Destinations
Tennessee outdoors
From the Smokies' 800 miles of trail to the Cumberland Plateau's waterfall gorges, Tennessee packs big mountain country into easy reach.
Top parks in Tennessee
See all 65 parksGreat Smoky Mountains
The most-visited US national park: misty ridgelines, 800 miles of trail, and free entry.
Radnor Lake State Natural Area
A 1,400-acre day-use nature preserve minutes from downtown Nashville: a quiet lake, abundant wildlife, and quiet hiking trails. No camping, no pets, and no bikes on the natural-area trails.
Roan Mountain State Park
A 2,156-acre East Tennessee park at the base of the 6,285-foot Roan massif: the famous June Catawba rhododendron bloom, a trout-rich Doe River, cabins, and a large campground.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Tennessee's largest and most popular state park: a 256-foot waterfall, a Cumberland Plateau gorge, and a resort-style mix of inn, cabins, and a 200-plus-site campground.
Cummins Falls State Park
Discover the rugged beauty of Cummins Falls State Park, encompassing 457 acres in the hills of Jackson County.
Rock Island State Park
Discover the rugged beauty of Rock Island State Park, encompassing over 2,000 acres at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake.
Savage Gulf State Park
Savage Gulf State Park, encompassing approximately 19,000 acres, is one of Tennessee's most scenic wilderness areas.
Burgess Falls State Park
Burgess Falls State Park, encompassing approximately 304 acres, is a captivating destination renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park, encompassing 280 non-contiguous acres, is a natural wonder born from the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812.
Planning a Tennessee trip
Tennessee stretches roughly 440 miles west to east, and the outdoors changes character as you cross it. The eastern third is the dramatic one: forested ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains, plus the Cumberland Plateau, a high tableland cut by deep gorges and some of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Move into Middle Tennessee and the land softens into rolling hills, river valleys, and limestone bluffs around Nashville. The far west flattens toward the Mississippi River, with bottomland forest and quiet lakes near Memphis.
For most visitors the headline is the high country in the east. The national parkland here gives you a huge trail network (over 800 miles), a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Ramsey Cascades, and the famous wildlife loop at Cades Cove. Just to the west, the Cumberland Plateau is the quieter alternative: Fall Creek Falls State Park, South Cumberland, and Savage Gulf deliver overlooks, gorge hikes, and big drops without the same crowds. Middle Tennessee adds rivers and rolling state parks closer to the city.
Fall is the standout season. Daytime highs sit in the mid 50s to mid 70s F, the crowds thin on weekdays, and the color peaks around the third week of October in the east, drifting later into Halloween and early November as you head west. Spring brings wildflowers and full waterfalls; summer is green and humid with afternoon showers; winter is mild at low elevation but cold and sometimes icy up high. Whenever you go, pack for layers and rain: a light shell, sturdy trail shoes with grip for wet rock, and a warm midlayer if you are climbing into the mountains, where it runs noticeably cooler than the valleys.
Getting around Tennessee
Three airports cover most of the state. Knoxville (TYS) is your gateway to the eastern mountains and the Smokies, roughly an hour from the park's Tennessee-side entrances. Nashville (BNA) sits in the middle and works well for the Cumberland Plateau and Middle Tennessee parks. Memphis (MEM) anchors the west. Chattanooga (CHA) is a useful smaller option for the southern plateau and gorge country.
Driving is how you actually move between outdoor areas, and I-40 is the spine, running the full width of the state through Knoxville, the plateau, and Nashville. From Knoxville, the Smokies are about an hour southeast. The Cumberland Plateau sits between the two big cities: figure a little over an hour from Knoxville and around an hour and a half to two hours from Nashville to reach Fall Creek Falls and the Crossville area. Chattanooga puts you roughly an hour from the southern plateau parks. Nashville to Memphis is a longer haul, about three hours straight across on I-40, so it helps to pick an end of the state and base there rather than trying to cross it in a day.
State park directory
Every Tennessee state park
A source-backed inventory layer for planning breadth. Full Kit Authority guides are marked when a park has camping detail, rules, and packing notes; the rest link straight to the official page.
65 parks
3 full guides · 50 with photos
Fall Creek Falls State Park
State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks, encompassing approximately 29,800 acres across the Cumberland Plateau.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Full guideRadnor Lake State Park
State Park
Radnor Lake State Park, encompassing 1,389 acres, is a serene natural oasis nestled in the heart of Nashville.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Tennessee State Parks
Full guideRoan Mountain State Park
State Park
Nestled at the base of the Roan Mountain massif, Roan Mountain State Park offers a serene escape into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Full guideBicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a unique urban park nestled in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, spanning 20 acres.
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageBig Hill Pond State Park
State Park
Big Hill Pond State Park, encompassing 4,300 acres, offers a diverse landscape of timberland and hardwood bottomland, inviting exploration and outdoor adventure.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageBig Ridge State Park
State Park
Escape to the tranquil beauty of Big Ridge State Park, encompassing 3,687 acres of diverse landscapes.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageBledsoe Creek State Park
State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park, encompassing 169 acres, is a haven for outdoor recreation nestled on the shores of Old Hickory Lake.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageBooker T. Washington State Park
State Park
Booker T.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageBurgess Falls State Park
State Park
Burgess Falls State Park, encompassing approximately 304 acres, is a captivating destination renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Playground
- Wildlife Viewing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCedars of Lebanon State Park
State Park
Discover the unique beauty of Cedars of Lebanon State Park, encompassing 1,200 acres of diverse landscapes.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCherokee Trail of Tears State Park
State Park
Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park builds on an existing place of reflection, learning, and connection, where visitors gather to honor those who suffered and those who persevered along what has become.
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageChickasaw State Park
State Park
Escape to Chickasaw State Park, a haven of outdoor recreation nestled in West Tennessee.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCordell Hull Birthplace State Park
State Park
Discover the humble beginnings of Cordell Hull, a sharecropper's son who rose to become Secretary of State and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCove Lake State Park
State Park
Cove Lake State Park, encompassing over 630 acres, is a haven of tranquility nestled in the Cumberland Mountains.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCumberland Mountain State Park
State Park
Escape to the scenic Cumberland Mountain State Park, a haven of natural beauty and rich history spanning 1,720 acres.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCumberland Trail State Park
State Park
Cumberland Trail State Park is a linear park encompassing over 40,000 acres, beckoning adventurers to explore the rugged beauty of the Cumberland Plateau.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Climbing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCummins Falls State Park
State Park
Discover the rugged beauty of Cummins Falls State Park, encompassing 457 acres in the hills of Jackson County.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageDavid Crockett Birthplace State Park
State Park
Nestled on 105 acres in Limestone, Tennessee, David Crockett Birthplace State Park marks the humble beginnings of the legendary frontiersman.
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageDavid Crockett State Park
State Park
David Crockett State Park, encompassing 1,400 acres, invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the legacy of the legendary frontiersman.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageDunbar Cave State Park
State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park, encompassing 140 acres, is a captivating destination that blends natural beauty with a rich history.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageEdgar Evins State Park
State Park
Edgar Evins State Park, encompassing 6,338 acres, is a haven for outdoor beauty and recreational opportunities.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageFort Loudoun State Historic Park
State Historic Park
Discover Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, an 853-acre historical site nestled on the shores of Tellico Lake.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Picnicking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageFort Pillow State Park
State Park
Fort Pillow State Park, encompassing 1,642 acres, is steeped in both natural beauty and Civil War history.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageFrozen Head State Park
State Park
Frozen Head State Park encompasses over 24,000 acres of rugged wilderness in the Cumberland Mountains.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official page
Show 41 more Tennessee parks
Harpeth River State Park
State Park
Harpeth River State Park, spanning 650 acres, is a scenic treasure that follows the meandering Harpeth River.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageHarrison Bay State Park
State Park
Harrison Bay State Park is a haven for water lovers and history buffs alike.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageHenry Horton State Park
State Park
Escape to the scenic beauty of Henry Horton State Park, a 1,552-acre haven in Chapel Hill, Tennessee.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageIndian Mountain State Park
State Park
Discover the beauty of Indian Mountain State Park, a 203-acre haven nestled in the valley of the Cumberland Mountains.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageLong Hunter State Park
State Park
Discover Long Hunter State Park, a natural haven spanning 2,670 acres nestled on the shores of Percy Priest Lake.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageMeeman-Shelby Forest State Park
State Park
Escape to the heart of Memphis at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, a sprawling natural oasis encompassing 12,539 acres.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageMontgomery Bell State Park
State Park
Discover Montgomery Bell State Park, a sprawling 3,850-acre haven of natural beauty and rich history.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageNatchez Trace State Park
State Park
Escape to the sprawling beauty of Natchez Trace State Park.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageNathan Bedford Forrest State Park
State Park
Discover the beauty and history of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, encompassing 2,700 acres along the western shore of Kentucky Lake.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageNorris Dam State Park
State Park
Escape to Norris Dam State Park, a sprawling 4,018-acre haven nestled between the Cumberland and Appalachian Ranges.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pagePanther Creek State Park
State Park
Panther Creek State Park, nestled in the Ridge and Valley Region of the Appalachian Mountains, offers a diverse landscape and recreational opportunities across its 1,444 acres.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pagePickett CCC Memorial State Park
State Park
Discover Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, a 922-acre haven of natural beauty and rich history nestled on the Cumberland Plateau.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pagePickwick Landing State Park
State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park, nestled in Counce, Tennessee, offers a diverse range of outdoor activities across its 1,407 acres.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pagePort Royal State Park
State Park
Port Royal State Park, encompassing 30 acres, invites visitors to step back in time and explore a significant piece of Tennessee history.
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageRed Clay State Historic Park
State Historic Park
Red Clay State Park, encompassing 263 acres, is a significant historical site where the Cherokee Nation made its last stand before the Trail of Tears.
