Tennessee State Parks

Enjoy our Good Nature throughout June

Natchez Trace hosts Sunset Canoe Trips on June 1
(WEST) Join our naturalist as we head out on the placid waters of Browns Lake for a Sunset Canoe Trip. Visitors will have the opportunity to see wildlife during one of the prime times for viewing. This trip is for both the experienced and beginners and continues every Friday in June. Contact Alisha.Weber@tn.gov

Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts Statehood Day on June 1
(MIDDLE) The park will celebrate Tennessee's 216th year as a state. June 1, 1796 was Tennessee's date of statehood and June 1, 1996 was Tennessee's Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park dedication day. For more information call 615-741-5800.

Cordell Hull Birthplace hosts Hobbits in Wonderland on June 1
(MIDDLE) A new type of Program is being hosted this summer from June 1- July 28 at Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park! In an effort to encourage children of all ages to read and explore nature, we are hosting a series of programs throughout June and July featuring classic children’s stories with a nature theme such as “The Hobbit” and “Robin Hood”. Each program meets at the park office on Saturdays from 2-3 p.m. CT. For more information call 931-864-3247.

Fall Creek Falls hosts Rock Climbing Workshop on June 1-3
(PLATEAU) First comes instruction in basic knots, harnesses, and techniques, and then we meet some of the milder bluffs and boulders in the park. For more information regarding fees, registration and fall workshops, email Ray.Cutcher@tn.gov.

National Trails Day on June 2 View calendar (coming soon)

Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts MADD 5K Walk/Run on June 2
(MIDDLE) Bicentennial Capitol Mall is the setting for many fund raising walks during the spring and summer months. Once again. Mothers Against Drunk Driving are holding their 5K charity walk to raise awareness and funds for the non-profit group. For more information about the park call 615-741-5280.

Pickett hosts State Parks 75th Anniversary: Heritage Day on June 2
(PLATEAU) Please join us at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Tennessee State Parks. Heritage Day activities will include blacksmith demonstrations, log hewing, crosscut saw and mule skidding demonstrations, period clothing, CCC Museum tours, old time music, square dance, wagon rides, and games. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. CT, square dance at 8 p.m. CT. For more information please contact Travis Bow, Interpretive Specialist, at 931-879-5821.

State Natural Areas hosts Tennessee Coneflower Natural Areas Tour on June 2
(MIDDLE) Our tour will provide an opportunity to experience Middle Tennessee cedar glades and barrens visiting numerous nearby locations for Tennessee coneflower. It will be peak flowering time for Tennessee coneflower, and an opportunity to celebrate the success of its recovery. It was September 2, 2011, when it was removed off of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) because it is now a healthy thriving species with all of the extant populations protected in Tennessee state natural areas. Come enjoy seeing a rare species that was once on the brink of extinction, but today can be seen in the unique habitat of many of our Middle Tennessee state natural areas, including Couchville, Mt. View and Vesta Cedar Glades and Barrens. The event will include moderate non-strenuous hiking. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. Meet at 9 a.m. CT at the parking lot of Target on Bell Road (Hickory Hollow Mall area). Transportation will be provided but space is limited. We will return to the Target parking lot by 2:30. Reservations required: RSVP by June 1st to Brian Bowen, 615-532-0436 or Brian.Bowen@tn.gov.  

State Natural Areas host Tennessee Coneflower Tour Part Deux on June 2
(MIDDLE) Our group will take a botanical tour of several cedar glades in Middle Tennessee to see rare plants which are found in glades and barrens. The Tennessee Coneflower is one of these rare plants and it has been removed from the Endangered Species list. It is now thriving at Vesta Cedar Glade SNA and Couchville Cedar Glade SNA. These two natural areas will be the focus of our tour but other sites will be an option. Our tour is timed for the peak of flowering so plenty of flowers will be seen. We will see numerous other rare species in the glades and discuss why they occur in this special habitat. Spring will be turning to summer and we will catch some plants from both seasons in flower. The hiking will not be strenuous but on a sunny day the heat can be an issue in cedar glades. Plan accordingly to avoid overheating or sunburn. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. We plan to complete the tour by 2:00 pm. Leaders: Todd Crabtree, State Botanist and Robin Wooten, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Resource Management Division. Meet at 10 a.m. CT at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in the parking lot adjacent to the Nature Center. Reservations are required. RSVP by June 1st to Todd Crabtree, 615-532-1378 or Todd.Crabtree@tn.gov.

