Prentice Cooper State Forest and WMA
Directions and Description
Site Directions: From Chattanooga, take Hwy 27 to Signal Mountain exit, turn right onto Signal Mountain Road, turn left onto Hwy 27 (Suck Creek Rd.) Do not go up the mountain on Hwy 127, continue on Hwy 27 for approximately 8 miles (into Marion County). Watch for signs on your left that say Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area, turn left at that sign. Bear to left again at the junction, and turn left at the next road, a small sign says Prentice Cooper WMA, go about one mile to the check-in station on your left, and park at the check-in station.
Access at Haley Road - Lat: 35.12581°N Long: -85.50161°W - Game reserve road entrance coordinates: Lat: 35.168348 Long: -85419350 - Shooting range entrance: Lat: 35.162562 Long: -85.416045
The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, except during scheduled hunts, note hunting seasons. License fees may apply.
TWRA Contact Information: Region 3 Office: 1-931-484-9571, Toll-Free: 1-833-402-4698, E-mail the office, TWRA Area Manager: Marty Griffith 1-423-658-0298
Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, in Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga. It is situated on the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas of the forest. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurs in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered Large-flowered Skullcap.
The forest also includes several in-holdings owned by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and 3 cemeteries. Management activities of the forest focus primarily on sustainable timber management, forest management demonstration, and wildlife habitat improvement while maintaining recreational opportunities for the public.
There are 35 miles of hiking trails, including the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There also are two designated camping areas. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping. Woodland birding can be excellent in spring and fall migration with a large number of birds passing through Tennessee. Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, and other forest birds are commonly found in summer.
Regulations & Dates
Unauthorized entry or presence is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
Organized competition events for motorized vehicles are prohibited. The maximum noise limit for all motorized vehicles is 86 dBa, as measured 50 feet from the exhaust, except as otherwise permitted. The maximum speed limit is 25 mph or less if otherwise posted.
All side roads and trails will be closed to motorized vehicles Dec. 20, 2024 – March 15, 2025.
Big game hunters are required to check in big game at the WMA check station when the station is in operation.
Closed to all hunting March 1 – the fourth Friday in August, except during spring turkey and spring squirrel seasons.
Small Game - Same as statewide seasons, except as noted.
Small Game and Dog Training - Close at sunset the day before and during scheduled big game hunts unless otherwise indicated.
Quail - Closed.
Fox - Opossum - Raccoon First Friday in Nov. 2024, - end of Feb. 2025, except hunting will be limited to Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights only. Bag limit is one (1) per party per night.
Deer (Archery) - One (1) hunt: Sept. 21–23, 2024. Hunter quota 400. Two (2) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer).
Deer (Archery) - One (1) hunt: Sept. 24–27, 2024. Two (2) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer).
Deer (Muzzleloader) - Two (2) hunts: Oct. 10–12, 2024 and Oct. 24–26, 2024. Hunter quota 250. Two (2) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer).
Deer (Gun - Young Sportsman) - One (1) hunt: Oct. 19–20, 2024. Two (2) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer).
Deer (Gun) - One (1) hunt: Nov. 8–10, 2024. One (1) deer, antlered only (bonus deer).
Deer (Gun) - One (1) hunt: Nov. 30–Dec. 5, 2024. Two (2) deer, antlered only (bonus deer).
Turkey - Six (6) hunts: April 15–17, 2025, April 18–20, 2025, April 23–25, 2025, May 1–3, 2025, May 6–8, 2025 and May 9–11, 2025. One (1) male turkey per day. Counts toward statewide bag limit.
Trapping - Dec. 2–12, 2024.
Dog Training - Sept. 1, 2024 - March 15, 2025.
Shooting Range - Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only, during daylight hours. Closed during big game hunts. Permit required.
Camping - Hunter Check Station Campground is open year-round except closed January 1st-February 28th for winter maintenance, No access to the WMA during scheduled hunts. Davis Pond campground is open year-round and closed during big game hunts (Must be at the campground by sunset, no riding around privileges after sunset). Tennessee Wall Campground is open year-round for camping but no access to the WMA during big game hunts.
