Parks & Natural Areas
Tennessee is a rich and varied place with mile-high mountains in the east, the grand Mississippi River in the west and 19,000 miles of sparkling rivers in between. Parks, forests, birding, hunting, camping and water, water everywhere--Tennessee has a mind-boggling array of natural resources.
Investigate the beauty and mystery of Reelfoot, a cypress-filled natural lake in Tennessee's northwest corner, created by a series of earthquakes, where dozens of species of fish and shore and wading birds are harbored, including golden and bald eagles. Grab your binoculars and explore the diversity of habitats, stretching 65 miles alongside the Tennessee River, on Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge which provide ample feeding, nesting and resting areas for 301 bird species. Get spritzed by the highest waterfall in the eastern United States, Fall Creek Falls, laced with cascades, gorges, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber. Stride a celebrated riverfront greenway, Chattanooga's Riverpark, and cross America's longest pedestrian bridge, the Walnut Street Bridge, spanning the Tennessee River as it flows south-southwest. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park in the east and America's most visited. A tour of the Smokies, by any means of locomotion, offers panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings and uninterrupted forest stretching to the horizon.
Living History Museum
"The Living History Museum has a complete farm setting showing how the tobacco farmer lived in the 1930s. Shown by ...more
City: Hartsville, TN
Phone: 615-374-9243
Long Hunter State Park
"Significant for both its natural and historic aspects, Long Hunter State Park is a popular spot on J. Percy Priest Lake for picnicking, swimming, hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, nature photography and wildlife observation.
Several hiking trails at Long Hunter provide pleasant walking experiences, including the popular two-mile Lake Trail around Couchville Lake. It is also home to the Jason Allen Arboretum ...more
City: Hermitage, TN
Phone: 615-885-2422
Long Island of the Holston
"Long Island was sacred ground of the Cherokee Nation. "The rendezvous place" for settlers and muster grounds for colonial ...more
City: Kingsport, TN
Phone: 800-743-5282
Lotz House
"The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee, at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, which was a pivotal battle of the Civil War on November 30, ...more
City: Franklin, TN
Phone: 615-790-7190
Mabry-Hazen House Museum
"The Mabry-Hazen House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located on five acres atop Mabry Hill and includes the four-acre Civil War Bethel Cemetery. This stately, elegant home of the Victorian and Civil War periods showcases one of the largest collections in America containing original artifacts including china, silver, crystal, and antique furnishings.
Built in 1858 ...more
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865-522-8661
Main Street Collierville
"Non-profit organization that focuses on preservation of the Town Square and historic district. Coordinates local community events and ...more
City: Collierville, TN
Phone: 901-853-1666
Mallory-Neely House
"Note: Temporarily Closed
This Italian villa mansion, built in 1852, stands as a time capsule of the late Victorian-era lifestyle of Memphis' wealthy cotton ...more
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-523-1484
Manchester
"Old Stone Fort State Park located in Manchester is known as an Indian ceremonial site and contains the remains of a war-era powder mill. Also in Manchester, is the Old City Cemetery where thirty Confederate graves have been re-discovered. ...more
City: Manchester, TN
Phone: 800-799-6131
Mark Twain Park
"The Mark Twain Park is a small, grassy area with trees located near the courthouse. The spring here is the one where Mark Twain's parents got their water while they lived in Jamestown. They had only been in MO three months when Mark Twain was ...more
City: Jamestown, TN
Phone: 931-879-1482
Martha Jane Huskey Ogle Cabin
"The Ogle Cabin, built in 1807 by Martha Jane Husky Ogle on behalf of her deceased husband William, is the most significant of all of the Gatlinburg cabins. In honor of the Gatlinburg cabin’s 200th anniversary, and coinciding with the town’s bicentennial celebration, the Ogle Cabin was added to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, along with ...more
City: Gatlinburg, TN
McGavock Confederate Cemetery
"Nation's largest private Confederate cemetery holds remains of 1481 Confederate soldiers killed in the Civil War Battle of ...more
City: Franklin, TN
Phone: 615-794-0903
Mexican War Monument
"This monument in the U.S. is dedicated to the U.S./Mexican War. The monument saved the courthouse during the Civil ...more
City: Lawrenceburg, TN
Phone: 931-762-4911
Mississippi River Museum
"Eighteen-gallery museum of the natural and cultural history of the lower Mississippi River. Over 5,000 artifacts tell the river's story of early settlement, riverboats and barges, the Civil War on the river and delta music from Blues to Rock and ...more
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 800-507-6507
Montgomery Bell State Park
"Montgomery Bell State Park is located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County. The rolling hills of Dickson County contain a treasure that was considered more precious than gold to the builders of young America. The treasure was iron ore, and it lured men by the hundreds to this area of Middle Tennessee. The site of the first Cumberland ...more
City: Burns, TN
Phone: 800-250-8613
Moses Fisk
"Moses Fisk established the town of Hilham in 1803, the first
town in Overton County. One year later, he opened the Fisk Female
Academy, one of the first girls’ schools in the South. He
and his wife are buried in Fisk Cemetery, which has an incredible collection of headstones and markers influenced by local
folk art traditions from the Antebellum ...more
City: Hilham, TN
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Site marks the home of the 17th president, who succeeded Lincoln and oversaw Reconstruction. Contains a ...more
City: Greeneville, TN
Phone: 423-638-3551
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers access to the Tennessee portion of the Appalachian Trail, or ...more
City: Gatlinburg, TN
Phone: (865) 436-1200
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River passes through 90 miles of scenic gorges and valleys containin ...more
City: Oneida, TN
Phone: 423-286-7275
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is named for the dense cedar forest that existed in the biblical lands of Le ...more
City: Lebanon, TN
Phone: 800-713-5180
Cherokee National Forest
Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol.
