Each spring, the colors burst forth as the wildflowers bloom at Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens State Natural Area, a relatively hidden pocket of public wildland located near Murfreesboro, only 4 miles away from the MTSU campus.
With over 800 protected acres, for many, the land is one of the hidden gems of Murfreesboro.
A 3.4-mile trail at the site brings out some wildflower lovers in the spring, and those who would like a place just outside of town to view flora and fauna, walk the dog, or get some exercise, fresh air and quiet, available all through the year.
Flat Rock visitors saw some small purple and pink flowers (phlox) along the ground, as well as some yellows and whites, as the bees and butterflies buzzed around and the dogwoods began to bloom during a walk in mid-April.
Others at the natural area have reported seeing deer, squirrel, snakes, rabbits, wasps, lizards and other woodland creatures.
Flat Rock generally seems to see fairly low human traffic, making it a quiet and welcome place to escape the increasing urbanization of Murfreesboro, a fine place for nature lovers in all seasons. Many say they saw only one or two other groups of walkers there after a visit.
The trail is split approximately equally between half shady portions, and half in direct sun and open space.
Its three and a half miles are really divided into two separate loop sections, so those wanting a shorter walk can stay on the first loop section without continuing on to the second; those up for a longer journey can take the other direction, where the trail splits, and travel the full loop. Which direction is the shorter walk and which is longer is not made abundantly clear at this point on the trail; two arrows simply point toward each direction. So those with a strong preference for either the full 3.4-mile experience or the shorter, single-loop trail should reference a map before embarking.
Although the park doesn’t necessarily contain towering waterfalls or stunning vistas where folks can see for miles and miles, lots of visitors find beauty in the plants and animals and the natural area’s subtleties. Noticeable features include some giant anthills.
The Flat Rock trail, as one may imagine, is indeed fairly flat, and quite rocky at times. Hikers should watch their footing on the sections containing lots of small, loose and unstable rocks.
Plus, be prepared for some mud and standing water on portions of the trail following a rainfall, but otherwise, expect mainly a flat and easy stroll. The level terrain makes Flat Rock a good spot for letting young kids move around freely without having to worry about bluffs, cliffs and dangerous territory found in some hiking areas and state parks.
Additionally, the trail’s total distance—just over 3 miles—could make it a suitable place for those training for 5Ks (perhaps taking it slow and cautiously on the minimal portions of loose rock).
“Flat Rock supports a mosaic of forest types, oak barrens, open grassland barrens, and cedar glades,” according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “These glades are characterized by exposed limestone that is typically interspersed with cedar-oak-hickory forest that occurs in deeper soils. This limestone, with its many sinkholes, is a karst topography.”
Aside from the numerous types of trees and grasses, some of the rare plants found at the site—which the state designated as a natural area in 1999—include Tennessee milkvetch, leafy prairie clover, Missouri primrose, yellow sunnybells, Boykin’s milkwort, slender blazing-star and Pyne’s ground-plum, just to name a few.
To access the Flat Rock trailhead, find a small parking area located on Factory Road, in between Halls Hill Pike and Old Woodbury Road (no restroom facilities).
Learn more about the Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens State Natural Area, and the state of Tennessee’s 83 other natural areas, by visiting tn.gov/environment and clicking on Natural Areas under the Program Areas menu.
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Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens State Natural Area
2423 Factory Rd., Murfreesboro