Sycamore Shoals hosts Native American Festival on June 2 & 3
(EAST) Saturday & Sunday, June 2 & 3 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. A two-day celebration of our Native American heritage! Award-winning dancers, storytellers, artists, and scholars gather at the circle to share knowledge and demonstrate their skills. Come and discover Native American arts, music, and legends, with an emphasis on the Cherokee culture. Admissions Charge. Contact the park for details at 423-543-5808.

Davy Crockett Birthplace hosts Thursday Night Movies on June 7
(MIDDLE) Every other Thursday night beginning on June 7, family movies will be shown (G, PG & some PG-13) on a big screen down at the campground shelter. Movies will begin at 8:30 pm sharp. Movies are free of charge. For more information contact: Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov.

Cumberland Mountain hosts Free Fishing Day on June 9
(PLATEAU) 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. CT. Meet the Naturalist, Park Rangers, & Friends Group members in front of the park restaurant for food, fun, and prizes!! For more information call 931-484-6138.

Meeman Shelby Forest hosts Annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo on June 9
(WEST) On TWRA’s Free Fishing day there is no need for a license! So come to the Nature Center on 135-acre Poplar Tree Lake and register for the fishing rodeo.  For ages up to 16 with limited help from adults.  May use artificial and live bait.  Bank fishing only. Registration starts at 7 a.m. CT. Weigh in at any time, final check-in and awards ceremony at 11 a.m. Door prizes to all registered, trophies for largest, smallest, and most fish. For information call 901-876-5215.

David Crockett hosts Fishing Rodeo – Time TBA on June 9
(MIDDLE) A segment of David Crockett's “Celebrating 75 Years with 75 Events” Program. Fishing Rodeo and fun activities will be held at Lake Lindsey. Prizes will be awarded and more information will be announced soon. E-mail bill.loewer@tn.gov or call 931-762-9408 for more information.

Fort Pillow hosts Youth Fishing Rodeo on June 9
(WEST) Come and go fishing with the staff at Fort Pillow during Tennessee's free fishing day. All kids 12 and under can participate and win prizes. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. CT. Lunch will be provided. For more information call 731-738-5581.

Fall Creek Falls hosts Free Fishing Derby on June 9
Free fishing for everyone across the state of Tennessee today! T.W.R.A. will be hosting a fishing derby at the Fall Creek Falls Lake for kids 16 and under. Registration is from 7am until 11am at the lower softball field just up the hill from the Fall Creek Falls State Park Boat Dock. Don’t miss the fun and prizes! For more information call 423-881-5298.

Natchez Trace hosts Kids Fishing Rodeo on June 9
(WEST) Kids bring a pole and come on out to Cub Lake from 7:30 a.m. till 11 a.m. CT for our Free Fishing Rodeo. Prizes will be awarded and you will get to meet the Park Rangers and TWRA officer along with some cool wildlife demonstrations. Join us any time during these hours to participate. For more info Contact: Alisha.Weber@tn.gov

Davy Crockett Birthplacehosts Appalachian Heritage Fair on June 9 & 10
(EAST) Join Park Staff and our Pioneer Friends Group for this 2-day event in Celebrating 75 years in State Parks with Traditional Art and Crafts of our Region and Traditional Regional Music. This event showcases local artisans and their handmade more traditional Appalachian style crafts, traditional flowers, herbs and local organic farmers. Local food vendors will be on hand. For more information or to be considered as a craft or food vendor. Sat. June 9, 10-5, Sun June 10, 10-4:30 please contact: Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov.  For more information call 423-257-2167.

Red Clay hosts TSP 75^th Anniversary Celebration on June 14
(PLATEAU) 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET. 75th Anniversary Party for Tennessee State Parks System and  33rd for Red Clay. Birthday cake! Special programs! Everyone welcomed! For more information call 423-478-0339.

Panther Creek hosts 75th Anniversary Event on June 14
Everyone is invited to celebrate the 75th Birthday of Tennessee State Parks at Panther Creek on June 14 from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET. The event will begin with an introduction by Park Manager John LeCroy followed by a short reception with refreshments. Attendees will then have the opportunity to peek in on Panther Creek State Park’s Junior Ranger Program. This program is one of the most popular summer programs in Hamblen County. Junior Rangers participate in exciting outdoor activities learning about nature, conservation, and the importance of parks. For more information call 423-587-7046.

