Cumberland Trail For Educators
Notification Alert

Cumberland Trail Need to Know

Cumberland Trail State Park

Please exercise extreme caution while enjoying creek areas, including waterfalls. Water levels may change suddenly, running high and moving fast in many areas and posing increased safety risk. Check out our interactive map to plan your trip.

All Counties: All caves on lands managed by the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail are closed to the public at this time due to White Nose Syndrome.

  • overlook of the river weaving between the green mountains in the distance
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    Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail Educator Programs

    Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger?

    Tennessee State Parks offer accessible, discovery-based educational experiences aligned with Tennessee’s academic standards. Choose a program for your class, plan your day at a park, and request an experience today.

    Our Programs

    Our programs support many Tennessee academic standards. Our Rangers are experienced and knowledgeable in a variety of subjects.  

      • Group of children listening to a guide outside a rustic wooden barn.

      Field Trips

      • Group of children listening to a man outdoors near a tree.

      School Outreach

      • Group of people standing in a grassy field with trees in the background.

      Overnight Learning Experiences

      • Orange mushroom on a forest floor covered with pine needles.

      Virtual Connections

    • Sunrise over a fog-covered valley seen from a rocky overlook.

    What Do Cumberland Trail Educator Programs Offer?

    The Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park offers programs that cover topics such as: 

    • Natural History
    • General Biology
    • Regional History
    • Animal Adaptations and Keystone Species
    • Guided Hikes
    • Park Career Options 

    How to Request a Program

    Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. Once you have submitted the form, allow 10 days for processing. Request educational program experiences at least four to six weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program.  

    To complete the form:  

    • 1.

      Choose the park.

      Explore our parks to find the park that has the right location and program available for your needs. You can request more than one park and more than one program.

    • 2.

      Identify the type of program(s) of interest.

      You are not limited to just one program. When completing the application, provide us the list of specific programs you are interested in. 

    • 3.

      Complete the form.

      Fill out our program request form and submit. Once submitted, allow 10 days for processing.

    Request a Program

    Funding Assistance 

    Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation.

    The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs with a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation cost and park program fees. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.   

    When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form if you are interested in receiving funding support.   

    Download PDF

    What’s Next?  

    Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process.

    The request will be in Pending status until confirmed. Allow 10 days for processing. A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.    

    If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Funding is processed after the program as a reimbursement. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.

    Submitting for Funding Reimbursement

    To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:  

    1. Bus invoice
    2. Park invoice
    3. Photos
    4. Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
    5. Student and teacher feedback
    Apply for Reimbursement

    Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully.  

    Contact Information

    • Gina Hancock, Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director
      gina.hancock@tnstateparksconservancy.org

    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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