Accessible Outdoor Classroom Opens at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park

Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in West Tennessee has opened the new accessible outdoor classroom at Bulrush Lake. We have installed the platform and walkway, creating opportunities for children and visitors to explore nature in an inclusive environment.

A New Space for Learning in Nature

This floating outdoor classroom will give West Tennessee students hands-on opportunities to study local ecosystems. They will discover how the park transformed from a floodplain restoration project in 2018 into a thriving habitat.

Middle Fork Bottoms covers 860 acres and features 250,000 newly planted hardwood trees. It also has 200 acres of restored wetlands and two miles of revitalized streams. Visitors can enjoy fishing, paddling, and over four miles of scenic, fully accessible paved trails.

Accessible Features for All Visitors

Accessibility is central to this project. The new outdoor classroom platform will be fully accessible, ensuring environmental education reaches visitors of all abilities.

The park’s paved, four-mile Main Trail connects multiple areas and offers birdwatching, wildflower identification, and scenic lake views. Wheelchair-friendly picnic tables and parking make enjoying Middle Fork easier for all guests.

Bulrush Lake: A Hub for Accessible Environmental Education in West Tennessee

Bulrush Lake is surrounded by restored wetlands, native grasslands, and a five-acre bald cypress grove. Wildlife includes waterfowl, amphibians, and native fish. The new outdoor classroom will make the Bullrush Lake area of Middle Fork Bottoms State Park a hub for accessible environmental education in West Tennessee.

Supported by Generous Community Partnerships

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy leads this initiative with gratitude for the generous donations from Toyota Tennessee and the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). Their dedication to environmental education and accessibility helps ensure that children—regardless of ability—can experience and enjoy Tennessee’s natural resources.

Help Make Tennessee’s State Parks Accessible for All

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy works to make every state park accessible, inspire the next generation, and preserve Tennessee’s history and natural resources. Your support funds projects like trail accessibility upgrades and the outdoor classroom at Bulrush Lake.

By donating or sharing our mission, you help break down barriers, create hands-on environmental learning opportunities, and protect our parks. Take action today to support our mission tomorrow—tap the button below to get started.