie Quarterman joined the biology faculty of Vanderbilt University in 1944 and was the first woman to chair an academic department there. In 1969 she found living plants of the Tennessee coneflower, a species thought to be extinct (Women in Academia Report). Much of her work focused on the cedar glades of Middle Tennessee. She died in June 2014 at age 103 (Vanderbilt University).
Keep exploring: The closest park profiles are Long Hunter State Park and Mount View Glade State Natural Area, each about 3 miles away. Distances are straight-line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elsie Quarterman?
She was a plant ecologist and Vanderbilt University biology professor who joined the faculty in 1944, was the first woman to chair a Vanderbilt department, focused much of her work on the cedar glades of Middle Tennessee and found living Tennessee coneflowers in 1969, when the species was thought to be extinct.
Where is Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area?
It is in Rutherford County, Tennessee, near La Vergne, about 3 miles south of Long Hunter State Park in a straight line.
Who manages the land?
TDEC’s natural area data list the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the managing agency. The federal PAD-US database places the site within the Corps’ J. Percy Priest Recreation Area and the Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area, which the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages on Corps land.
Before you go: Check current access with the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas on its page for Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
