David Crockett Birthplace Highlights
Critical Alert
Park Closed Due to Extensive Flooding Damage
Due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024, David Crockett Birthplace State Park remains closed for public safety.
We are hosting a variety of events for visitors to attend. Please use this link to view our upcoming events.
If you are interested in our volunteering events, please visit this link.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
David Crockett Birthplace State Park Location
David Crockett Birthplace State Park is located Limestone, TN in East Tennessee. Please be aware that it is a different park than David Crockett State Park, located in middle TN.
A Tennessee Treasure: Where a Legend Began
Step back in time and walk the grounds where the legendary David Crockett, frontiersman, legislator, and Alamo hero, was born. David Crockett Birthplace State Park offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a man who would become an American icon. But there's more to this park than just history. Discover the natural beauty and serene landscapes that shaped a young Davy Crockett.
Discover David Crockett Birthplace State Park
David Crockett Birthplace State Park invites you to explore the very ground where a legend was born. Nestled at the confluence of Limestone Creek and the Nolichucky River, this park marks the spot where David Crockett began his extraordinary journey. Imagine a young Davy, exploring the creek banks, learning the ways of the wilderness, and developing the self-reliance that would define his life.
History
Established in 1973, David Crockett Birthplace State Park safeguards a piece of American history.
Before becoming a state park, the land served as a homestead, agricultural land, a tourism spot, and even a KOA campground. David Crockett was born here on August 17, 1786. He wrote that he was born near the confluence of Limestone Creek and the Nolichucky River. The park once featured the Stonecypher Cabin, constructed in 1986 for the bicentennial of Crockett's birth. It was rumored to contain historic timbers and served as a space for interpretive programming.
From the Rangers
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The Perfect Day
A perfect day at David Crockett Birthplace State Park would begin with a walk along the Overlook Trail, taking in the views of the Nolichucky River and the surrounding landscape. Then explore the Crockett Loop Trail, imagining the Crockett family homestead and the life they led on the early American frontier. End the day by attending a ranger-led program to learn more about David Crockett's life and legacy.
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Tennessee Photographs
Insider Information
The park is currently closed due to flood damage and is expected to reopen in phases. Once the park reopens, visitors will be able to traverse the scenic Earnest Farms Nationally Registered Historic District.
Plants
From grasses to trees, David Crockett Birthplace State Park is home to a variety of flora.
Plant Types
- Native Grasses
- Wildflowers (General)
- River Cane
- Coniferous Trees
- Deciduous Trees
Birds
This 105-acre historic park just upstream from the falls of the scenic Nolichucky River is maintained as a memorial to David Crockett.
Habitats range from forested limestone bluffs along the river to meadows, forests, and adjacent agricultural fields providing exceptional bird, wildlife, and wildflower viewing opportunities. Over 90 species of birds have been observed.
Bird Species
- American Crow
- Bald Eagle
- Barred Owl
- Belted Kingfisher
- Blue-headed Vireo
- Broad-winged Hawk
- Canada Goose
- Common Raven
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Downy Woodpecker
- Eastern Towhee
- Flycatchers
- Indigo Bunting
- Mallard
- Northern Saw-Whet Owl
- Osprey
- Palm Warbler
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pine Siskin
- Red Crossbill
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- Ruffed Grouse
- Scarlet Tanager
- Solitary Sandpiper
- Song Sparrow
- Songbirds
- Sparrows
- Spotted Sandpiper
- Thrushes
- Veery
- Vireos
- Warblers
- Wild Turkey
- Wood Duck
- Wood Thrush
- Woodpecker
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
Animals
In addition to migratory birds traveling through, a variety of other animals call this park home.
Animal Species
- Insects
- Frogs
- Toads
- Snakes
- Turtles
- Bats (various species, e.g., Big Brown Bat)
- Squirrels
- Raccoon
- Opossums
- Skunks
- White-tailed Deer
Inspiration
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