Cedars of Lebanon State Park is located in Wilson County and is part of the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. The park is named for Eastern Red Cedar trees found throughout the area. The trees reminded early American settlers of the famed Biblical cedar forests that thrived across Mount Lebanon in what is now the Mediterranean area. Cedars of Lebanon became a state park in 1955. The park and its facilities are open year-round.
In the 1940s, botanists noticed unique natural ecosystems found in and around Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Forest. These areas are natural rock gardens called cedar glades. The presence of glades is due to limestone rock coming so close to the surface of the ground that it causes the soil to be thin or absent. The small amount of soil that does exist along the cracks and potholes in the limestone slab, has been built up over many years. Water and surface temperatures vary so much throughout the year that a harsh, desert-like, inhospitable habitat is created with its own unique plant community. Nineteen rare and endangered species of plants grow profusely here and nowhere else in the world.
Eight miles of hiking trails meander through the cedar forests and glades. There is also a campground here with cabins and a group lodge, but the two RV Gypsies did not park at that campground, nor see it.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is known for its equestrian access. The Stables at Cedars of Lebanon is a leased operation that provides guided trail rides, overnight boarding and barn birthday parties. The 2.5 mile guided trail ride through the park takes about 40-50 minutes to complete. Rental horses are available or you may bring your own horse. The two RV Gypsies do not ride horses anymore. |
