🌤 Weather at Sunnybell Cedar Glade State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–79 °F | 64–89 °F | 37–84 °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 Murfreesboro 5 N, 5 mi away, elevation 535 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Cedar Glade Preserve — Nashville Basin cedar glade supporting rare limestone-adapted flora
Sunnybell Cedar Glade State Natural Area preserves a cedar glade in the Nashville Basin, named for the sunny, bell-shaped wildflowers that bloom on its thin limestone soils. The glade’s globally rare ecosystem supports endemic plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Nashville Basin, TN |
| Habitat | Cedar glade (endemic species) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sunnybell?
Sunnybell likely refers to Schoenolirion croceum (yellow sunnybell), a native wildflower found in cedar glade habitats. It blooms in spring with bright yellow bell-shaped flowers.
About Sunnybell Cedar Glade
Sunnybell Cedar Glade State Natural Area in Rutherford County protects limestone cedar glade habitat. The name “sunnybell” references the sunnybell (Schoenolirion croceum), a wildflower that blooms in these glades. Cedar glades are Tennessee’s most globally significant plant community.
Sunnybell Cedar Glade State Natural Area in Rutherford County protects another globally rare cedar glade ecosystem in the Nashville Basin. Named for the sunnybell (Schoenolirion croceum) that blooms here, the glade supports a dozen endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The thin limestone soils create extreme conditions — flooded in winter, baked to 140°F in summer — that have driven speciation over millions of years.
Things to Do
Viewing the sunnybell and other endemic glade plants, botanical photography, and studying this globally unique ecosystem.
Viewing endemic wildflower species (spring is peak bloom), observing the globally rare cedar glade, nature photography, and studying the extreme limestone ecosystem that drives speciation.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Walterhill Floodplain State Natural Area is a short drive away, and Gattinger's Cedar Glade & Barrens State Natural Area is a short drive away.
🌼 Visit Sunnybell Cedar Glade SNA
Nashville Basin cedar glade — named for its sunny bell-shaped wildflowers.
Wildlife & Nature
Sunnybell Cedar Glade SNA — preserves a cedar glade ecosystem named for the Sunnybell (Schoenolirion croceum), a wildflower. The park’s limestone outcrops and thin soils support endemic plants. Eastern fence lizards bask on the warm rock.
Nearby Attractions
Smyrna — about 5 miles west. Murfreesboro — about 8 miles south. Walterhill Floodplain State Natural Area — about 4 miles southeast. Gattinger’s Cedar Glade & Barrens State Natural Area — about 6 miles northeast. Distances are straight-line.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sunnybell 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 Sunnybell 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
