Passport Stories
Tennessee State Parks Passport Stories
Here are some of the favorite memories shared by those who have completed their Tennessee State Parks passports.
Passport Journeys
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Frank Webb and Family
Passport Journey 2023-2025
I first intended to begin in spring 2023 by loading camping gear on my motorcycle and not coming home until I visited all the TN state parks. I figured it would take about a month. On second thought, I decided it would not be as much fun by myself. So, I decided to take someone with me to each park - wife, kids, grandkids. I'm so glad I did and shared these memories with them! Our highlights include hiking at Fort Pillow, seeing eagles at Radnor, camping at Harrison Bay, and many more. My wife and I also celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary as we visited our final park, Henry Horton State Park.
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Ashley & Benny Butler
Passport Journey 2018-2025
Our very first hike was on New Year’s Day that year at Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area. On an eagle tour at Reelfoot, we saw at least 30 eagles and countless other bird species we’d never seen before. We had eagles fly over at Radnor, and at Montgomery Bell, an eagle flew right by the window while eating breakfast! One of the best hikes we ever did was at Savage Gulf. We hiked about 10 miles on the Stone Door Trail, stopped for lunch on the bluff, and saw two F-18 jets fly through the valley! Some other great memories were taking our little Shasta camper to Tim’s Ford, Cumberland Mountain & Edgar Evins.
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The Jackson Family
Passport Journey 2018-2025
We started our passport in 2018, but really decided to make it our family goal during the pandemic when we were camping at Chickasaw State Park. We did island camping at Tim’s Ford, and everything went wrong. The boat died, we barely made it across in our kayaks because of the traffic, and then barely made it to the island. We awoke at 4am to a freak lightning storm and ate ice cream for breakfast at 8am. It kept us laughing, and we will tell that story for years to come. We have done a big camp out with friends at Paris Landing every year. It’s so fun to watch the state parks become a part of our traditions and watch our kids grow up enjoying the outdoors.
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Stacey Hann
Passport Journey 2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting the state parks are snorkeling with a ranger at Cummins Falls State Park, joining Eagle Fest at Reelfoot Lake State Park, and enjoying multiple week-long camping trips with my son to complete our goal of hiking at all 59 state parks in one calendar year!
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Orion Hann
Passport Journey 2024
My most memorable moments while visiting the state parks with my mom are hiking at least 1 mile at all 59 parks, camping at 18 parks, joining ranger-led programs at 14 parks, and kayaking, snorkeling, or boating at 9 parks. We made countless memories together in Tennessee State Parks!
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Amy Campoli
Passport Journey 2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting state parks begin with staying at a cabin in Chickasaw State Park. Right behind our cabin, a proposal took place one evening. I enjoyed going to Stone Door at Savage Gulf State Park. The view was amazing, but I kept my distance from the ledge as I have a major fear of heights. This was a park that wasn't part of my 2021 state park challenge, so it was nice to experience a fairly new state park this year. Finally, on December 30th, I joined fellow hikers to celebrate my last hike at David Crockett State Park, my 59th state park!
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Angela Covington
Passport Journey 2020-2024
Burgess Falls State Park will always have a special place in my heart as it was one of my most visited parks growing up, and it is where I got engaged back in 2009. Additional memorable moments while visiting state parks are kayaking to the bottom of Burgess Falls, experiencing the 365 view at Whitehouse Knob at Rocky Fork State Park, taking in the incredible views on the hidden passage trail, walking behind Double Falls, and the night sky view at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park.
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Kirk Covington
Passport Journey 2020-2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting state parks are getting engaged to my wife at Burgess Falls State Park in 2009, enjoying the beautiful 365 degree view of the mountains from Whitehouse Knob at Rocky Fork State Park, and seeing the Milky Way at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park in August 2021.
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Shay Ashcraft
Passport Journey 2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting state parks are when while camping at Chickasaw State Park, we heard a loud splash, followed by footsteps in the woods. We got scared and went inside, even though we were grown women. 😊 I also liked playing board games and opening Christmas presents in our amazing cabin at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and visiting Middle Fork Bottoms State Park, as a brand new park was exciting. It felt like we were really part of something!
