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.
Historic Downtown Dickson
"Civil War soldiers built the railroad that now fronts the Historic Halbrook Hotel, War Memorial Building and the new city park.
Just off the railroad you will find, not only the Old Train Depot., but also the birthplace of Frank Clement in the Halbrook Hotel. See the War Memorial Building that is one of only two Depression-era War Memorial Buildings in ...more
City: Dickson, TN
Phone: 877-718-4967
Historic Downtown Franklin
"Fifteen block National Register Historic District with more than 70 unique shops, restaurants and ...more
City: Franklin, TN
Phone: (615) 591-8500
Historic Elmwood Cemetery
"Under the shade of 1,000 trees. Established in 1852. More than 70,000 people who make up the colorful history of Memphis are buried here, including 14 Confederate generals, two Union generals, and 1100 soldiers who fell in different ...more
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-774-3212
Historic Gainesboro
"Gainesboro's entire square is on the National Register of Historic Places. A second district was designated including a residential ...more
City: Gainesboro, TN
Phone: 931-268-9877
Historic Lairdland Farm House and Civil War Museum
"Tour historic home filled with antiques and Visit their Civil War Museum containing an extensive and comprehensive collection of both Union and Confederate artifacts. Luncheons for groups of 8 or more may be served upon 2 weeks confirmed ...more
City: Cornersville, TN
Phone: (931) 363-2205
Historic Maplewood Cemetery
"Established as the City of Pulaski's second cemetery. The resting place for many prominent citizens such as Thomas Martin, founder of Martin Methodist College; Governor John C. Brown and many Civil War veterans, including over 40 Union U. S. Infantry.
The cemetery is lighted for night time ...more
City: Pulaski, TN
Phone: 931-424-4044
Historic Old Hickory Village
"Over 300 homes on the National Register of Historic Places. A beautifully restored "company town" built in 1918 by the DuPont Company. Located on Old Hickory Lake with beach, nature trails, boat ramps, marina. 20 minutes from downtown ...more
City: Old Hickory, TN
Phone: (615) 847-8255
Historic Rock Castle
"General Daniel and Sarah Smith's circa 1784 home. Smith acted as surveyor for the frontier, produced the state's first map and is credited with naming the state of Tennessee. The home features late eighteenth-century antiques and original pieces that belonged to the Smith family. The 18-acre site overlooks beautiful Old Hickory Lake. Daily guided tours are offered of Rock Castle. ...more
City: Hendersonville, TN
Phone: 615-824-0502
Historic Rugby Commissary
"Restored 1880 utopian village founded by famous British author, Thomas Hughes. 17 Victorian-era buildings remain unchanged, including a 7,000 volume Hughes Library & Christ Church Episcopal. Daily tours, museum shop, dining and lodging in historic buildings. Enjoy shopping at the shops of Rugby--The Commissary and the Spirit of Red Hill in the Board of Aid Historic ...more
City: Rugby, TN
Phone: (888) 214-3400
Historic Speedwell Academy
"Restored 1827 building. Retains much of its original aesthetics. Site of much activity during Civil War, it was used as both a hospital and headquarters for both sides. Grounds were called Campground Bluff during the war, and Confederate soldiers used the building's weathervane for target practice. The large "Long Tom" brass cannon was kept at the ...more
City: Speedwell, TN
Phone: 423-566-4679
Historic Town of Cumberland Gap
"The Historic Town of Cumberland Gap is nestled at the foot of Cumberland Mountains inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Breathtaking beauty and charming "Mayberry" atmosphere will greet you as you come into town.
First known as the "Gateway to the West", then as the strong hold during the Civil War, Cumberland Gap is now known for everything from ...more
City: Cumberland Gap, TN
Phone: 423-869-3860
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
"The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park is a 23-mile stretch of river, the first such to be designated by the State Scenic River Program. This stretch of river offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking and nature photography. A scenic portion of the John Muir trail winds through the river gorge. Numerous public access sites provide boat-launching ramps. At the Gee Creek ...more
City: Delano, TN
Phone: 423-263-0050
Hundred Oaks Castle
"1800s historic structure. Former home of Governor Albert Marks. Several gardens, one designed by Rosemary Verey of ...more
City: Winchester, TN
Phone: 931-967-8583
Indian Mountain State Park
"Indian Mountain State Park is a multi-use facility in Campbell County near Tennessee's northern border. In addition to providing camping and recreation opportunities, the 200-acre park is unique in that it was developed on reclaimed strip mine land. Park visitors can enjoy fishing at the two small lakes, picnicking, camping, and two walking trails. Park visitors have the opportunity to ...more
City: Jellico, TN
Phone: 423-784-7958
International Friendship Bell
"The first monument between a U.S. Manhattan Project city and Japan, it serves as an expression of hope for everlasting peace and friendship. Stop by and ring the bell and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much for the ...more
City: Oak Ridge, TN
Phone: 800-887-3429
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
Mud Island River Park
