Long Hunter State Park

The 2,600 acres which make up this area became a state park in 1974 and has four sections, Couchville, Baker’s Grove, Bryant Grove and Sellars Farm. Long Hunter State Park offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing and hiking and has two boat launch ramps on J. Percy Priest Lake, a group camp, a backcountry campsite, meeting facility and a visitor center. The more than 20 miles of hiking trails provide a variety of terrain and habitats and range from pleasant strolls to longer jaunts for the more adventurous. Trails include a self-guided, paved arboretum trail and the five and a half -mile Volunteer Trail that follows the lakeshore.

Sellar's Farm State Archaeological Area is a family-friendly attraction for history enthusiasts interested in learning more about this area. Sellars Farm is one of the few Native American mounds in Tennessee that is protected under government ownership. Based on artifacts discovered at Sellars Farm, the community appears to have been occupied during the Mississippian Period around 900 AD until about 1500 AD. There’s a short loop trail around the farm which is a good hike for guests with children and offers a unique learning experience. Sellar's Farm is located on Poplar Hill Road, Watertown, Tenn. 37184 and is a satellite of Long Hunter State Park.

Activities

SWIMMING
Unsupervised swimming is allowed at Bryant Grove in the designated swimming beach area. Swimming in Couchville Lake and in the area of boat ramps is prohibited. Visitors should use caution as the lake bottom is hazardous and you must swim at your own risk.

BOATING
J. Percy Priest Lake, a 14,000 acre reservoir borders the park and is one of middle Tennessee favorite attractions for fishing, waterskiing, wave runners, pontoons and paddle sports. Enjoy Couchville Lake's tranquil 110 acres by renting jon boats and canoes during the summer months. Couchville Lake is open year round and the boat dock is open seasonally.

HIKING
Approximately twenty-five miles of easy to moderate hiking trails range from one mile to six miles, covering terrain from cedar glades to oak-hickory forest to bluff overlooks. Couchville’s two mile paved Lake Trail is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. Maps available at each park unit. Day hikers must exit trails by sunset.

BIKING
The Jones Mill Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Bryant Grove Recreation Area.

FISHING
Spring is a great time to fish for bass, crappie, White Bass, and Hybrid Striped Bass on J. Percy Priest Lake (14,000 acre reservoir). Fishing for catfish and bream is productive year round.

Campground

GROUP CAMPS

Organized groups can reserve three primitive campsites containing picnic tables, fire rings, nearby water and access to the park office restroom. Please call the park office for availability, pricing, and reservations.

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Long Hunter has two primitive campsites for tent camping only, each site has a designated fire ring. Both sites are wooded, offering shade, they are located on the shoreline of J.Percy Priest Lake.

A 6-mile hike is required to reach the sites, beginning at the parking lot, using the Day Loop/Volunteer Trailhead. Backpacking equipment is strongly suggested. There is no running water, electricity, restrooms or heated showers available. Water must be filtered from natural sources or carried in. The campsites are open year-round. Campsite capacity ranges from 8-10 persons.