Long Hunter For Educators
Notification Alert
New Gate and Closing Procedures
For enhanced safety and security, Long Hunter State Park has installed a new electronic gate at the main entrance of the park. Once activated, on November 1st, 2025, the gate will open daily at 5:00 AM and close nightly at 8:00 PM.
Please note:
- Entry will not be permitted outside of the operational hours listed above. Boat ramp users may still launch if they arrive before 8:00 PM.
- Guests visiting the park should vacate by closing time at 8:00 PM (The park’s day-use areas close at 8:00 PM).
- Exiting the park will remain unrestricted—the gate will automatically open for all outbound traffic.
Operational hours at other areas of the park (Bryant’s Grove and Volunteer Trail) will not be affected. These areas will continue to close at 5:00 PM during standard time and 8:00 PM during daylight saving time.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the park at 615-885-2422.
Long Hunter Educator Programs
Long Hunter State Park offers exciting, relatable, and hands-on educational opportunities. These programs provide an experience that not only engages and educates students but also inspires them.
Our Programs
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Field Trips
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School Outreach
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Self-guided/Teacher-led
Long Hunter Programs
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Meet a Ranger
Who are Rangers? What do they do? Find out! It takes skill, knowledge, experience, and education to be a Park Ranger. Join us today to explore a day in the life of a Tennessee State Park Ranger!
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 30 minutes
Capacity: 150 students
Cost: $0/student -
Cedar Glade Ecology Hike
Students will learn about cedar glades, what makes them unique ecosystems, how every plant has a purpose, and how they find a way to survive where they are planted.
Meets: 3.LS4.2, 6.LS2.5, 6.ESS3.3, 8.LS4.3
Terrain: Uneven terrain, gradual slope, and seasonally wet
Location: Park only
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 25 students
Cost: $1/student -
Wetland Wander
Students will learn how aquatic organisms are sensitive to their surroundings and how they are a reliable indicator species for the health of a wetland environment. Students will participate by walking to the wetlands and exploring the area with different tools to find and identify aquatic critters.
Meets: 2.LS1.2, 4.LS2.5, 6.LS2.4
Location: Park only
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 30 minutes
Capacity: 25 students
Cost: $1/student -
Tennessee Animals
Feathers and skulls and pelts, oh my! What better way to celebrate Tennessee than through learning about its native wildlife? Students will explore the characteristics of different animals that call Tennessee home in this hands-on program. We will also discuss how these animals impacted the lives of 1700s long hunters.
Meets: K.LS1.3, 2.LS1.1-2, 3.LS1.1, 3.LS4.1
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 30 minutes
Capacity: 25 students
Cost: $1/student -
Life as a Long Hunter
Students will learn about the life of a 1700s long hunter, including the difference between a long hunter's camp life and home life, as well as where their goods, clothes, and common-use items came from.
Meets: 3.30, 3.31
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 45 minutes
Capacity: 100 students
Cost: $2/student
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:
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 at a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs, park program fees, and park shelter rentals. 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.
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:
- Bus invoice
- Park invoice
- Photos
- Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
- Student and teacher feedback