"Experience the river on the river. Recreational and educational facility showcasing the Mississippi River with museum. Riverwalk model. Canoe, kayak, bike rentals. Gift shop, restaurants, 5,000-seat amphitheatre. Banquet facilities. Special ...more
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 800-507-6507
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
"Add some exotic to the everyday with Nashville Zoo. Wander through a lush canopy of bamboo, come face to face with a clouded leopard, feed some Australian parrots, and delve into the far reaches of the Amazon. Nashville Zoo is your ticket to African elephants, giraffes, poison arrow frogs, zebras, red pandas, Bengal tigers, gibbons, meerkats and much more! In ...more
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 833-1534
Natchez Trace State Park
"Along with vast scenic woodlands, the Natchez Trace State Park includes four lakes, a swimming beach, a 47 room inn and conference center with over 3000 square feet of meeting/banquet space, a restaurant, 17 cabins and 10 villas, a group lodge, 208 campsites, 5 air conditioned camping cabins, picnicking sites, playgrounds, a ball field, a regulation pistol firing range, picturesque ...more
City: Wildersville, TN
Phone: 800-250-8616
National Wildlife Refuge
"Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to manage the northern third of Reelfoot Lake as a refuge for migratory ...more
City: Union City, TN
Normandy Dam and Fish Hatchery
"Awarded "National First Place - Award of Excellence" by the Association of Conservation Engineers. Approximately 200 ...more
City: Normandy, TN
Phone: 800-624-7406
Norris Watershed Hiking & Biking Trail
"Hike, horseback, or bike ride the many miles of woodland trails that meander through the watershed and the adjacent Norris Dam State Park. Experience spectacular views of Norris Lake and its surrounding hills and valleys. Maps available at the Welcome ...more
City: Norris, TN
Phone: 865-494-7645
North Chickamauga Pocket Wilderness
"This 1,100-acre pocket wilderness is named for a major watershed for the Chattanooga area. Overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic ...more
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-336-7205
Oaklawn Gardens
"Painted across six acres, discover the lush greenery that makes up the beautiful gardens of Oaklawn Garden. People of all ages and interests will delight in the carpets of yellow daffodils, the brilliant pinks and reds of the blooming azaleas, and the spring colors of blossoming dogwoods.
Watch the Master Gardeners as they care for these beautiful plants and shrubs ...more
City: Germantown, TN
Phone: 901-757-7375
Obed Wild & Scenic River
"Recreation includes whitewater kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, fishing and picnicking. A scenic overlook is located at Lilly Bluff. The Lilly Arch near the end of the Point Trail is one of the most unique rock features of the Obed.
The history of the Obed Wild and Scenic River traces back many centuries. Even so, the scenery still looks much ...more
City: Wartburg, TN
Phone: 423-346-6294
Ocoee Mist Farm Llama Hikes
"Hike Cherokee National Forest in comfort and style. Rest your backs and let Ocoee Mist llamas carry your gear. Custom-designed hikes. Lunch and llamas provided. Easy to moderate level hike. Fall through spring. All ages and groups ...more
City: Benton, TN
Phone: 888-541-9583
Ozone Falls
"This scenic waterfall, managed by the Tennessee State Parks System, offers an array of hiking and naturalist activities. Ozone Falls is a 43-acre natural area in Cumberland County. Ozone Falls plunges 110 feet over a sandstone cap rock into a deep blue, rock-strewn pool. Fall Creek then disappears underground until it reemerges several feet downstream.
An impressive rock house “amphitheater” can ...more
City: Crossville, TN
Phone: 931-484-6138
Percy Warner Park
"Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, collectively known as The Warner Parks, are managed by the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation of Nashville and Davidson County. The Warner Parks are the largest municipally administered parks in Tennessee and together span 2684 acres of forest and field, 9 miles from downtown Nashville.
Over 500,000 people visit the Parks annually to utilize ...more
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 352-6299
Pickett State Park
"Dramatic sandstone cliffs, stone arches, rock shelters and rushing mountain streams make Pickett State Park on the Cumberland Plateau a scenic wonderland. Unique microclimates form around these geologic formations, creating havens where diverse flora and fauna thrive. In Tennessee, Pickett is second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in biodiversity.
Rare plants, such as Cumberland sandwort, Lucy Braun’s snakeroot, ...more
City: Jamestown, TN
Phone: 877-260-0010
Pilot Knob/Nathan Bedford Forest State Park
"Tennessee River Folklife Museum sits atop the highest point in West Tennessee. Displays, exhibits and programs offered. Wildlife ...more
City: Eva, TN
Phone: 800-714-7305
Pin Oak Lodge at Natchez Trace State Park
"With the many acres of scenic woodlands, the park includes four lakes, a swimming beach, a 47 room resort inn and restaurant complex, cabins, group lodge, camping areas, picnicking sites, playgrounds, a ball field, a regulation pistol firing range, picturesque hiking trails, a wrangler camp, 250 miles of horse riding trails, a park store and archery range. Located at I-40, ...more
City: Wildersville, TN
Phone: 800-250-8616
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 »
Big Fish Tank
Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium is the world's largest fresh water aquarium.











