Photo credit: TN Division of Forestry

Size: 24,686 acres / 9,990 ha. 

Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee in Marion County, along the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga and is a very popular destination for visitors.

The property for Prentice Cooper was acquired by simple purchase between 1938 and 1944. The site was proclaimed a State Forest in 1945.

Regulated forests make up 69% of the tract and the remainder is protected by conservation designations. Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurs in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered large-flowered skullcap.

Management activities of the forest focus primarily on sustainable timber management, forest management demonstration, and wildlife habitat improvement, while also maintaining recreational opportunities for the public. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division has provided labor and portions of the forest for various types of research in collaboration with the University of Tennessee.

The forest also includes several in-holdings owned by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and 3 cemeteries.

There are 35 miles of hiking trails and the area includes the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There  are two designated camping areas. Recreational activities also include bird watching, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, OHV use in designated areas, and hunting.

https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/state-forests/prentice-cooper.html