🌤 Weather at Old Forest State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44–82 °F | 70–92 °F | 43–86 °F | 33–56 °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 Intl Airport, 6 mi away, elevation 254 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 126-Acre Memphis Old-Growth — Ancient forest within Overton Park — a national conservation landmark
Old Forest State Natural Area preserves 126 acres of old-growth forest within Overton Park in midtown Memphis — one of the largest and most significant urban old-growth forests in the United States. The forest was the subject of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe (1971), which established a precedent for protecting public parkland from highway construction that influenced environmental law nationwide.
The forest contains trees estimated at 200-300+ years old, including massive oaks, tulip poplars, and American beeches that predate European settlement of Memphis. A network of walking trails threads through the canopy, providing an immersive old-growth experience in the heart of the city.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Overton Park, Memphis, TN |
| Size | 126 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Forest | Old-growth (200-300+ year trees) |
| Legal Landmark | Supreme Court: Overton Park v. Volpe (1971) |
| Trails | Network of walking paths |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Overton Park Supreme Court case?
In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could not route Interstate 40 through Overton Park without exhausting all alternatives. This landmark decision strengthened protections for public parks nationwide and is taught in every American law school.
How did a Supreme Court case save the forest?
In 1971, the US Supreme Court ruled in Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe that the federal government could not route Interstate 40 through the park without proving no feasible alternative existed. The landmark decision strengthened environmental law nationwide and permanently protected the Old Forest. It’s considered one of the most important environmental legal victories in US history.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lucius Burch Jr. Forest State Natural Area is a short drive away, and T.O. Fuller State Park is a short drive away.
🌳 Visit Old Forest SNA
126 acres of ancient forest in Memphis — saved by the Supreme Court, older than the city.
Insider Tips
Memphis old-growth: The Old Forest in Overton Park is one of the largest old-growth urban forests in the US — 126 acres of forest that has never been logged, right in the middle of Memphis. Pro tip: The forest supports 340+ plant species and 172 tree species — more tree species per acre than the Great Smoky Mountains. Saved by protest: The forest was nearly destroyed for a highway in the 1970s — a Supreme Court case (Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe, 1971) saved it.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Wildflower bloom and warbler migration. Fall: Diverse foliage from 172+ tree species. Summer: Cool shade. Winter: Tree architecture study — every species is different.
Wildlife & Nature
Old Forest SNA — in Overton Park, Memphis — preserves a 126-acre old-growth forest in the heart of the city — one of the largest urban old-growth forests in the US. The park’s ancient oaks, beeches, and tulip poplars support barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and Cooper’s hawks.
Nearby Attractions
Memphis Zoo — adjacent. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art — adjacent. Beale Street — 3 miles south. Graceland — 10 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Old 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 Old 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 Old Forest State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