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The Johnston Family
Passport Journey 2023-2024
Our memorable moments include hiking the Stone Door Trail at Savage Gulf, the Moss Covered Trail at Mousetail Landing, enjoying all of the waterfalls in the Cummins/Burgess area, the friendliest ranger at Port Royal, tubing down the Harpeth, camping at several parks, hiking to waterfalls at Frozen Head, falling in love with Long Hunter which is close to our house and I had no idea existed prior, and the best hike in our opinion was our very last one at Rocky Fork next to the most beautiful flowing creek full of waterfalls and pools. The MOST memorable moments were just being with my family, spending hours together in the car, camping, and exploring nature.
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Tom & Melanie Hicks
Passport Journey 2024
Our three most memorable moments visiting all of the Tennessee State Parks are (1) driving into Frozen Head State Park (2) the panoramic views at Savage Gulf State Park, and (3) Cummins Falls State Park. We completed the parks in one year, driving 8,000 miles and hiking hundreds of miles.
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Kim Sutton
Passport Journey 2024
On an extended weekend camping event at Savage Gulf with Girls Who Hike TN (GWHTN), we had the pleasure of hiking with retired State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath. Randy led us on many hikes and taught us so much. At Burgess Falls, I kayaked to the base of the Falls, and in July & October, had the pleasure of hiking to the top of the Falls with two fellow GWHTN members as they finished hiking in their 59th State Parks. Bledsoe Creek was my 59th State Park. Ranger Dallas and crew were the friendliest and most helpful group of folks. Not only did they answer my questions, they showed me the answers. What a wonderful end to my journey of the TN State Parks. I need to thank all the GWHTN Ambassadors and ladies.
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Shannon Heard
Passport Journey 2024
My three most memorable moments visiting all of the Tennessee State Parks are (1) meeting a very nice ranger at Rocky Fork State Park who talked to us about the flood and allowed us to watch trail cam footage of bears, (2) falling in the water walking to Cummins Falls, and (3) meeting the “1st Lady of Roan” at Roan Mountain State Park.
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Danielle Hawkins
Passport Journey 2024
My most memorable moments visiting all Tennessee State Parks are camping at the amazing sites at Rock Island, Chickasaw, and Mousetail Landing! The sunsets and sunrises are amazing.
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Laura Luepke & Jacob Geer
Passport Journey 2024
My most memorable moments from visiting all the state parks are the cypress trees at Reelfoot Lake, Twin Arches near Pickett CCC Memorial, sunrise over Fall Creek Falls, wild petunias at Cedars of Lebanon, learning about the Tobacco Wars at Port Royal, and seeing my first summer tanager at Nathan Bedford Forrest.
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Joy Long
Passport Journey 2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting the state parks were 1) kayaking on the Arch Lake at Pickett State Park with Ranger Owen, 2) attending a ranger led wildflower hike at Norris Dam State Park with Ranger Holly, and 3) attending a birds of prey presentation at Mousetail Landing with Ranger Anthony.
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Nicola Wayer
Passport Journey 2019-2024
My first park in 2019 was Long Hunter, where I participated in my first ever 5K walk, returned for my first ever solo hikes, and ignited the spark to explore more parks and do things I never imagined being physically able to do. Visits to the parks with ranger-led tours showed me things I never would’ve seen otherwise: bioluminescent scorpions on a nighttime ranger walk at Mousetail Landing, bats emerging from a cave on a sunset pontoon boat tour at Tims Ford, and ancient cave art at Dunbar Cave. My last park in 2024 was North Chickamauga Creek Gorge with a hike, climbing over rocks in the gorge, and cooling off in the creek.
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The Easley Family
Passport Journey 2020-2024
Visiting all the parks was an incredible journey. We started as a way to be active with our kids during COVID, and it has become one of the things we are most proud of. Among our favorite adventures are kayaking under the Harvest Moon at Long Hunter, hiking the Rocky Fork trail after a snowfall, and experiencing the glow worms at Pickett. We watched our family grow in so many ways as we pushed our limits while exploring all the parks, and we are excited to return for more adventures as the years go by.