Warriors’ Path hosts Dragonfly Day on June 16
(EAST) Learn to observe, photograph and identify native dragonflies and damselflies. You should bring a sack lunch and dress for outdoor field conditions. Bring close-focusing binoculars and a camera if you have them. To learn more view flyer. Free but pre-registration is required. To pre-register, contact the park office 423-239-8531 or email Marty.Silver@tn.gov.

Laurel-Snow SNA hosts Wildflower & Waterfall Hike on June 16
(PLATEAU) Join our Natural Areas Staff for a day of hiking at this beautiful and remote natural area on the Cumberland Plateau which includes a portion of the Cumberland State Scenic Trail. We will be looking for late spring/early summer wildflowers and observing all plants and wildlife along the way as we hike to Laurel Falls. Depending on rainfall the falls may be already low for the season but the view will be worth the hike up! The very interesting cultural history of the region will be discussed and participants will see remnants of mining activity. The route is moderate to strenuous. Wear sturdy shoes and hiking clothes, and bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. Roundtrip hike is approximately 5 miles and 5 hours. Meet at 9 a.m. ET at the Laurel Snow SNA. Laurel-Snow is located north of Dayton and is accessible via Highway 27/29. Reservations are required; contact Robin at 615-532-4799 or Robin.Wooten@tn.gov.

Burgess Falls hosts 8^th annual Butterfly Garden Celebration on June 16
(MIDDLE) Help us celebrate the award-winning native plant butterfly garden, that park staff, the Putnam County Master Gardeners and volunteers created with funding from the Iris License Plate program. The 8th annual Butterfly Garden Celebration is a fun filled day with staff led educational programs, hikes, butterfly identification, creek studies, landscaping with native plants and more! For more information call 931-432-5312.

Roan Mountains hosts the Rhododendron Festival on June 16 & 17
(EAST) Celebrate the blooming of the Catawba Rhododendron Gardens atop the Mountain. The festival features crafts, folkway demonstration, music and food. Held at the amphitheater starting at 10 a.m. ET both days. Sponsored by the Roan Mountain Citizens Club. For more information visit www.roanmountain.com.

TN State Parks hosts Father's Day on June 17
With 53 Tennessee State Parks to choose from, it’s easy to Celebrate Father's Day at a park near you! Enjoy fishing at one of our many well stocked lakes or an overnight stay at one of our comfortable resort inns. Our restaurants will be serving up special Father's Day Buffets, offering mouthwatering assortments of entrees, sides and desserts. Don’t forget, a subscription to our award winning magazine, The Tennessee Conservationist also makes a perfect gift to be enjoyed throughout the year. Learn more.

Sycamore Shoals hosts Celebrating Our Stories on June 21
(EAST) Thursdays, March 15, June 21, September 20 7 p.m. ET. The fascinating stories of Sycamore Shoals will be presented by the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Guest speakers will share early 18th century tales of monumental events that took place on this land, and it’s ultimate designation as a Tennessee State Park on July 2, 1976. Contact the park for more information at 423-543-5808.

Fall Creek Falls hosts Astronomy Weekends on June 22 & 23
(PLATEAU) Additional dates: July 20& 21, August 17 & 18.  Join us at the Inn for discussions regarding constellations, lunar lore, and our brightest star, the Sun. Telescope viewing will also be offered, weather permitting. For more information, email Lloyd Watkins at watkinslk@comcast.net, or visit www.CumberlandAstronomicalSociety.org.

