What to do and see in Tennessee, United States: The Best State Parks

January 18, 2022 Matilde Konrad

Discover the best top things to do in Tennessee, United States including South Cumberland State Park, Savage Gulf State Natural Area, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Bledsoe Creek State Park, Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park, David Crockett State Park, Edgar Evins State Park, Long Hunter State Park, Tims Ford State Park.
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1. South Cumberland State Park

11745 US 41, Monteagle, TN 37356-7609 +1 931-924-2980 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/south-cumberland
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 80 reviews

South Cumberland State Park

This state park is thought of very highly by any hiker who experiences its landscape. Throughout the 9 sections of the park, and through 4 counties in Tennessee, this park is thought to have some of the best hiking and camping in the state. There is also a 12 mile trail that has been listed as a top 25 trail to hike in the nation. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By DN2021 - Huntsville, United States

I've been to this state park at various times over the past decades. This was the first time I camped at the Stone Door Campground. The first thing to note is that there is about a 5-minute walk through the woods from the parking lot to the campground, so if you're carrying a lot of things you'll need to make multiple trips. The good thing, though, is that you have a lot of privacy being away from the parking lot. We had a great time camping a couple of nights and during the days we walked along several of the trails in the Stone Door and Savage Gulf areas. Beautiful place.

2. Savage Gulf State Natural Area

+1 931-924-2980 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/south-cumberland
Excellent
91%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Savage Gulf State Natural Area

This is a section of the South Cumberland State Park known for its flowing waterfalls and boulder formations.

3. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243-3081 +1 615-741-5280 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/bicentennial-mall
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 933 reviews

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By RNfromJMU - Grand Haven, United States

Great place to stroll with the family. Large park allowed social distancing and included multiple historical markers teaching quite a bit about Tennessee history and its impact on the rest of the nation. Park is well positioned to serve many needs and included families walking, joggers, and people with pets. Proximity to the Farmers' Market makes it a good spot for picnic lunch especially given the scenery. If we lived in the area, this would probably be a regular stop for us.

4. Bledsoe Creek State Park

400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066-8743 +1 615-452-3706 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/bledsoe-creek
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 133 reviews

Bledsoe Creek State Park

With more than 50 campsites, and over 6 miles of hiking trails, Bledsoe Creek State Park is perfect for family vacation or a brisk morning out next to Old Hickory Lake. Fishing is also permitted. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By LLCDMC

We live nearby and use the public trails for leisurely strolls and beautiful river views. Friendly and helpful park staff. Summer weekenders fill the campsites so we go during the weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Check out the activities offered to campers for children and adults. Beautiful woods and water activities.

5. Cedars of Lebanon State Park

328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090-7678 +1 615-443-2769 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/cedars-of-lebanon
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Cedars of Lebanon State Park

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is located in Wilson County and is part of the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. The park is named for Eastern Red Cedar trees found throughout the area. The trees reminded early American settlers of the famed Biblical cedar forests that thrived across Mount Lebanon in what is now the Mediterranean area. Cedars of Lebanon became a state park in 1955. Eight miles of hiking trails meander through the cedar forests and glades. There are four trails in the park where you may catch a glimpse of fox, deer, squirrel, rabbits and turkey throughout the park. Picnicking is another popular activity. All picnic tables are equipped with grills and there are also 11 picnic shelters located throughout the park. Three of the picnic shelters can be reserved for a fee. The 900 acre park has 117 campsites equipped with picnic tables and grills, electric and water hookups.

Reviewed By Jpamr5 - Richmond, United States

November 3, 2020, was a beautiful day for a walk on the Hidden Springs Trail. The trail was an easy, rough 5 mile loop to walk ( about 2 hours). As we drove through the Cedars of Lebanon State Park we noticed the many amenities and how well kept the park is maintained. A pleasant stop on our road trip to Indiana.