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John Evans
Passport Journey 2009-2024
I have had so many good memories. I remember the first time going to Old Stone Fort and being amazed at how many waterfalls were around each corner. The Fiery Gizzard hike up to Raven's Point was difficult, but one of the most memorable hikes. Staying at the Norris Dam cabins was one of my most enjoyable experiences yet. My wife and I used to camp and do 8-12-mile hikes, and once we had our son, we switched to shorter hikes, story walks, playgrounds, and staying in cabins. I feel connected to these special places and find each visit rewarding and enriching to my soul. I believe it is now one of my life's mission to spread the good news about them.
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Emily & Jeff Gitter
Passport Journey 2018-2019
My three most memorable moments while visiting the state parks are (1) hiking in the snow in December 2018 at Reelfoot Lake State Park, (2) training and completing the Big Hill Pond State Park 25k, and (3) our trip out to Roan Mountain and Rocky Fork - we LOVED these parks and would have never made it out that far otherwise!
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Sandra Kelly
Passport Journey 2020-2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting the state parks are (1) kayaking the Black Bayou Trail at Reelfoot Lake State Park, (2) hiking the gorge at Cummins Falls State Park, and (3) my first time going to Greeter Falls, going down the spiral staircase.
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Lenice Gray
Passport Journey 2020-2024
My three most memorable moments while visiting the state parks are (1) kayaking the Black Bayou Trail at Reelfoot Lake State Park, (2) hiking the gorge at Cummins Falls State Park, and (3) First Day Hikes at David Crockett State Park.
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Christa Ellis
Passport Journey 2023
My three most memorable moments while visiting the state parks are (1) the glow worms at Pickett and the beauty of the arches and rock formations there as well as in Pogue, (2) solo camping at Roan Mountain listening to the creek and watching the sunset from Round Bald, and (3) enjoying a campfire at Reelfoot while being serenaded by a young Great Horned Owl for over an hour.
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Karen Reinsch
Passport Journey 2023
I jumped into 2023 with the goal of visiting all 57 Tennessee State Parks. I started with a family hike at Long Hunter on the first of January and completed my 57th park at Henry Horton on November 24th. This was an incredible year of visiting so many different parts in our beautiful state. I organized hikes, joined in on ranger-led hikes, hiked with family, and solo hiked. I loved aspects of each park but my favorites were Frozen Head, Rocky Fork, and Rock Island. The waterfalls were beautiful, the hikes were challenging, and the trails were peaceful. I loved being able to spend time enjoying what Tennessee State Parks have to offer!
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Wally Trevathan
Passport Journey 2022-2024
My favorite memories of Tennessee State Parks go back to childhood--visiting Burgess Falls, Fall Creek Falls and spending vacations at Standing Stone with my family. The past ten years, I've enjoyed hiking and climbing at South Cumberland, Fall Creek, and the crags along the Cumberland Trail. Discovering new places has been priceless. My favorite memory is the combined trip to rock climb in South Cumberland at Foster Falls and Denny Cove. A good time is had by all sport climbers at a premier destination. My absolute best memory is of the Rangers and park staff I've met over the years. I've enjoyed immensely the interactions I've had with them.
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Connie Petersen
Passport Journey 2023-2024
My three most memorable memories are (1) camping at David Crockett Birthplace, (2) the Pontoon Archaeological Tour at Reelfoot, and (3) the Miller Homestead tour. It was beautiful and peaceful in October.
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Metta Foley
Passport Journey 2023
Camping at the start of the year at Long Hunter. I started the year with a friend and her kids. We camped down the Volunteer Trail. We hiked almost 25 miles that weekend. That was my first state park for 2023. I also took a 4-day trip with my family to hit a lot of the Eastern parks. It was a lot of fun going from park to park with them. The waterfalls! I love those parks with big waterfalls. Cummins, Fall Creek Falls, Rock Island. I visited Old Stone Fort multiple times! It was such a challenge going to every park but so rewarding. Getting to see so much of TN compared to my little hometown, I loved it.
