Couchville Lake is a very popular recreation area within Long Hunter State Park. On my last visit to this Middle Tennessee park, I walked the Couchville Lake Trail, a paved path which encircles the lake. (1) The signs on the trail say it’s 2 miles, but the online map says 2.10. (2)
A kiosk says that the trail is an arboretum certified by The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council and The Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., but I couldn’t find it on TUFC’s online registry of arboreta. (3) Either way, you definitely will learn about trees on this trail.
While you walk, look for white rectangles with green leaves on the pavement. Next to each of these emblems is a marker with the name of a tree. Sometimes, the marked tree is a bit further back from the trail so be sure you don’t miss it.
If you’d like to learn more, you can get a free online brochure with information about each of these 45 marked trees. (4)
Look for the QR code at the kiosk to get the brochure before you begin. (5) The brochure says to walk the trail counter-clockwise if you want to follow along. (6)
There’s also a building with restrooms and a covered picnic area next to the parking lot.
The trail is flat. There are just a few places where the pavement has buckled creating small ridges (not pictured above) so anything on wheels will need to be able to get over these.
Pets are not allowed on the trail, and biking and skating isn’t permitted. (7) There are many benches and some small piers connected to the trail that overlook the lake.
On the last half of the trail, there is a covered seating area in case you get caught in the rain.
I really like the long bridge that crosses the lake. It’s on the last part of the trail, and it’s fun to look over the lake and see how far you’ve come.
At the end of the bridge that’s on the same side as the parking lot, I found this tree that’s bent at interesting angles.
Further down the trail, I saw this tree that split, then grew together, and then split again.
This is a really great, peaceful walk. I know it’s beautiful in the morning, and I bet you could spot some interesting wildlife then too. Maybe I’ll see you out there!
https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/Long_Hunter_web.png
Trail signs; https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/Long_Hunter_web.png
Couchville Lake Area kiosk; https://tufc.com/programs/tree/arboreta/search-arboreta/
“Couchville Lake Arboretum at Long Hunter State Park Self-Guided Tree Trail” brochure
Couchville Lake Area kiosk
“Couchville Lake Arboretum at Long Hunter State Park Self-Guided Tree Trail” brochure
Trail signs; https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/Long_Hunter_web.png 3/31/24