🌤 Weather at Lucius Burch Jr. Forest State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–81 °F | 68–91 °F | 39–85 °F | 30–54 °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 Memphis Wfo, 3 mi away, elevation 310 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Memphis Old-Growth Forest — 130+ acres of ancient hardwood forest inside Memphis city limits
Lucius Burch Jr. Forest State Natural Area protects over 130 acres of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest within the city limits of Memphis — one of the largest urban old-growth forests in the southeastern United States. Named for Lucius Burch Jr. (1912–1996), a Memphis attorney and conservationist who championed civil rights and environmental causes, the forest contains towering oaks, hickories, and beeches that predate the founding of Memphis.
The forest is part of the Wolf River corridor and represents the kind of bottomland hardwood forest that once covered vast stretches of the Mississippi River floodplain. Its survival within one of America’s largest cities makes it an irreplaceable urban wilderness.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Memphis, TN (Wolf River corridor) |
| Size | 130+ acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Forest | Old-growth bottomland hardwood (pre-Memphis) |
| Namesake | Lucius Burch Jr. — civil rights & environmental advocate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hike in the forest?
Yes. The forest has walking trails through the old-growth canopy. The flat terrain makes it accessible to most fitness levels. Spring wildflower displays are excellent in April.
Why is Memphis important for bird migration?
Memphis sits at the intersection of the Mississippi Flyway and the Gulf Coast — billions of migratory birds funnel through this corridor. The Mississippi River bottomland forests provide critical stopover habitat for exhausted migrants crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Spring warbler migration (April-May) is spectacular along the Memphis bluffs.
More parks nearby: Old Forest State Natural Area is a short drive away, while Riverwoods State Natural Area lies a short drive away.
🌳 Visit Lucius Burch Jr. Forest SNA
130+ acres of ancient forest inside Memphis — urban old-growth on the Wolf River.
Insider Tips
Memphis greenspace: Lucius Burch Forest protects a rare tract of mature forest in Shelby County — an urban natural area near Memphis. Pro tip: The forest supports diverse bird life — Shelby County’s position on the Mississippi Flyway makes it one of Tennessee’s best birding regions. Memphis connection: Named for conservationist Lucius Burch Jr., a Memphis lawyer who helped preserve Wolf River bottomlands.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Warbler migration along the Mississippi Flyway. Fall: Fall migration and foliage. Summer: Breeding birds. Winter: Waterfowl on nearby Wolf River.
Wildlife & Nature
Lucius Burch Jr. Forest SNA — preserves bottomland hardwood forest along the Wolf River near Memphis. The park’s ancient oaks, river, and wetlands support barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and river otters. Great blue herons nest in rookeries. Prothonotary warblers sing from the swamp.
Nearby Attractions
Memphis — adjacent — has Beale Street, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Shelby Farms Park — nearby. T.O. Fuller SP — 15 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lucius Burch Jr. Forest 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 Lucius Burch Jr. Forest 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 Location
Plan your gear for Lucius Burch Jr. Forest State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