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Pete & Rene Jacobs
Passport Journey 2019-2024
Our three most memorable moments while visiting state parks are (1) tent camping at Rocky Fork, even with the copperhead, (2) rhododendrons at Roan Mtn in the fog, and (3) first bald eagle sighting at Johnsonville, wow!
And soooo many more! -
The Williams Family
Passport Journey 2018-2023
Our son, Ethan, found an arrowhead while on a ranger-led hike at Old Stone Fort. It was cool finding a piece of the history we were there learning about, and the arrowhead is now in the park museum. Waking up our first morning at Reelfoot Lake, we could look out the camper window from our waterfront site and see all the Bald Cypress Trees. We also saw Bald Eagles, and our kids had to get stuffed toy eagles from the gift shop to remember the trip. We got caught in torrential rain while on a hike at Frozen Head. The creeks were roaring, and parts of the hiking trails had water flowing down them, but we made it back safely and stopped at Sonic on the way home for treats.
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Diane "DJ" Greer
Passport Journey 2012-2023
I started in May 2012 when I was at the opening ceremony of Cummins Falls with Governor Haslam. I have the 75th Anniversary Book and have added any newly added parks in the special events section. I love waterfalls!! Some of my other favorite memories are so hard to choose... a toss between the CCC and arches of Pickett and the Devils Racetrack of Justin P Wilson Cumberland Trail. I also love geological formations. I also love Fort Pillow history. The Mississippi River (and let me sneak in the birds of Reelfoot since I mentioned the Mississippi...and we know it reversed to make Reelfoot.)
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Haylee Brown
Passport Journey 2023
At Burgess Falls, I kayaked in June when she was raging. Stunning to see the power of that thing and how much people enjoy visiting it. Returned again in November to see her in different light and still fell in love. At Rocky Fork, I loved hiking a difficult hike and then cold plunging in the icy waters of the creek. So much fun and honestly so relaxing. At Old Stone Fort, I hiked with my momma and had the best time running from thunderstorms and then playing in the water when they did clear. With the rain, no one else was around!
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Dave & Jeanette Oliphant
Passport Journey 2021-2023
Dave attended summer church camp at Big Ridge as a child. We started our Passport journey 50 years later at the beautiful overlook of Cherokee Lake at Panther Creek and ended almost two years later at Pickwick Landing, where we stayed two nights at the lodge. Jeanette thoroughly enjoyed the park aviaries and paved trails from her wheelchair, especially the glove program at Radnor Lake. Dave’s favorite parks included American history at Alvin C. York and Port Royal, God’s creation from T.O. Fuller to Savage Gulf to Roan Mountain, native American life at Pinson Mounds and Red Clay, museums at Johnsonville and Sycamore Shoals, and waterfalls at Fall Creek Falls, Burgess Falls, and Rock Island.
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Katie Hannah
Passport Journey 2023
My three most memorable moments while visiting while visiting all the state parks was (1) seeing a bear cub run across the trail at Rocky Fork, (2) looking down on hawks from the spectacular Ravens Point overlook at South Cumberland, and (3) finishing the 57th hike at Seven Islands two days before my 57th birthday with all my closest pals!
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Kathy & Charles Stout
Passport Journey 2022-2023
My husband and I made it a project together. We enjoyed traveling around our state and getting to know it better. We tried to stay in a lodge or cabin in almost every park that offered it. We visited Fort Loudoun and Red Clay on my birthday weekend and got to experience reenactments at both. We didn't know that Tennessee history. My son got married at Big Ridge State Park and my daughter and I did Kayaking 101 on the Hiawassee. It rained the whole time. It was epic and awesome.
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Denise Medeiros
Passport Journey 2020-2023
We visited Roan Mountain while the rhododendron were at peak bloom. We camped in the park, hiked the trails, and saw so many eastern newts everywhere. Our first visit to Reelfoot Lake, we camped in the park, and each night there was a unique and beautiful sunset. We enjoyed the pontoon tour around the lake, spotting eagles, great blue herons, egrets and so much more. Savage Gulf, the newest state park, immediately captured my heart. We hiked the amazing Stone Door, Savage Falls, Greeter Falls, and Suter Falls. The wildflowers were everywhere! Waterfalls and wildflowers are my two of favorite things and all in one park! I can't wait to return next spring!
