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. |