The 640,000-acre Cherokee ...more
City: Cleveland, TN
Phone: (423) 476-9700
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge lies in the Lower Mississippi River floodplain along the Chickasaw Blu ...more
City: Ripley, TN
Phone: (731) 635-7621
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is located four miles east of Dover, in Stewart County, Tennessee, ...more
City: Dover, TN
Phone: 931-232-7477
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
The site of the first decisive Union victory of the Civil War. A visitor center explains the importance o ...more
City: Dover, TN
Phone: 931-232-5706
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge along the Hatchie River puts wildlife first. A drive around O'Neal Lake features wetland hab ...more
City: Stanton, TN
Phone: 731-772-0501
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife viewing and nature walks available. Hiwassee Refuge is closed from Nov. 1-Feb. 28, except at des ...more
City: Birchwood, TN
Phone: 800-262-6704
Kyker Bottoms Refuge
Kyker Bottoms Refuge is a 350-acre area in southern Blount County owned and managed by the Tennessee Wild ...more
City: Maryville, TN
Phone: 865-856-8691
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge was established as an inviolate sanctuary for wintering waterfowl in 1 ...more
City: Union City, TN
Phone: 731-538-2481
Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area
Nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Native wildlife abounds as well as a maintained herd of e ...more
City: Golden Pond, TN
Phone: 800-525-7077
Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness and Buzzard Point
Natural wilderness area with waterfalls, forests, unique rock formations, deep gorges and trails for hiki ...more
City: Dayton, TN
Phone: 423-566-2229
Lower Hatchie Wildlife Refuge
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) sits along the lower 17 miles of the Hatchie River in wester ...more
City: Henning, TN
Phone: 731-738-2296
Lucius Burch Natural Area
The natural area is a remnant of historic river meanders, bald cypress-water tupelo swamps, bottomland ha ...more
City: Ellendale, TN
Phone: 901-382-0235
Manus Road Cedar Glade
Manus Road is a 15-acre natural area in Rutherford County about 10 miles east of Murfreesboro. It support ...more
City: Rutherford County, TN
May Prairie
May Prairie boasts one of Tennessee's most diverse plant communities, with more than 300 species, 25 of ...more
City: Manchester, TN
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood fo ...more
City: Millington, TN
Phone: 800-471-5293
Natchez Trace Parkway
The 444-mile Parkway commemorates the "Old" Natchez Trace, beginning as an animal path and progressing ...more
City: Pasquo, TN
Phone: 800-305-7417
Obed Wild & Scenic River
Recreation includes whitewater kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, fishing and picnicking. A sceni ...more
City: Wartburg, TN
Phone: 423-346-6294
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail follows the Revolutionary War route of Patriot militia m ...more
Phone: 864-936-3477
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to manage the northern third of Reelfoot Lake a ...more
City: Union City, TN
Phone: 731-538-2481
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
Savage Gulf, a 15,590-acre natural area, is carved into the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Gru ...more
City: Palmer, TN
Phone: 931-779-3532
Sequatchie Cave State Natural Area
Sequatchie Cave is a 10-acre, biologically significant, natural area where Owen Spring Branch flows from ...more
City: Jasper, TN
Phone: 423-942-2552
Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge
Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary with recreational use by the general public. The 31 ...more
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865-525-9400
Shiloh National Military Park
Established in 1894 to preserve the scene of the first major battle in the Western theater of the Civil W ...more
City: Shiloh, TN
Phone: 731-689-5696
Short Springs Natural Area
Beautiful, peaceful nature preserve with wildlife and walking trails located on the edge of the city. ...more
City: Tullahoma, TN
Phone: 931-455-5497
Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area
Stillhouse Hollow Falls is a 90-acre state natural area named for its most significant feature, 75-feet S ...more
City: Summertown, TN
Stinging Fork Pocket Wilderness
Natural wilderness area with forests, unique rock formations, deep gorges and trails for hiking. ...more
City: Spring City, TN