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Kristen Cooper
Passport Journey 2022-2023
We visited Roan Mountain during the same time the mountain laurels were in full bloom. It was such a beautiful sight and beautiful park altogether. We also spotted a black bear during our trip. The Stone Door trail at the new park Savage Gulf was a beautiful experience. Seeing a bald eagle at Reelfoot Lake was so magical! We enjoyed all the waterfalls in TN. Such beautiful sights!
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Lauren Leigh Johnson
Passport Journey 2014-2023
I have SO MANY great state park memories. When I swam in the waterfalls at Rock Island I had just started working at TN Tech and a big group if students were going, so I joined in. When my friend and I got to stand in the middle of the bells at the Bicentennial Mall while they played because we were the only 2 that came for a night hike.When I visited Roan mountain for the first time and the view was so beautiful it moved me to tears. I love spending time in the parks, whether it's an event led by one of the incredible rangers or I am exploring the trails solo. Campsite, cabin, or lodge; campfire cooking or restaurant relaxing, State Parks have it all!
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Bobby Earl Whitaker III
Passport Journey 2022-2023
I had one day off every week and used that day to plan roadtrips that lead me on the journey of getting every single state park stamp. Hiking the Boardwalk at Big Hill Pond State Park was amazing! I love walking through the Dismal Swamp! I love the hike at Cummins Falls State Park. The falls were running good the day I visited and I love the falls. It's one of the parks that started me, "waterfall chasing." Rock Island State Park was beautiful. The canyon that runs through this park made me think of a canyon out west, and I love the falls there as well. I hiked a trail at all 57 TN state parks, if there was a trail available to walk.
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John Swartz
Passport Journey 2021-2023
The natural formations at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park are impressive! Standing Stone State Park and forest area is a nice karst environment. Rocky Fork is an awesome example of Tennessee’s geology!
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Angela Smith
Passport Journey 2021-2023
Walking the Reelfoot Lake boardwalk with all the surrounding cypress trees was quite an awesome experience. The Savage Gulf Visitor's Center hawk enclosure was pleasurable watching the hawk full of life and energy. Fall Creek Falls is always memorable to me because this is where I chose to get married!
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Benjamin Iles
Passport Journey 2022
I loved being able to volunteer at various parks and use that as a catalyst to get out and explore more! The friends I made along the way while hiking! Meeting Appalachian Trail hikers at a hostel near Roan Mountain was a blast. Learning from interpretive experts like those at the Lenoir Museum was really eye-opening and educational.
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Douglas & Darolyn Praskach
Passport Journey 2022
Seeing 31 Bald Eagles at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Being close to a hummingbird at the top of a fire tower at Edgar Evins State Park. The Amazing Raptor Show at Radnor Lake State Park.
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Katrin Monhollen
Passport Journey 2020-2023
I was absolutely fascinated by Old Stone Fort State Park. Reelfoot Lake State Park was very special to me because the sunsets were breathtaking and the cypress trees in the water were magical. Another special moment was when we finally finished the challenge and got the last stamp at David Crockett State Park.
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Andy Zimmerman
Passport Journey 2020-2023
Seeing the sunset at Reelfoot Lake. Learning Native American history at Old Stone Fort and Pinson Mounds. Staying in a cabin at Roan Mountain and then hiking on the Appalachian Trail in the snow.
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Brandon Oursler
Passport Journey 2020-2021
I love visiting the parks for many reasons. The main 2 that come to mind are all of the historical and scenic locations we have here in Tennessee. Without the Passport program, I really wouldn't have a reason to visit and learn about these amazing locations that we have in Tennessee. Fall Creek Falls State Park has always been my favorite park for many years. It's one of the most impressive State Parks that I've been to in the country. I really like Pickett CCC Memorial State Park for its amazing, impressive rock formations and scenery.