6. Cumberland Mountain State Park

24 Office Drive, Crossville, TN 38555 +1 931-484-6138 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/cumberland-mountain
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 394 reviews

Cumberland Mountain State Park

This 1,720 acre park is great for all kinds of recreational activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, boating, swimming and bird watching. There is also space available for conventions or conferences. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By amandasally0 - Cookeville, United States

This was the prettiest park! We walked the Pioneer Short Loop and it is by far the prettiest trail in the area! We’ll be back. Just watch out for snakes around the caves and in the damp spots along the trail! We saw 3!

7. David Crockett State Park

1400 W Gaines St, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464-3149 +1 931-762-9408 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/david-crockett
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

David Crockett State Park

This park is over 1300 acres, with plenty of room for activities. With a David Crockett Museum, Olympic Sized pool, boating, fully equipped cabins for rent, over 100 campsites, and an on-site restaurant, this park is perfect for a day out in the woods or a family getaway. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By LOHdlh

Background: Wife and I on a 400+ mile Natchez Trace excursion from South to North. We stayed 1 night in a travel trailer with a small dog. Pros: - pleasant and professional check in. Clean office efficiently run. - clear map and instructions to our assigned lot. -facilites are in prime condition with large concrete slabs, 30 - 50 amp electrical, water and picnic table. Good separation from camping neighbors. - Showers are plentiful with good privacy. Clean toilets, warm (Feb stay) and well illuminated. -Bountiful wildlife (35 white tailed deer in adjacent pasture in early am) Cons: - one shower stall had no hot water... presumed a closed feed valve upstream. All others were fine. Tennessee is to be commended on funding and maintenance of this park. It could be considered a "destination" spot for those so inclined to trails, bikes, wildlife viewing, Trail of Tears, etc.. Kudos to the Big T!

8. Edgar Evins State Park

1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Silver Point, TN 38582-7917 +1 931-646-3080 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/edgar-evins
Excellent
52%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Edgar Evins State Park

This park spans over 6000 acres around the shores of Center Hill Lake. At this park you can an abundance of wildlife including a few rare birds. The lake offers a marina and a restaurant, and the park also has a gift shop. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By RickyG2013 - Orlando, United States

Nice cabin with great Paddle Boarding opportunities on Center Hill Lake. Cabins were clean and well kept and provided access to a courtesy dock for easy access of our paddle boards. Great day trips on the water. The lake was a little crowded on Saturday but great during the week. We brought our dogs and the cabins were grouped by dog owners to not bother others. Only down side was provided by Mother Nature, not the TN Parks - BUGS! Picked up a nice batch of redbugs (chiggers) somewhere. Also, bring a "spider stick" to knock down the webs on the trails. All part of staying in a park to me, so didn't gig them a star.

9. Long Hunter State Park

2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076-4027 +1 615-885-2422 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/long-hunter
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Long Hunter State Park

With over 2600 acres of land to explore, this park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails around Percy Priest Lake. Swimming, Fishing, and learning about the historical Native American Mound at Sellars Farm are all popular activities. This park has four distinct sections. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By 669mitchellg - Old Hickory, United States

fairly level hiking trails without much growth or rocks on the trails, we found it to be a good place just to unwind

10. Tims Ford State Park

570 Tims Ford Dr Cabin 12, Winchester, TN 37398-4136 +1 931-968-3536 [email protected] http://tnstateparks.com/parks/tims-ford
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 162 reviews

Tims Ford State Park

This 1300+ acre state park is home to one of the most scenic lakes in Tennessee, and offers a range of trails surrounding the lake. There are also opportunities to fish and swim in the lake, and on top of that, the local marina provides boating access. Camping and cabin rentals are also available at this park. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Reviewed By J9300DBsuel

Had a fantastic experience staying at cabin 5, right on the point. Very clean and had everything we could possibly need....even a dishwasher, which we never have otherwise. The bathroom is a little dated, but for the experience is insignificant. Would definitely go back. Lots of deer in the evening and other wildlife you can see if you're lucky. Geocaching also at this park. Very nice and helpful park staff.

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