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Prentice Cooper State Forest
Friday, March 15, 2024
| Other Names | Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area, Marion County, Tennessee River Gorge |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This state forest offers many miles of ATV trails that form long loops plus fantastic views of the Tennessee River. The trails are mostly wide and consist of hard packed dirt with light elevation changes. Some sections are a little rugged and feature the occasional obstacle and some loose chunk rock to keep things interesting. Most of the trails are rated easy to moderate and all vehicles types are permitted.
The forest has two designated campgrounds that provide direct trail access but small trailers are advised to stage at Hunters Check Station since there is more turnaround room then at Davis Pond. Hunters Check Station is located just before the forest gates and has about 15 wooded sites, each with a fire ring. There is an overflow gravel lot across from this campground where larger RVs can dry camp. Davis Pond is located further south and is basically an open grassy field with a pond, perfect for tent campers. There is no water or electric hookups but there is no fee charged to camp. Stays are limited to 14 days.
Visitors should note that this trail system is closed to offroad use from December 20 through March 15 and during scheduled turkey hunts, which is usually held in April. Tower Drive (south of Pot Point Road), Elder Point, Long Point and Inman Point trails are also closed to motorized use from late April through early July for turkey nesting season. Exact dates vary each year, so call first before heading out.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | No | |
| Dates Open | March 15 - December 19 | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | ||
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 Four Wheelers | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) permitted at Davis Pond Campground and Hunter's Check Station |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | No | riding hours sunrise to sunset |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | keep on designated trails |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 24,686 acres (39 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 50 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 600 to 1800 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud | Some | |
| Dust |  Little | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  All | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings |  Few | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Shade |  Many | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | State Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Crossroads Market (423) 658-9050 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Crossroads Market (423) 658-9050 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (S) | Raccoon Mountain RV Park and Campground (423) 821-9403 or (800) 823-2267 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (S) | Raccoon Mountain RV Park and Campground (423) 821-9403 or (800) 823-2267 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (S) | Raccoon Mountain RV Park and Campground (423) 821-9403 or (800) 823-2267 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Crossroads Market (423) 658-9050 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Chattanooga, TN | ||
| Address | Game Reserve Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | ||
| From: Chattanooga, TN
1) Take US-27 North about 2 miles to exit for US-127/Signal Mountain 2) Merge onto US-127/Signal Mountain Road, continue 1.7 miles 3) Turn left (west) onto Suck Creek Road, continue 8 miles 4) Turn left (west) onto Choctaw Trail, continue .2 miles 5) Turn left (south) onto Game Reserve Road, continue about 2 miles 6) Hunters Check Station Campground is on the right (west). For Davis Pond Camground: 7) Continue south past Hunters Check Station Campground about 8 miles 8) Campground entrance is on the left (east). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Anthony Johnson (Forest Supervisor) Prentice Cooper State Forest P.O. Box 160 Hixson, TN 37343 (423) 658-5551 james.johnson@tn.gov www.tn.gov |
Prentice Cooper Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 10/24/2012 (Thanks!)
Prentice Cooper Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 11/13/2012 (Thanks!)
Prentice Cooper Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/15/2013 (Thanks!)
Prentice Cooper Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 12/20/2013 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS