THE DESIRE to connect with nature remains strong amidst a world dominated by technology. Visitors flock to Tims Ford State Park in search of a unique outdoor experience full of rich history and adventure. One of the park’s dedicated rangers, Dalton Smith, makes it his life’s work to ensure every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.
Smith’s passion for the park shines through as the boat tour guide when visitors step onboard. The tour weaves through various lake sections full speed ahead, with Pennington Cave as the ultimate destination. Smith shares the park’s intriguing history, the properties surrounding it, and the wildlife inhabiting it, captivating the audience with his depth of knowledge. Visitors leave the tour filled with a sense of awe and unique information.
Smith said, “It’s a super cool event and experience. And I think everybody that goes on it feels like they’ve been fulfilled by going on one of the tours as well.”
A visit to Tims Ford State Park is more than just experiencing the park; It’s about connecting with the land and its history. Boat tours provide the perfect platform to share in the memories of those who lived around the park before it became the state park it is today.
“It’s still young enough that we still have people that visit, occasionally, that remember it before the lake was here and lived in areas that are now underwater and can tell you firsthand how that experience was and how it felt.”
Beyond the boat tours, the park offers endless experiences, be it kayaking or camping. With three campgrounds and six islands, visitors can create their own adventure. Smith said the park is building a new trail, offering visitors a chance to bank fish from the trail, similar to a fisherman’s trail.
Smith’s love for the park comes as no surprise. Originally from Maury County, Smith grew up going to Tims Ford Lake and said he knew the area well before becoming a park ranger.
He has conducted boat tours for three years, and his passion for boating safety drives him to educate visitors year-round, ensuring a safe experience. He teaches classes and summer camps in June and July, which are week-long youth boating camps.
“That’s something I try to spend a lot of time on throughout the year is getting that info out to people and getting people to invest in their boating safety.”
The park’s newly functioning nature center is yet another haven for visitors to explore the lake’s inhabitants, including turtles, salamanders, and fish, and learn about the area’s rich history.
“There’s a wealth of knowledge just in that one building.”
Tims Ford State Park presents an unmatched opportunity to escape into nature, connect with history, and discover new wonders. Smith states, “It’s just endless the number of things that somebody could come out and do.” And who knows? Visitors may even leave with memories like those who lived around the park before its conversion.GN
