Dunbar
Cave State Park is located 60 minutes northwest of Nashville and about one
and a half miles northeast of downtown Clarksville in Montgomery
County. Dunbar Cave, at over eight miles in length, is the largest cave in Montgomery County. In the roomy mouth of the cave,
square dances, radio shows, and big band era concerts were once
held.
Events and Programs
EVENTS
• Sat., May 4, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Spring Fling – Nature programs and hikes all day long. Free, all ages, rain or shine. Refreshments, T-shirts, postcards and other items available to purchase. Schedule of programs.
Cave Tours
Tennessee State Parks has suspended cave tours at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area after a bat from Dunbar Cave tested positive for White Nose Syndrome. Dunbar Cave is closed indefinitely in an effort to take every necessary precaution to isolate the fungus as much as possible in order to protect bat populations at other nearby hibernacula, recognizing that bat-to-bat transmission is still possible.
Other park activities and events, including fishing, hiking and picnic facilities will remain open and available to the public.
PROGRAMS
All programs are free, but you must have a reservation to participate. Reservation deadline is 4:30 p.m. two days before the day of the program.
Friends of Dunbar Cave meet every second Thursday
at 6:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center.
Butterfly Checklist
Dragonfly and Damselfly Checklist
Fishing
Angling is a popular activity on beautiful Swan Lake. The lake
is fed by the cold, clear stream that flows from the mouth of
Dunbar Cave. Since it is only 15-acres in size, boating and
swimming are not permitted. A valid TN Fishing License is required.
Tennessee
Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee
State Parks fishing policies
Hiking Trails
There are three trails on the natural area that range from
a leisurely walk to a fairly strenuous hike. All trails begin
and end at the visitors' center.
Lake Trail: 0.67 mile (easy, partially paved)
Short Loop: 1.1 miles (moderate)
Recovery Trail: 1.9 miles (moderate)
Natural Area
This 110-acre natural area in Montgomery County is honeycombed by Dunbar Cave and numerous sinkholes.
The 8.1 mile cave has historical, natural, archaeological and
geological significance. Excavations revealed that this cave
has been occupied by man for thousands of years, drawn by its
constant stream flow and natural air conditioning.
For
more information, visit the Natural Areas web site.
Picnic Facilities
The park has seven picnic tables located just behind the visitors'
center on a hill overlooking scenic Swan Lake.
Picnic area is not wheelchair accessible.
Visitors Center
Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Restrooms: 8:00 a.m. to 15 minutes before sunset
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome, but please contact the park a month
in advance.
