🌤 Weather at Hill Forest State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–77 °F | 64–87 °F | 37–82 °F | 28–52 °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 Warner Park, 1 mi away, elevation 625 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Hill Forest State Natural Area is a Class II Natural Scientific State Natural Area of about 221 acres in Davidson County, Tennessee. It lies inside the Nashville-Davidson city limits, about 3 miles southwest of Belle Meade, and is part of Edwin Warner Park. Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation runs it, not Tennessee State Parks. The EPA places it in the Outer Nashville Basin ecoregion (Level IV), part of the Interior Plateau.
Friends of Warner Parks describes the Hill Forest as one of the largest protected tracts of uncut forest within an urban setting in the United States. The nonprofit bought the land in 2009 and transferred ownership to Metro Parks. In 2010 the Tennessee General Assembly recognized 225 acres of it as a state natural area, adding protection for its old-growth forest.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | Class II Natural Scientific State Natural Area (TDEC) |
| Size | About 221 acres (TDEC boundary data) |
| County | Davidson County |
| Ecoregion | Outer Nashville Basin (EPA Level IV) |
| Managed by | Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation, as part of Edwin Warner Park (Metro Parks; TDEC data) |
| Access | By appointment only (Metro Parks) |
Keep exploring: The closest park profiles are Radnor Lake State Park (about 6 miles), Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (about 9 miles) and Beaman Park State Natural Area (about 12 miles). Distances are straight-line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hill Forest State Natural Area?
It is in Davidson County, Tennessee, about 3 miles southwest of Belle Meade. The closest park profile on this site is Radnor Lake State Park, about 6 miles away in a straight line.
Who owns the land at Hill Forest State Natural Area?
Metro Parks owns it. Friends of Warner Parks bought the land in 2009 and transferred ownership to Metro Parks, and the natural area is part of Edwin Warner Park. TDEC’s data also list the land as municipal.
Can I visit Hill Forest State Natural Area?
Only by appointment. Metro Parks lists the natural area as accessible by appointment only and refers visitors to the Warner Park Nature Center at 615-862-8555. Friends of Warner Parks says access is limited to permits and guided programs led by trained staff and volunteers. It caps the number of visitors per month, postpones hikes after heavy rain or on saturated soil and leads no hikes in the summer months.
Before you go: Book a visit through the Warner Park Nature Center (615-862-8555) or a guided hike listed by Friends of Warner Parks.