- Hiking
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageReelfoot Lake State Park
State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park, encompassing 280 non-contiguous acres, is a natural wonder born from the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageRock Island State Park
State Park
Discover the rugged beauty of Rock Island State Park, encompassing over 2,000 acres at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageRocky Fork State Park
State Park
Discover the untamed beauty of Rocky Fork State Park, a wilderness haven nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageSavage Gulf State Park
State Park
Savage Gulf State Park, encompassing approximately 19,000 acres, is one of Tennessee's most scenic wilderness areas.
- Camping
- Climbing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageSeven Islands State Birding Park
State park system area
Seven Islands State Birding Park, encompassing 416 acres, is a birding paradise nestled along the French Broad River.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Playground
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageSgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park
State Historic Park
With a unique blend of historical significance and outdoor recreation, Sgt.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageStanding Stone State Park
State Park
Standing Stone State Park spans just under 1,000 acres of former farmland in Hilham, offering Kelly Lake, scenic hiking trails, and the National Rolley Hole Marble Tournament.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageSycamore Shoals State Historic Park
State Historic Park
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park covers 75.78 acres in Elizabethton, featuring a reconstructed 18th-century fort and historic homes tied to pivotal events in Tennessee history.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageT.O. Fuller State Park
State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park spans 1,600 acres within Memphis, offering trails, a wildlife habitat area, the Chickasaw Bluffs, and historic landmarks.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Swimming
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageTims Ford State Park
State Park
The 3,546-acre Tims Ford State Park sits on Tims Ford Reservoir near the Cumberland Plateau, with a lake regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageWarriors' Path State Park
State Park
Warriors' Path State Park spans just over 1,000 acres on Fort Patrick Henry Lake near Kingsport, with a marina, a National Recreational Trail mountain bike system, and a nationally recognized golf course.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageBig Cypress Tree State Park
State Park
Big Cypress Tree State Park, encompassing 330 acres, offers a serene escape into the heart of West Tennessee's bottomland forests.
- Hiking
- Playground
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageCardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park
State park system area
Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park preserves and protects 5,000 years of Tennessee history.
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageDevil's Backbone State Park
State Park
Devil’s Backbone State Park is a unique Tennessee State Park located along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway in Lewis County.
- Hiking
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageFiery Gizzard State Park
State Park
Fiery Gizzard State Park is located in two different Tennessee counties: Grundy and Marion.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageHead of the Crow State Park
State Park
Head of the Crow State Park, located in Franklin County, spans 4,258 acres.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hunting
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageHiwassee Scenic River State Park
State Park
The park is known for its excellent opportunities for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, birding, fishing, and camping, making it the park where visitors return to time and time again.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageJohnsonville State Historic Park
State Historic Park
Discover the captivating history of Johnsonville State Historic Park, a 2,655-acre park nestled along the Tennessee River.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageMiddle Fork Bottoms State Park
State Park
Discover the revitalized landscape of Middle Fork Bottoms State Park, a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Paddling
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageMousetail Landing State Park
State Park
Mousetail Landing State Park, encompassing 1,867 acres, offers a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation along the Tennessee River.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageNorth Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park
State Park
Discover the rugged beauty of North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park, a sprawling 6,000-acre wilderness near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageOcoee River State Park
State Park
Ocoee River State Park is home to the internationally recognized whitewater sites along the "Mighty Ocoee" River.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageOld Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
State park system area
Discover the mysteries of the past at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, encompassing 782 acres.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageParis Landing State Park
State Park
Paris Landing State Park, encompassing 1,126 acres, is located on the western shore of Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Tennessee State Parks
Official pagePinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
State park system area
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, encompassing over 1,600 acres, invites you to explore a significant chapter of the Indigenous Mound Culture.
- Hiking
- Playground
- Historic Site
Tennessee State Parks
Official pageScott's Gulf Wilderness State Park
State Park
Escape to the rugged beauty of Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park, a sprawling 9,566-acre wilderness nestled in the heart of Tennessee.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Paddling
Tennessee State Parks
Official page
Inventory source: USGS PAD-US 4.1. Photos are public-domain or Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons, credited per image. Official reservations and rules remain state-specific, so use the state booking links before committing to dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tennessee parks?
Fall is the sweet spot, with daytime highs in the mid 50s to mid 70s F and the lightest crowds on weekdays. Color peaks around the third week of October in the eastern mountains and drifts later toward Halloween and early November as you move west. Spring is a close second for wildflowers and full waterfalls, while summer stays green but humid with afternoon showers.
What is the best national park in Tennessee?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the standout, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina line with over 800 miles of trail, a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail, and the popular Cades Cove wildlife loop. It is the most visited national park in the country, so go on weekdays or early mornings to beat the crowds. For a quieter mountain experience, the Cumberland Plateau state parks just to the west are an excellent alternative.
Where can I see the tallest waterfalls in Tennessee?
Head to the Cumberland Plateau in the eastern-central part of the state. Fall Creek Falls State Park, near Spencer, has the tallest waterfall in the eastern United States, and nearby South Cumberland and Savage Gulf add more gorge overlooks and cascades. Spring snowmelt and rain make the falls fullest, and the trails can be slick, so bring shoes with good grip.