State Park

Nathan Bedford Forrest Dog Policy

Name: Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Address: TN

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is Dog Friendly

Trails

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Campground

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, originally built by the Works Progress Administration during the Depression, is now a Tennessee State Park featuring the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum at Pilot Knob, one of West Tennessee’s highest points. The center highlights the traditions of Tennessee River life, including musseling, crafts, and commercial fishing, with videos and a gift shop available. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails and a variety of overnight stays, including cabins overlooking Kentucky Lake, RV and primitive camping, youth group sites, and backcountry shelters.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is dog friendly, and dogs are allowed throughout while on a leash.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below).

Website: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/nathan-bedford-forrest
BARK Ranger: Yes ^[]

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed on the 20 miles of hiking trails while on leash.

Campground Policy

Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds while on a leash. The park has a variety of campgrounds, including powered RV sites and backcountry sites.

BARK Ranger

Bark Ranger is a great program offered at many National Park Service destinations. It teaches dog owners how to explore parks responsibly with their dogs, and participants often receive a special reward after completing the program. Many parks offer a Bark Ranger dog tag, sometimes free and sometimes available for purchase, while others may provide a bandana, sticker, certificate, or another park-specific item. To get started, stop by a park office or visitor center and ask for the Bark Ranger checklist. Once you and your dog complete the activities, return the checklist to receive or purchase the reward offered at that park. See the link below for more details.

B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:

B: Bag your poop: Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
A: Always wear a leash: Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
R: Respect wildlife: Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
K: Know where to go: Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.

We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.