Franklin State Forest was acquired in 1936 from the Cross Creek Coal Company and was highly degraded. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division assumed management of the area in 1940. The Forest is on the Cumberland Plateau and located in south-central Tennessee, in Marion and Franklin Counties. The forest is 35-40 miles west of Chattanooga. About 99% of the land is forested and about 96% of the land is in mature hardwood sawtimber and pole timber. Only about 3% of the Forest is pine. The area has a history of timber abuse by diameter-limit cuts and uncontrolled wildfires. Silvicultural prescriptions are geared towards timber stand improvement and management of wildlife habitat. The forest has been traditionally used for hunting. Other recreational uses include horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.