Meadow Creek Park in Monterey, Tennessee

In the late 1980s, the Town of Monterey embarked on a search for a new water source and eventually found a suitable 300-acre tract of land on the Clarkrange Highway, about five miles east on State Route 62. The property, previously a coal mining operation, was located near Meadow Creek and had a terrain that was ideal for a 100-acre lake created by a strategically placed dam on the stream. Despite having 200-plus acres of shoreline, the lake went largely unnoticed until 2015 when the town council realized its potential and authorized the development of a master plan to transform the property into a remarkable park and outdoor enthusiasts' paradise.

Meadow Creek Park is still in its early stages, but it has already garnered attention from professional trail builders and volunteer groups with skills that align with the overall plan's objectives. The support of passionate individuals and influential businesses such as the Perdue Foundation and Signature Health has been crucial to the park's progress. In November 2020, the Upper Cumberland Southern Off Road Bicycle Association opened almost two miles of trail that will eventually encircle the entire lake. Meadow Creek Park's future goals include more hiking and biking trails, designated rock-climbing areas, wilderness camping sites, kayak and boat rentals, and a fishing pier.

Additional Resources:
Driving Directions
Meadow Creek Park Trifold Brochure
Meadow Creek Park - Hi-res Lidar Topographic Map