Reelfoot Lake SNA hosts annual Butterfly Count on June 23
(WEST) Please join Allan Trently, Stewardship Ecologist, Natural Areas Program and Bart Jones, Butterfly Expert Extraordinaire for the Reelfoot Lake Butterfly Count. Butterfly species and numbers will be counted and the data will be sent to the North American Butterfly Association. These counts allow amateurs and professionals alike to participate in the appreciation and conservation of butterflies.  The count leader is Bart Jones of Memphis. The first part of the count will take place around the Park’s visitor center where we typically see the rare Tennessee butterfly, the Broad-winged Skipper. From there we will count butterflies in and around the lake. In 2011 the very rare Bronze Copper butterfly was located. You are not expected to identify and count the butterflies but merely participate in learning about these insects and some of the plants that they use. The count typically ends around 5 p.m. but you may leave earlier if needed. Since we will be out in the sun for most of the day bring sun block and plenty of water. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a snack and binoculars if you have them, and dress appropriately for the weather. We will not go in the event of inclement weather. Meet at 9:30 a.m. CT at the Reelfoot Lake State Park visitor’s center at 2595 State Route 21E, Tiptonville, TN  38079 (visitor center 731-253-9652). Reservations are required: Contact Allan Trently at 731-512-1369 or at allan.trently@tn.gov no later than June 21st. If you need to call me on June 23rd call my cell at 731-234-4887.

David Crockett hosts Great American Backyard Campout on June 23
(MIDDLE) A segment of David Crockett's “Celebrating 75 Years with 75 Events” Program.In conjunction with our Junior Ranger Program, we will be participating in the Great American Backyard Campout from 6 p.m. CT Saturday evening til morning. Families are welcome and encouraged to get outside! All campers under 18 must have an adult to stay, but does not have to be a participant in the Junior Ranger Program to attend. Families will need camping gear and a more detailed schedule will be released soon. Get ready for campfires, fun, friends and memories you will treasure forever! E-mail rachel.bridges@tn.gov or call 931-762-9408 for more information.

Davy Crockett Birthplace hosts Pioneer Kids Camp on June 23
(EAST) Join Park Staff and our Pioneer Friends Group in Celebrating 75 years in State Parks by a day of hands on demonstrations of Pioneer skills and crafts for all the kids. Pioneer Kids Camp helps kids understand and experience their Appalachian frontier heritage of the early 1800’s.  Kids will get hands on experience with archery, traditional crafts of the time period, tomahawk throwing, fire starting and more.  Local artisans and interpreters will be on hand to instruct.  This event will begin at 10 a.m. ET. For more information contact: Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov. For more information call 423-257-2167.

Fort Loudoun hosts Emissaries of Peace on June 23 & 24
(EAST) This multifaceted program will highlight the visit of Lt Henry Timberlake to the Overhill Cherokee country in 1762. Programs planned included guided tours of the Little Tennessee Valley with guides from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, scholarly lectures on Timberlake and his interaction with the Cherokee, videoconferencing with speakers from the London Museum and living history which will depict the 18th century Cherokee. Event hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET. For more information call 423-884-6217.

Henry Horton hosts 3rd Annual Golf Classic on June 29
Join the Friends of Henry Horton State Park for the 3rd Annual Golf Classic with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. CT. All proceeds from the tournament go to the Friends of Henry Horton State Park, a 501c3 organization. Entry fee must be submitted with completed registration form. Lunch will be provided prior to the tournament. For complete details contact Teresa Dugger at 931-619-8590 or email at teresa.dugger @vanderbilt.edu or Melisa Garret at 931-364-7724 or email at melissa.garrett@tn.gov.View Flyer. Learn more about the Buford Ellington Championship Golf Course.

Sycamore Shoals hosts An 18th Century Independence Celebration on June 30
(EAST) Saturday June 30 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday July 1 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET.  Experience the 4th of July, 18th century-style! What did colonists think about a new nation? Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence arrives to the colonial frontier. Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future. The Celebration takes place on Saturday; the muster will continue until Sunday at 3 pm. Contact the park for detailed schedule at 423-543-5808.

Roan Mountain hosts Independence Day Celebration on June 30
(EAST) Traditional old time games, checkers tournament, watermelon eating contest, bicycle parade 8-12 a.m. ET. Live entertainment at the amphitheater from 4-9 p.m. ET. For more information call 423-772-0190.

David Crockett hosts Hike the Park Front to Back and Back Again on June 30
A segment of David Crockett's “Celebrating 75 Years with 75 Events” Program. The monthly hike for June will be a morning hike from the front of the park to the falls and back to the front again! This hike is considered moderately strenuous and will be approximately 4.5 to 5 miles long. Make sure to bring bug spray, water and snacks.  Should also have some great photo opportunities, so bring a camera! E-mail rachel.bridges@tn.gov or call 931-762-9408 for more information.