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Flora and Fauna

    • Colorful spiny caterpillar perched on a curved branch.

    Captivating Caterpillars

    From garden pests to childhood wonders, caterpillars play many roles in our lives, but their story is far more fascinating than meets the eye. Explore the incredible diversity, defenses, and ecological importance of these hungry, shape-shifting larvae in Tennessee’s landscapes.

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    • Bee on pink spring beauty wildflowers with delicate striped petals

    Spring Beauty Mining Bees

    Hidden beneath Tennessee’s spring wildflowers, this tiny native bee times its entire life to the brief bloom of the delicate spring beauty. Discover the surprising and complex relationship between this specialized pollinator and the ephemeral flower it depends on.

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    • Purple wildflowers blooming among rocks and logs

    Cedar Glade Wildflowers in May

    Explore one of Tennessee’s most unique ecosystems at the Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade Wildflower Festival, where expert-led hikes reveal rare plants, wildlife, and geology. Discover how these rocky landscapes support remarkable endemic species — and why they’re worth protecting.

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Get Inspired
Tall waterfall cascading into a rocky pool surrounded by cliffs and trees.

Explore Waterfalls in Middle Tennessee

Tennessee is home to hundreds of waterfalls, and some of the most picturesque are located within state parks in Middle Tennessee. To help you plan your waterfall-chasing adventure, we've listed where to spend the night when visiting eight of the most popular waterfalls.

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Open the Door to Adventure

From two-day getaways chasing waterfalls to week-long adventures with the family, there are so many ways to vacation at Tennessee State Parks. Get inspired to plan your next escape to the great outdoors.

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Become a Tennessee Conservationist

Escape into the stories and insider information about the history and cultures in Tennessee with the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks. Become a Tennessee Conservationist by subscribing today.  

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The Tennessee Conservationist

    • A person stands on a lakeshore holding a dog on a leash beneath a large tree with colorful fall leaves, looking out over the water.

    Go Green With Us: Top 10 Tips for Being an Eco-Conscious Park Visitor

    Each spring, Tennessee State Parks’ visitation heightens due to the emergence of warmer weather. Park staff works hard to educate guests on how to reduce their impact on parks’ resources. Below are our Top 10 “Go Green With Us” tips for being an eco-conscious park guest!

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    • A small waterfall cascades over a rocky ledge into a shallow pool, surrounded by lush green forest and overhanging tree branches.

    The Natchez Trace Parkway is Rich in History and Scenic Beauty

    The Natchez Trace Parkway, an often-overlooked National Park Service gem, begins just minutes from downtown Nashville. From there, it stretches 444 miles through the rich history, ecology, and culture of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

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    • A long row of dense shrubs with red berries forms a hedge along a grassy roadside, with utility poles and lines running overhead.

    Native Plants for Green Borders

    What if the humble hedge could be more than just a boundary, becoming a thriving sanctuary for wildlife? Discover how hedgerows, past and present, can transform ordinary landscapes into vibrant, living ecosystems.

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  • Man showing a skull model to a young boy near a fence at sunset.

    New Outdoor Classroom

    Grants and donations are important funding sources for Tennessee State Parks and other conservation organizations. One such grant-driven project is Middle Fork Bottoms State Park’s new floating outdoor classroom.


     

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    Photo Courtesy of Christine Robinson

Accessible Adventures

Learn More about Park Accessibility