Head of the Crow State Park

  • Sunlight peeking through lush trees over a jagged cliff.
    Matt Morrison
  • Head of the Crow State Park, located in Franklin County, spans 4,258 acres. The park contains the headwaters of Crow Creek and offers a karst landscape sprawling with hardwood forests, caves, sinkholes, and rare wildlife. Highlights include the Sewanee Natural Bridge, a 50-foot sandstone arch that frames Lost Cove, and Buggytop Cave, one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee. The park is also home to the extremely rare Painted Tigersnail, found only within a 10-mile radius of the area.

    Explore the Park

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    Safety and Accessibility

    • Safety at the Park

      With over 1,000 feet of elevation change across the park, proper hydration is essential. Visitors are encouraged to review trail mileage before beginning their hike. The terrain is steep and rocky and sturdy, appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Ticks are common throughout the park; wearing long pants and using insect repellent can help reduce exposure. Rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, and anole lizards are among the wildlife inhabiting the area and should always be given adequate space. Additionally, hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park, so wearing bright colors during hunting seasons is strongly advised.

    • Accessibility

      Head of the Crow State Park welcomes visitors of all abilities and is part of Tennessee State Parks’ ongoing efforts to make outdoor experiences more accessible for everyone. While much of the park’s terrain and trails are naturally rugged and may be challenging for mobility devices, Tennessee State Parks offers resources such as all-terrain wheelchairs that can be reserved in advance to help explore suitable routes and outdoor spaces. The park and the broader state parks system continue to work toward enhanced accessibility by providing detailed trail information, improving signage, and offering amenities that support inclusive access where possible. Visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the park ahead of their visit for the most current information and assistance.

    Park Activities

    Happenings

    Contact Information

    • Park Office & Visitor Center
      Address

      17 Lake O'Donnell Rd
      Sewanee, TN 37375
      United States

      Phone number
      Additional Information

      Reservations & Information 
      1-888-TN-PARKS
      1-888-867-2757
       

    • Natural Bridge Trailhead
      Address

      591 Natural Bridge Road
      Sewanee, TN 37375
      United States

    • Sherwood Day Loop Trailhead & Tom Pack Trailhead
      Address

      2036 Old C C C Rd
      Sewanee, TN 37375
      United States

    • Buggytop Cave Trailhead
      Address

      8398 Sherwood Rd (Hwy 56)
      Sherwood, TN 37376
      United States