Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks There are 67 state parks in TN, free to explore 365 days a year.🏕🥾🌿 Ready to start your adventure? Make your plans now to have Fun and Adventure, Naturally!
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Tennessee State Parks are open to the public seven days a week, year-round. There is no access fee charged, although there may be fees associated with certain activities. From the cypress swamps of the Mississippi River at Meeman-Shelby Forest to the rugged ridge tops and waterfalls of Fall Creek Falls to the majestic mountains of Roan Mountain we look forward to seeing you.

Y’all give back now.It’s an honor to care for some of Tennessee’s most beautiful and culturally significant places. From...
08/28/2026

Y’all give back now.

It’s an honor to care for some of Tennessee’s most beautiful and culturally significant places. From the tallest peak to the smallest insect, our parks protect what makes our state so special.

Be a part of caring for these places by joining us during National Public Lands Day and TN Serves events September 18 - 27.

During this week our state parks are offering opportunities to make a real impact. Join a river cleanup, dig into trail maintenance, remove invasive plants, and feel good about the difference you’re making.

Embrace the volunteer spirit! Find an opportunity at a state park near you at tnstateparks.info/NPLDxTNServes26.

| In partnership with First Lady Maria Lee and National Environmental Education Foundation - NEEF

Explore with the experts!Did you know Tennessee is home to more than 80 natural areas? Each one has something unique to ...
08/27/2026

Explore with the experts!

Did you know Tennessee is home to more than 80 natural areas? Each one has something unique to discover, and one of our favorite ways to experience them is through guided events led by the experts at Tennessee Division of Natural Areas.

While hiking or paddling alongside their biologists, ecologists, and botanists, you’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the wildlife, plants, and landscapes that make Tennessee’s natural spaces so special.

View forested floodplain wetlands from an overlook, search for rare plant life, and take in some of the best views along the southern plateau.

Browse their upcoming events and register at tnstateparks.info/NaturalAreas_Events26

08/26/2026

A new adaptive camping experience is waiting at Rocky Fork State Park.

Hatchery Flats is an adaptable backcountry campsite tucked in the forest on the bank of Rocky Fork Creek. An accessible privy, a raised tent pad, and a bear box make this camping experience more accessible for visitors who use a wheelchair. Several paths to the water for fishing and wildlife viewing are available as campers navigate the trail in motorized wheelchairs to the site.

“... I felt like I was deeply rooted in nature,” says Carly Pearson, Knox County ADA Coordinator and former wildland firefighter. That was the main goal for Park Manager Tim and Ranger Jeff. Rocky Fork Rangers created a welcoming experience by building a boardwalk, fashioning a wooden bench, and carving each path, creating a safe campsite for wheelchair users.

Rocky Fork’s all-terrain wheelchair is available at no cost by reserving online and can easily navigate down the trail and around the campsite. Reserve the all-terrain wheelchair and learn more about the new Hatchery Flats backcountry campsite at tnstateparks.info/Accessibility-at-RockyFork.



Video description: A montage shows adaptive camping features, from a ramped tent pad to a rustic fire pit. Carly uses an all-terrain wheelchair to travel to the site and explore with her daughter. They share sweet moments pitching their tent, rolling along the boardwalk, and enjoying s'mores by the campfire. Closes with the Tennessee State Parks logo over a close-up shot of the campfire.

Dolly Parton will always be remembered as someone who loved her Tennessee home, especially the mountains of East Tenness...
08/25/2026

Dolly Parton will always be remembered as someone who loved her Tennessee home, especially the mountains of East Tennessee.

She carried that spirit with her all over the world, as heard through her music and seen through her philanthropy.

Dolly was a true champion of Tennessee’s natural beauty.

“In my Tennessee mountain home crickets sing in the fields nearby.”

We hope you’ll find a quiet place to listen to the sounds of nature in our parks as you connect with the spirit of our beautiful state and reflect on Dolly’s legacy.

Image: Rocky Fork State Park from the Whitehouse Cliffs Trail overlooking the Appalachian Mountains.

Join us on September 12, 2026, at the Tennessee State Library & Archives in Nashville for the Current Research in Tennes...
08/24/2026

Join us on September 12, 2026, at the Tennessee State Library & Archives in Nashville for the Current Research in Tennessee Archaeology (CRITA) conference, hosted by the Tennessee Division of Archaeology.