Phone: 423-566-2229
Stones River National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River was one of the bloodiest and most significant battles of the Civil War. ...more
City: Murfreesboro, TN
Phone: 615-893-9501
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge has more than 50,000 acres on Kentucky Lake in Northwest Tennessee and ...more
City: Paris, TN
Phone: 731-642-2091
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Nature walks, lakeside areas, open horseback riding, hunting, boat ramps, migratory bird sanctuary, eagle ...more
City: Camden, TN
Phone: 800-225-7469
The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area
Partners with organizations and individuals across the state to tell the whole story of America's greate ...more
City: Murfreesboro, TN
Phone: 615-898-2947
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the removal of the Cherokee and the paths that 17 ...more
City: Multi-city, TN
Phone: (505) 988-6888
Twin Arches State Natural Area
Twin Arches state natural area is approximately 1,500 acres located in parts of Fentress, Scott, and Pick ...more
City: Oneida, TN
Phone: 865-569-9778
Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area
Trail features a 317-acre natural area, 110-foot falls, two lesser falls and cave, eight mile round trip, ...more
City: Sparta, TN
Phone: (931) 836-3552
Walker Branch Natural Area
Walker Branch is a 225-acre natural area located just miles south of Savannah in Hardin County. The prope ...more
City: Pittsburg Landing, TN
Walls of Jericho
The Walls of Jericho is a 750-acre natural area that is within the 8,943-acre Bear Hollow Mountain Wildli ...more
City: Pitcher Ridge, TN
Phone: (615) 532-0431
Walterhill Floodplain
Walterhill Floodplain State Natural Area is a 34-acre natural area located in Rutherford County. It is un ...more
City: Walterhill, TN
Phone: 615-898-2523
Washmorgan Hollow
Washmorgan Hollow, a sheltered ravine on the Eastern Highland Rim in Jackson County, is an excellent habi ...more
City: Gainesboro, TN
Phone: (615) 383-9909
Watauga River
Watauga River Bluffs is a 50-acre natural area located in Carter County along the Watauga River. Its most ...more
City: Johnson City, TN
Phone: (800) 238-2264
William B. Clark Conservation Area
William B. Clark Conservation Area is a 460-acre natural area along the Wolf River in Fayette County loca ...more
City: Rossville, TN
Phone: 731-512-1369
William R. Davenport Refuge
William Davenport Refuge is 120-acre natural area located in Polk County. It was named after the previous ...more
City: Ducktown, TN
Phone: 931-484-9571
Sunk Lake
Sunk Lake supports excellent examples of bald cypress swamp, bottomland hardwood forest, and emergent marsh aquatic habitat. The diversity of wetland and upland communities offer a wide range of habitat for waterfowl and other birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and rare plant species ...more
City: Lauderdale, TN
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
"Savage Gulf, a 15,590-acre natural area, is carved into the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Grundy and Sequatchie Counties. The sheer sandstone cliffs and canyons make it one of Tennessee's most rugged and scenic areas.
Stone Door, a 10-by-100-foot crack, stretches from the top of the escarpment into the gorge, like a giant door left ajar. Indians used it ...more
City: Palmer, TN
Phone: 931-779-3532
Screaming Eagle Trail
"The Screaming Eagle Trail is waiting for you: filled with outdoor adventure, lip smackin’ barbecue, military lore and country music must-sees. Start your journey on a musical note at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café. Don’t be surprised if a local like Brad Paisley or Carrie Underwood unexpectedly takes the stage to try out a new tune. There’s also much to see ...more
City: Nashville, TN
Sequatchie Cave State Natural Area
"Sequatchie Cave is a 10-acre, biologically significant, natural area where Owen Spring Branch flows from the mouth of the cave at Sequatchie Cave Park in Marion County. The cave and its cold spring water support three federally and state listed species, three species of state concern, and many other aquatic and cave species. This is one of two sites where ...more
City: Jasper, TN
Phone: 423-942-2552
Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge
"Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary with recreational use by the general public. The 317-acre passive park on the banks of the French Broad is an idyllic refuge for paddlers, swimmers, bird watchers and dog walkers.
