Dunbar Cave State Park

PARK WEATHER

Cave interior with stalactites and stalagmites, dimly lit.

Park Office / Visitor Center

401 Old Dunbar Cave Road
Clarksville, TN 37043

Geolocation

36.555759460119, -87.304152253435

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Phone Reservations

1-888-867-2757

Dunbar Cave State Park, encompassing 140 acres, is a captivating destination that blends natural beauty with a rich history. The park's centerpiece, Dunbar Cave, is a prehistoric site with significant Native American cave art. Visitors can explore the cave on guided tours, hike scenic trails, and discover diverse wildlife in the surrounding prairie and wetlands.

More About the Park

Explore the Park

Safety and Accessibility

Safety

Visitors must remain on the trails. Cave tours are required to visit inside the cave and are only available May through September. Children must be at least five years old to go on a cave tour. The cave may close during the tour season due to flooding. The lake trail may flood during heavy rain. No grills or open flames are allowed in the picnic area. Pop-up tents are not allowed in the park.
Accessibility

Dunbar Cave State Park offers a unique virtual reality experience of the cave. Head over to our Visitor Center to enjoy our virtual experience tour of Dunbar Cave and see places most individuals can’t tread.

More Accessibility Information
Responsible Recreation

Tennessee State Parks are dedicated to promoting responsible recreation — encouraging visitors to enjoy the parks’ natural beauty while minimizing their own impact. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting park rules, visitors can help preserve these precious resources for future generations.

Find Out How

Dunbar Cave Outdoor Experiences

Dunbar Cave State Park offers a diverse and beautiful natural side.

In the spring and fall, the Lake Trail offers excellent birding. The trail meanders along the edge of Swan Lake and into the hilly mixed deciduous woods, offering a good variety of waterfowl and songbirds. Swan Lake supports waterfowl visitors during migration and in winter. In the summer, the cave mouth is a great place to experience cool cave air, and see the nesting eastern phoebe. Use the checklists below to track your discoveries!

Checklists

Park Activities

Hiking

Park Amenities

Birding
Gift Shop
Trails
Museum
Visitor Center
Adult-Sized Changing Table
Wheelchair-Friendly Paved Trails

Inspiration

Eight Stroller Friendly State Parks In Tennessee

Tennessee is well known for its beautiful state parks that offer a variety of outdoor activities for families. However, not all state parks are equally accessible for families with young children. Parents with strollers often face challenges due to uneven terrain, steep hills, or narrow paths. In this blog post, we will explore eight state parks in Tennessee that are stroller-friendly and offer a great outdoor experience for families with young children.

Eight Stroller Friendly State Parks In Tennessee - Read Article
A Year in Birds at TN State Parks

In Tennessee, at least 423 species have been recorded since 1900, and most of them have been viewed in one of our state parks at one time or another.

A Year in Birds at TN State Parks - Read Article
Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt

Spring blooms brighten our hiking trails and support pollinators and wildlife. Explore 14 wildflowers and the Tennessee state parks where you can find them.

Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt - Read Article
Parks Planting for Pollinators

Learn how state parks are restoring pollinator-friendly spaces and encourages individuals to help by supporting native plants and conservation efforts.

Parks Planting for Pollinators - Read Article