Bledsoe Creek State Park in Tennessee, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-30. Check linked official notices before travel.

Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin, Tennessee, brings wooded trails and wetland watching to the shore of Old Hickory Lake. This day-visit guide focuses on choosing a walk, reaching the park with a larger vehicle, and using the lake launch points.

Highlights

The protected wetland gives a short visit a clear focus: look out from the Observation Boardwalk, Birdsong Trail, or Shoreline Trail. High Ridge Trail adds a different perspective above the lakeshore, with a 1.3-mile route and 120 feet of elevation change.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety information

High Ridge Trail has steep stairs, and bridges can be slippery when wet. The park recommends durable footwear and hiking sticks. Cell service is intermittent, so have your route available before setting out.

The park also posts a warning for camping guests about squirrels chewing propane lines and electrical wires. Anyone bringing a camper should discuss this active notice with park staff.

For lake outings, TWRA boating guidance requires a wearable life jacket for every person, including in canoes and kayaks. Children age 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on an open deck unless the boat is anchored, moored, or aground.

Visit responsibly

Protect the wetland by following the park's Leave No Trace guidance. If you use a picnic fire ring, follow the firewood policy: buy wood at the park, and do not bring untreated firewood from elsewhere.

Reservations and permits

For a group picnic, the park has two reservable pavilions. Full-day bookings can be made online or through the park up to one year ahead, with payment. Shelter 1 holds 30 people; Shelter 2 holds 100.

Maps, location, and access

The park office and visitor center are at 400 Zieglers Fort Road, Gallatin, TN 37066. RV drivers should approach by Highway 25, using Airport Road or Highway 231 as appropriate for their direction. The park advises avoiding Brights Lane, Cairo Road, and Gallatin Square on East Main Street.

Use the official park highlights and access advice to compare the trail areas before arrival.

Nearby parks

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a separate road trip south toward Lebanon, with its office at 328 Cedar Forest Road. Long Hunter State Park is toward Hermitage, with its office at 2910 Hobson Pike. These are regional driving options; check the local road route when planning your day.

Things to do

For a hill-and-shore walk, the park's ranger route starts at the Connector Trail across from the visitor center and follows High Ridge before descending the stairs toward Shoreline. Choose it with the stair climb and any flood closures in mind. The Mayo Wix storybook route starts behind the visitor center.

With your own kayak, the park paddling page identifies the public ramp, courtesy dock, and back ramp as launch options. It also lists guided clear-kayak outings through Get Up and Go Kayaking.

Facilities and accessibility

The park lists a playground, gift shop, EV charging, an adult-sized changing table, and an all-terrain wheelchair. One mile of trail is paved. Contact staff about the specific route and equipment you need, especially where a hill route includes stairs.

About the park

Bledsoe Creek's landscape combines hardwood woodland, lake shoreline, and a protected wetland. Those settings make a ridge walk and a quiet birdwatching stop different ways to spend the same visit.

History

The park was established in 1973 and named for Anthony and Isaac Bledsoe, long hunters and settlers in the region. The official history also recognizes the Cherokee, Chickamauga, Creek, and Shawnee peoples' earlier use of the area.

Wildlife and habitats

The wetland supports blue herons and egrets. Barred owls may be heard around Mayo Wix Trail, while a pawpaw grove grows where High Ridge meets the Connector Trail. Look and listen without expecting a sighting.

Contact

Use the official Bledsoe Creek State Park page for alerts and visitor information. Call 615-452-3706; reservations and information are also available at 888-867-2757.