The refuge is managed for use as an area for hiking, observation & other forms of low-impact use; as a small boat launch ...more
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865-525-9400
Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park
"Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park is 111 acres, with unpaved trails running through beautiful forest. The multiple trail system leads up to some of the most breathtaking overviews of Knoxville and its surrounding counties. Two reservable shelters and multiple picnic tables are available in the park. Sharp's Ridge is the perfect vantage point to view what Knoxville has to offer.
Sharp's Ridge ...more
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865-215-1413
Short Springs Natural Area
"Short Springs is a 420-acre natural area located in Coffee County approximately three and a half miles northeast of Tullahoma. The natural area provides an excellent contrast between Highland Rim and Central Basin geology and vegetation. When descending along the Machine Falls trail, a visitor can observe exposed black Chattanooga shale at mid-slope, which is a formation that delineates the ...more
City: Tullahoma, TN
Phone: 931-455-5497
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm
"One of Sevier County's oldest and largest zoological parks. Pet and feed tame deer, zebra, camels, kangaroo, reindeer, mini-horses and much more. Pony rides for kids. USDA and AAA approved. Rehabilitation of injured ...more
City: Sevierville, TN
Phone: 865-428-3337
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
"It's a truly unique way to enjoy the Smokies--a llama trek! It's a fun outdoor adventure for you and your family, seeing the spectacular scenery with the help of trained pack llamas.
Spend your day hiking with our beautiful, clean llamas, and find that they are very easy to lead (NOT RIDE!), and no matter what your age, you will fall ...more
City: Sevierville, TN
Phone: 865-428-6042
Steele Creek Park
"Steele Creek Park is the third largest municipal park in the state of Tennessee, with a total area of over 2,000 acres. There are miles of hiking trails, a lake, a nature center and shelters available. There is a golf course attached to ...more
City: Bristol, TN
Phone: 423-989-5616
Sunk Lake State Natural Area
"Sunk Lake is a 1,870-acre natural area located in Lauderdale County about 18.5 miles northwest of Covington. It is located in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and included in the Eastern Gulf Coastal Region of the southeastern United States.
Sunk Lake supports excellent examples of bald cypress swamp, bottomland hardwood forest, and emergent marsh aquatic habitat. The diversity of wetland and ...more
City: Jackson, TN
Phone: (731) 512-1369
Sunset Marina & Resort
"The most convenient resort on one of the nation's most pristine lakes, Dale Hollow Lake. Over 600 miles of beautiful shoreline. One, two and three bedroom lakeshore cabins and luxury houseboat ...more
City: Byrdstown, TN
Phone: 800-760-8550
Sycamore Springs Farm
"Cut & choose Christmas trees, Gingerbread Trail, Tennessee Trail, hay rides, pumpkin patch, fall family fun, field trips, Treehouse giftshop, catering, parties, ...more
City: Jamestown, TN
Phone: (931) 879-5526
Tellico Marina
"Full-service marina year 'round, 35-ton travel lift, dry stack covered and open slips. Restaurant (seasonal) and full mechanic ...more
City: Maryville, TN
Phone: 865-856-6806
Tennessee Aquarium
"Dive into two worlds of wonder and excitement at the highest rated aquarium in America. Begin with the freshwater exhibits housed in the River Journey building. Watch river otters playing in a cove forest. An alligator and giant snapping turtle will thrill in a delta swamp. Gaze in awe at fantastic seahorses and seadragons. The adventure continues in the Ocean ...more
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 800-262-0695
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
"Nature walks, lakeside areas, open horseback riding, hunting, boat ramps, migratory bird sanctuary, eagle watching roosts and ...more
City: Camden, TN
Phone: 800-225-7469
Upcoming events
Date: May 17, 2013 - May 18, 2013
Bloomin' Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival
Location: Sevierville, TN
Date: May 18, 2013
Dartin' Downtown 5K Run/Walk
Location: Paris, TN
Date: May 18, 2013
Free Day in May
Location: Smyrna, TN
See more May events »
Underground Sailing
The "Guinness Book of World Records" lists the Lost Sea in Sweetwater as the largest underground lake in the United States.