This free, day-long event, open to everyone, showcases the latest archaeological research happening across the state. Hear directly from archaeologists and students as they share new discoveries and insights into Tennessee’s rich and fascinating past.

Whether you’re a history buff, student, professional, or just curious, this event is for you!

View the full schedule & details at tnstateparks.info/TN-Archaeology

Clinch River Valley is Tennessee’s newest state park! Tucked into the hills of rural Appalachia in Hancock County, Clinc...
08/21/2026

Clinch River Valley is Tennessee’s newest state park!

Tucked into the hills of rural Appalachia in Hancock County, Clinch River Valley State Park is a place where remarkable biodiversity, exciting recreation, and generations of Appalachian history come together.

At the heart of the park is the Clinch River. It’s one of North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater rivers and home to more than 35 species of freshwater mussels, many of which are endangered. The river also serves as a launching point for recreation where visitors can enjoy fishing and, as the park grows, expanded access for paddling and other river adventures.

The story of Clinch River Valley stretches beyond the river.

The park also preserves and shares the history, traditions, and culture of the Appalachian communities that have long called this valley home. You can experience it by visiting the historic general store, a community gathering place since 1940, where you can step back in time, grab a cold drink, and browse the gift shop.

Follow along on Clinch River Valley State Park’s social media as Tennessee’s newest state park continues to grow, and learn more on our website at tnstateparks.com/parks/clinch-river-valley

Your next Tennessee State Parks adventure starts on two wheels. Join us for the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT), Se...
08/20/2026

Your next Tennessee State Parks adventure starts on two wheels.

Join us for the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT), September 12–17, and experience a true Tennessee adventure.

Ride scenic backroads, stay at David Crockett State Park & Cedars of Lebanon State Park basecamps, connect with welcoming cycling communities, and enjoy plenty of stunning sights along the way.

The best part is you're riding with a purpose when you cycle with BRAT. This fundraising event supports Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Park Rangers Association, helping to protect the places and support the people who make these experiences possible.

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a new way to explore, there's still time to ride across Tennessee with us!

Register at tnstateparks.info/Register_BRAT26

Special offer: Use code WW2026 and get 10% off.

Norris Dam State Park, located 30 minutes north of Knoxville, offers the perfect mix of outdoor recreation, rich history...
08/20/2026

Norris Dam State Park, located 30 minutes north of Knoxville, offers the perfect mix of outdoor recreation, rich history, and cozy cabin stays.

Your getaway starts by enjoying time on the water, exploring the extensive trail system, and learning about the park’s history:

Spend time on Norris Lake by paddling, fishing, or boating.

Enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding across the park’s 22 trails.

Step back in time at the Rice Grist Mill, with history dating back to the 18th century, and visit the Lenoir Museum to learn about early American history.

Wrap up the day back at your cabin, where your group can recap the day on the porch or gather around the fire pit.

Your trip doesn’t have to end at Norris Dam. Nearby state parks like Big Ridge State Park and Cove Lake State Park are also worth a visit.

Discover everything Norris Dam State Park has to offer: tnstateparks.com/parks/norris-dam

Have you explored these Tennessee State Parks within about 2 hours of Memphis? 🌳🥾There’s plenty of adventure waiting jus...
08/18/2026

Have you explored these Tennessee State Parks within about 2 hours of Memphis? 🌳🥾

There’s plenty of adventure waiting just a short drive away! Whether you’re looking for hiking, history, beautiful views, or a relaxing weekend outdoors, add these parks to your list:

Chickasaw State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Pickwick Landing State Park

How many have you visited? Drop your favorite in the comments, or tell us which one is next on your list!

Bluegrass in the mountains? 🪕Count us in. Join us in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at Big Ridge State Park...
08/14/2026

Bluegrass in the mountains? 🪕

Count us in.

Join us in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at Big Ridge State Park for the 45th Annual Bluegrass Festival.

Plop down your chair and listen to the sounds of pickin’ banjos and fiddlin’ basses as live bands play the night away.

Bring the family and enjoy a night of bluegrass music, local craft vendors, and a variety of food trucks.

Big Ridge State Park đź“Ť
Friday, August 21, 6 PM to 10 PM ET 🗓️
FREE Admission đź’°

Discover which bands will be there and register for the free event: tnstateparks.info/Bluegrass-Festival

Address

500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN
37243

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16155320001

Website

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