February 26, 2025 |
Spring is right around the corner. Soon the sweet earthy smell of new blooms and melodic sounds of songbirds will ease us into warmer weather. From hiking and camping to paddling and wildflower chasing there is plenty to explore at Tennessee State Parks this spring. Here are five ways you can welcome the season at our parks.
Photo by ©Tennessee Photographs
Chase Wildflowers
With each spring, new blooms pop up to ensure us that warmer weather is near. As you enjoy our parks this spring, we invite you to look closer and get to know these blooms. Download our spring bingo card and use it to track the wildflowers you discover! The best part? If you get bingo, you can submit the form below to earn a special reward - a 15% discount on your next order from the Tennessee State Parks Online Gift Shop. Even better, take a guided hike with one of our rangers or naturalists, who can tell you all about the beautiful blooms at our parks.
Here are a few guided wildflower hikes coming up this spring:
- Statewide Spring Hikes | March 22: State parks across Tennessee are offering free, ranger-led Spring Hikes on Saturday, March 22nd. Many of these will showcase the blooming flowers along the trail, and all are great opportunities to take in some fresh air and learn more about the world around you. EVENT DETAILS
- 46th Annual Spring Nature Festival | April 11 - 13: Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor discovery at Warriors' Path State Park, with guided hikes among wildflowers and "mini-seminars" on a wide range of nature discovery topics led by expert naturalists from across the region. EVENT DETAILS
- Spring Nature Rally | April 11 & 12: During this weekend event at Standing Stone State Park, visitors can explore scenic wildflower-rich areas of the park with expert guidance. This two-day event includes guided hikes, educational workshops, children's programs, and engaging discussions. EVENT DETAILS
- 43rd Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade Wildflower Festival | May 2: A full day of informative walks highlighting birds, butterflies, geology, native plant gardening, edible plants, and more around Cedars of Lebanon State Park. EVENT DETAILS
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Photo posted on Instagram by @shanadurdin
Wander Amongst Waterfalls
Tennessee State Parks are home to over 80 stunning waterfalls, and spring is the perfect season to witness their majestic beauty. Thanks to increased seasonal rainfall, these natural wonders are at their most spectacular during springtime, often with powerful cascades and impressive water flow. Whether you're interested in a day hike to view these magnificent falls or planning a longer stay, our parks offer various accommodation options, from comfortable lodges to scenic campsites.
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Photo posted on Instagram by @alaskatogeorgia
Pitch a Tent Under the Stars
While camping is offered year-round at Tennessee State Parks, spring brings the ideal temperatures for tent camping. This season, pitch your tent near the Tennessee River at Mousetail Landing State Park or enjoy full hookups at Natchez Trace State Park. If you're looking for an extra unique experience, book a camping cabin at Paris Landing State Park or set up camp on a unique raised platform by the lake at Edgar Evins State Park. Our campgrounds fill up quickly for spring and summer, so make sure to secure your reservations early.
Did You Know? You can reserve campsites at Tennessee State Parks up to a year in advance.
BROWSE CAMPSITES
Grow Your Outdoor Skills
With spring comes a chance to start fresh and take stock of your goals. If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors or try a new outdoor activity, the guided programs that Tennessee State Parks offers are a great way to start. Our parks across the state are hosting events from rejuvenating guided hikes to adventurous backpacking outings. Check the upcoming events calendar for programs happening this spring at a park near you.
Here are a few of our favorite upcoming programs:
- Deep Swamp Kayak Float | Multilpe Dates in March & April: This unforgettable three-hour kayak adventure through the mystical cypress swamps of Reelfoot Lake offers incredible views of wildlife—perfect for experienced paddlers seeking a unique West Tennessee wilderness experience. EVENT DETAILS
- Women's Backacking Trip | April 26: Experience the beauty of the backcountry while learning essential outdoor skills with other women during this guided overnight trip at Frozen Head State Park, with all meals and snacks provided. EVENT DETAILS
- Intro to Backpacking Overnight Adventure | May 3: Have you been wanting to get into backpacking but don't know where to begin? Ranger Kelsey will help you answer all these questions and teach you all the skills needed to enjoy a backpacking trip at Fall Creek Falls State Park in a safe and controlled environment. EVENT DETAILS
- Spring Rock Climbing Workshop at Fall Creek Falls State Park | May 16: Join climbing experts at Fall Creek Falls State Park for a weekend of learning how to rock climb. EVENT DETAILS
- Birding by Ear | May 23: Experience the symphony of spring at Warriors' Path State Park alongside our expert guides who will help you identify the unique songs and calls of East Tennessee's feathered residents. EVENT DETAILS
EVENTS CALENDAR
Photo posted on Instagram by @jsonovrb, Rock Island State Park
Go For a Refreshing Paddle
Take advantage of the increased water levels that spring showers deliver by paddling one of the many lakes or rivers at Tennessee State Parks. Camp at Henry Horton State Park and paddle the Duck River, stay overnight at the Lodge at Montgomery Bell State Park and paddle at nearby Harpeth River State Park, or take a day trip out to Long Hunter State Park and rent a canoe.
Did You Know? Many of our parks offer paddling rentals.
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*Please exercise water safety during your visit. If the water seems too high or too fast, please do not enter it. Flooding often occurs during periods of heavy rains. We encourage the use of personal floatation devices (PFDs) and adherence to all relevant boating laws in Tennessee.
Plan Your Overnight Trip
Tennessee State Parks offer campgrounds, cabins, and lodges across the state. Start exploring and make this spring an adventurous one!
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Tennessee State Parks