Big Cypress Tree State Park in Tennessee, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Cypress Tree State Park protects bottomland forest in Weakley County, near Greenfield, Tennessee. This is a 330-acre Tennessee state park, separate from Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve. Plan a woodland day visit built around the boardwalk and picnic area, but check flood conditions before relying on either the boardwalk or River Trail.

Highlights of the bottomland forest

The boardwalk takes visitors into the seasonally flooded hardwood forest. It offers a way to observe wetland habitat without leaving the designated route. Do not arrive expecting to see the enormous tree that gave the park its name: the historic “Tennessee Titan” died after a lightning strike in 1976 and is no longer present.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety information

Treat a flood closure as a limit on your route. Do not continue beyond a barrier or step into the wetland to get around a closed section. Stay on the marked paths and follow posted warnings, even when another part of the park remains usable.

Visit responsibly

Keep dogs leashed and protect the wetland plants beside the walkway. Watch animals from the designated route rather than entering pools or sloughs. The state natural area is part of the park; its boundaries do not describe the entire 330-acre property.

Reservation policies

The official pavilion reservation service accepts bookings up to one year ahead. Cancellation eight or more days before the reserved date carries a USD $5 fee. At seven days or less, all paid fees are forfeited. Ask staff to arrange a ranger-led school-group boardwalk program rather than assuming a tour runs on arrival.

Maps, location, and road access

Use 295 Big Cypress Road, Greenfield, TN 38230, for the park office. From Jackson, the state directions follow US 45E north through Greenfield, then Kimery Store Road toward the park entrance. The official park page provides the park map and current contact information. Check the route against local signs before turning onto smaller roads.

Nearby protected areas

For another regional stop by road, consider Reelfoot Lake State Park near Tiptonville or Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge near Union City. These are separate protected areas with separate access arrangements. Choose the visitor entrance first and check its notices before extending the day.

Things to do

Walk the boardwalk when conditions permit, watch for birds in the bottomland forest, and use the picnic area for a meal. A school group can request a ranger program about the park’s history or floodplain ecology. Build an alternative plan if high water closes the woodland route.

Facilities and accessibility

The visitor center has accessible parking, ramps, and accessible restrooms. The park also lists a playground and paved paths suitable for wheelchair users. The pavilion has five picnic tables, two grills, water, electricity, and nearby parking and restrooms. Confirm the condition of the route you need before traveling for a specific accessibility requirement.

About the state park

Within the larger park, the 270-acre state natural area protects bottomland hardwoods and smaller wetland habitats. Some forest stands flood seasonally; others grow beside pools and sloughs that hold water for longer periods.

History

The natural area received its designation in 1973. Its former giant bald cypress, known as the Tennessee Titan, was killed by lightning in July 1976. The TDEC natural-area account explains the surviving habitat and the history of that lost tree.

Wildlife

Wood ducks, amphibians, and cottonmouths use the wetland pools and sloughs. Observe from the boardwalk and avoid reaching into water or vegetation for a closer look. Wildlife watching here depends on conditions and does not guarantee a sighting.

Contact

Park office: 731-235-2700. Address: 295 Big Cypress Road, Greenfield, TN 38230. Call before a special trip to confirm flood-related trail access or the current seasonal hours.