Big Bear Park-Little Tennessee River Greenway

Categories: Play, Kid-Friendly, Water Fun, Picnic Areas, Picnic Areas, Outdoor Fun, Entertainment for Kids, Parks & Recreation Areas, Kid Friendly Spots, River Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking, Little Tennessee River Greenway Biking Trails, Easy Access/Roadside Picnics, The Little Tennessee River Greenway

Highlights

  •  One of 5 main access points to the Little Tennessee River Greenway 
  • Great location in downtown Franklin for a walk, jog or run on paved path
  •  Large "Wesley's Playground" with great place for parents to bring kids
  •  Water Park (seasonal), Swings, Slides, Picnic Tables, Benches, etc. 
  •  Large Picnic Shelter (Reservations) 
  •  Restrooms 
  •  2 Gazebos 
  •  Paved Parking

The Local Scoop

Big Bear Park is recommended by us to those with smaller childeren or those who would like the use of a large covered picnic area for a large party. This location has plenty of parking, easy access to the Greenway, a huge playground area with a kid friendly surface underfoot and a simple but fun water park feature. The water park feature is a series of sprinklers in the ground that spray streams of water into the air. Kids run around and through the water (in season) and have a blast. This area can get quite busy, but is very safe for families and has been enjoyed ever since it's construction. Just across the street is "Frog Quarters." With Free Internet and a coffee/smoothie bar, you can relax and recharge your batteries.

The Local Directions

In downtown Franklin access Big Bear Park just off of East Main Street directly across from "Frog Quarters." You can take the short connecter street "Big Bear Lane" to the Left that connects the two "one-way" streets of Main Street across from Frog Quarters and just before "Town Bridge." Or if you're coming from Hwy 441/23 bypass into town, you'll want to pass the McDonald's on your Right and go over "Town Bridge" to your immediate Right and entrance to the park.

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Coordinates
35.186096,-83.372978
Access
Easy via NE Main Street
Hike Distance
4-mile Little Tennessee greenway system
City
Franklin
Nearest City
Franklin
County
Macon County
Distance From
Downtown Franklin, 0.2 mile