June 30, 2022 |
Tennessee’s state parks boast some of the most breathtaking natural places in the nation. Since the establishment of the first Tennessee State Park in 1938, our parks have grown to be outstanding vacation destinations sought-after by Tennesseans and visitors from across the world. Thanks to consistent improvements and renovations of lodges, cabins, campgrounds, and facilities, the state parks in Tennessee are better than ever.
This summer, we invite you to recreate, relax, and reconnect with the natural world at some of our newly renovated park facilities. Here are six state parks you won’t want to miss:
Discover Dining and the Duck River at
Henry Horton State Park
4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034 • Map & Directions
Earlier this summer, Henry Horton State Park opened its brand-new visitor center and restaurant. Located one hour south of Nashville in Chapel Hill, this outdoor oasis provides a space to recreate and recharge near the scenic Duck River. Stop by the new restaurant for a fresh meal on the outdoor patio, grab some cold drinks at the full-service bar, browse the gift shop, and explore the immersive Duck River Exhibit.
The restaurant is open Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm. The visitor center is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm.
Fun in the Sun at Cedars of Lebanon State Park
328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090 • Map & Directions
Are you looking for a fun and free way to keep your kids cool this summer? Located just 40 minutes outside of Nashville, Cedars of Lebanon State Park recently opened a splash pad including fountains and two tipping buckets that are fun for all ages. The splash pad sits on the former swimming pool at the park and is now open until Labor Day. Make a day out of it by packing a lunch and enjoy the shaded pavilions near the area. Additional improvements to the facilities are coming soon.
The park also offers 10 miles of hiking trails through the forests and cedar glades if your family wants to hit the trails before splashing and playing at the park’s new water feature.
Stay the Night at the Newly Built Lodge at Paris Landing
400 Lodge Rd, Buchanan, TN 38222 • Map & Directions
The Lodge at Paris Landing is a brand-new resort-style hotel on the shores of Kentucky Lake inside Paris Landing State Park. It features 91 lakefront guestrooms, a full-service restaurant and lounge with indoor and outdoor dining, and conference spaces to serve business meetings and social functions.
The lodge offers many spaces to gather and relax, including fire pits, reading nooks, and living room areas inspired by the commanding views of the open water.
Guests have access to an outdoor pool, an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, and water sports on Kentucky Lake, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and waterskiing.
Fall In Love With the New Lodge at Fall Creek Falls
2536 Lakeside Rd, Spencer, TN 38585 • Map & Directions
The construction of a brand new Lodge at Fall Creek Falls State Park was one of the most highly anticipated upgrades at Tennessee State Parks this year. The new hotel now offers 85 lakefront rooms, a full-service restaurant and lounge, and conference spaces on the shores of Fall Creek Falls Lake.
Fall Creek Falls is one of the most visited parks in Tennessee, attracting visitors from all over the world. The addition of the new lodge solidifies the park as a premier vacation destination offering outstanding accommodations, amazing views, and first-class outdoor activities like waterfall chasing, golfing, and the adventurous Canopy Challenge Course.
Hang Your Hammock at Warriors' Path State Park
490 Hemlock Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663 • Map & Directions
The Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground at Warriors Path State Park is a unique experience tailored to the needs of hammock campers. Made entirely out of recycled or reusable materials, this new campground only cost the park the installation of a water hydrant.
The campground features hammock posts constructed from cedars lost in a winter storm, picnic tables salvaged from dilapidated stone bases, benches constructed with components from rusted grills, fire rings made from leftover trail projects as well as river rock, and even lantern hooks from scrapped grill handles from old fire pits. You can book a site at the Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground online.
Hike a New Trail Made From Tires at T.O. Fuller State Park
1500 W Mitchell Rd, Memphis, TN 38109 • Map & Directions
T.O. Fuller State Park recently opened a trail made entirely of recycled tires. Volunteers and contractors gathered over 24,000 dumped tires that had been illegally dumped around the park. The almost 3-mile walking and biking path is one of the longest rubber-bearing trails in the U.S., surpassing even Yellowstone National Park’s rubber trail to Old Faithful. Learn more about the project.
Make your way to the Memphis area to walk or bike on the new rubber trail, then consider staying at one of the park’s 45 campsites this summer to enjoy a night under the stars!
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Tennessee State Parks