Elza Gate Park — Attraction in Oak Ridge

Elza Gate Park is a former entry point to the Secret City back in the 1940's while top scientists and engineers performed nuclear research and atomic bomb development as part of the Manhattan Project.

I would personally consider this more of a small Wilderness Management Area (WMA) as opposed to a park.

There is a short TVA Worthington Cemetary Trail with a wooden habitat, a cemetery dating back to the 1800s, a pond and several marsh areas. A well built pier extends out to the wetlands with old school binoculars for closer viewing of over 125 bird species [no coins necessary].

This also serves as one of several trailheads for the Melton Lake Greenway.

It is not a mountain bike trail or playground park for kids. Nearby Haw Ridge offers miles and miles of mountain bike trails and there are numerous playground parks in Oak Ridge.

Many of these reviews have nothing to do with this quaint and serene wilderness area, so I've copy and pasted most of my info straight from the Oak Ridge Rec & Parks website so ya'll know what's up.

Note: Since it is a wetland these trails are not good...

Just a quiet little place to go that's got a lot of history and a good nature trail. A lot of this area is owned by TVA, and these are some of my favorite places to inhabit. Remember, you reap what you sow, and always save some for the neighbors.

I might have gotten there too late in the year, but the salad greens are on me. Watch for my favorite celery and the ceremonial lobelia to arrive further on out if I can maintain and figure out a process. I didn't see any of a number of good items. Lots of work to be...

It's a nice parking lot where one can leave a vehicle in order to use the so-called bike trail (a sidewalk in much need of repair).

One could also spread a blanket for a picnic in the shade with some views, sounds, and smells, of the traffic on OR Turnpike.

One seeking a playground, park benches, drinking fountain, toilets, public art, or a concession stand, just to name a few amenities one might associate with a public park, should...