The park was named for General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the intrepid Confederate cavalry leader, who on November 4, 1864, attacked and destroyed the federal supply and munitions depot at (Old) Johnsonville at the mouth of Trace Creek. His operations were concentrated along the river in the vicinity of the park and the town of Eva. In 1929 the park was dedicated to Nathan Bedford Forrest on land acquired in part from Benton County. Forrest was one of the greatest military tacticians and leader of the American Civil War.
Pilot Knob, the highest elevation in West Tennessee, houses the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center. The center features the life, ways and customs of folks on the Tennessee River and includes musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, and more. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the gift shop that offers a large variety of TN State Park souvenirs and other items.
The park has a full-time ranger-naturalist who conducts regularly scheduled programs throughout the summer months and special programs on request the rest of the year. Programs include campfires, movies, slide shows, guided tours, demonstrations, and arts and crafts. Several interesting natural and cultural exhibits are featured at the park office. Programs that are offered year-round and travel to schools include: Birds of Prey, Civil War History, River Culture, Native Plants and Animals, Nature Films and Indian Life.
Directions: Take Exit 126 on I-40 and travel North on Hwy 641 for 15 miles to Camden. Turn right on Highway 70 East (do not take the 70 By-pass) at the traffic signal. Follow the signs to the park. For specific directions, see http://www.mapquest.com
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This site was last updated 05/31/06