🌤 Weather at Prentice Cooper State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–78 °F | 65–88 °F | 41–83 °F | 32–54 °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 Whitwell-Sequatchie Vly, 9 mi away, elevation 1,020 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in Tennessee near Signal Mountain in Marion County and is managed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, not by Tennessee’s state park system. Spanning 24,459 acres and established in 1945, the forest offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Tennessee |
| Nearest City | Signal Mountain |
| County | Marion County |
| Park Size | 24,459 acres |
| Established | 1945 |
Location & Getting There
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located near Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The park’s coordinates are 35.1683, -85.4193.
Things to Do
Prentice Cooper covers 24,459 acres along the Tennessee River Gorge, about 10 miles west of Chattanooga, and takes in the south end of Cumberland Trail State Park. It has 35 miles of hiking trails, and the Division of Forestry also lists bird watching, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, OHV use on designated roads, and hunting. Snooper’s Rock is a popular overlook, and the 350-acre Hicks Gap Natural Area protects the federally endangered large-flowered skullcap.
Best Time to Visit
The forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Several roads close every year from December 20 to March 15 and from late April into July for turkey nesting. During managed deer and turkey hunts, the area west of State Highway 27 is closed to everyone except licensed hunters, while Edwards Point stays open, so check the hunt dates before you go.
Visitor Tips
Prentice Cooper is run by the Tennessee Division of Forestry, not Tennessee State Parks, so tnstateparks.com reservations do not apply. Camping at the Hunter Check Station and Davis Pond areas is primitive, first come, first served, and without sanitation facilities. Davis Pond campers must be in camp by sunset and stay until sunrise. The shooting range is open Thursday to Saturday in daylight and needs a TWRA permit unless you hold a Tennessee hunting license.
Explore More Tennessee State Parks
Looking for state parks in Tennessee? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Prentice Cooper SF — 26,000 acres on the Tennessee River Gorge near Chattanooga — provides rugged backcountry recreation. The park’s river gorge, bluffs, and forest support black bears, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes. Bald eagles soar above the gorge. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs.
Nearby Attractions
Chattanooga — 15 miles east — has the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain. Tennessee River Gorge — adjacent — “the Grand Canyon of Tennessee.” Signal Mountain — nearby.
More parks in Tennessee: Falling Water Falls State Natural Area and Booker T. Washington State Park. See the full Tennessee state parks guide.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Prentice Cooper State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
