Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

Edgar Evins hosts Western Wallflower Week on May 21-27. Join Park Rangers & the Seasonal Naturalist for daily boat tours to view a magnificent display of this infrequent Tennessee wildflower, and other unique species endemic to the limestone bluffs on Center Hill Reservoir. Be sure to arrive prepared for sun & rain exposure, and to bring your binoculars and camera. Bottled water and a bagged lunch are also recommended. Meet at the Courtesy Dock. Boat will leave promptly at 10 a.m. CT. Please arrive 15 minutes prior. Duration: approximately 3 hrs. Trips are limited to 12 people per tour. Sorry, no children under 3 years of age. To sign up call 931-858-2114 or 931-982-3918 or email Ranger Mark at mark.taylor@tn.gov.

News Updates

Make plans to take one of our guided or self-guided waterfall or wildflower tours this spring. Learn More.

Event Spotlights
Cumberland Mountain hosts Solar & Star Gazing Party on May 19. (PLATEAU) 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Solar viewing will begin at the upper softball field. 1 hour before sunset – A 40 minute pre dusk basic astronomy program will begin with planet and deep sky night observing following! Location Upper Softball Field. Solar viewing and night sky viewing led by Lloyd Watkins. For more information call 931-484-6138.

Sycamore Shoals hosts 18th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga on May 19 & 20. (EAST) Step back to a vibrant and dangerous time…America declares Independence in the summer of 1776, and people beyond the mountains build forts, stock powder, and sharpen hatchets for the oncoming war. Walk among local legends—the vivacious Bonnie Kate, mysterious Old Abram, dignified Col. Carter, and daring John Sevier—for a glimpse of life on this “dark and bloody ground.” Colonial, native, and British re-enactors share their past through talks, mini-dramas, and demonstrations of 18th century life. Battle re-enactments both days. Saturday & Sunday, May 19 & May 20 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET.Contact the park for detailed schedule at 423-543-5808.


2012 Event Schedule  (updated April 13) for Tennessee State Parks and Natural Areas

May 2012 Event Schedule for Tennessee State Parks

Printer Friendly May 2012 Event Schedule for Tennessee State Parks

Learn more about TN State Natural Area events.

The Tennessee Conservationist magazine May/June Event Schedule

Please remember, schedules and events may change. Call individual parks to confirm events, check on cancellations. When a reservation is required, be sure to leave your contact phone number and/or email address with the hike leader. Please let the leader know if you must cancel, so that someone on the waiting list may attend.

In addition, our parks offer seasonal interpretive programming and workshops throughout the year.  To learn more about seasonal programs and workshops at specific sites, contact that state park directly.

Calling all Junior Rangers
Do you like fun and adventure? Would you like to explore and discover the amazing secrets of Tennessee State Parks? Do you want to spend time outdoors learning about the world in which you live and help protect special places? If you answered “yes!”, then you are already on your way to becoming the next Tennessee State Parks Junior Ranger! Learn more about the Junior Ranger Program.

Accommodations
Trails, vistas and recreation opportunities call people to stay for the day or to stay for a longer while. Good thing many of our parks feature a variety of lodging for overnight stays, weekend outings or extended family vacations. Our comfortable accommodations range from rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to new modern villas.

With six Resort Inns with full-service restaurants, and more than 3,000 campsites, state parks can accommodate all sizes of budgets and groups. Come for a day or stay and play longer at Tennessee State Parks.  

Meeting Planners
Tennessee State Parks can accommodate all types of groups and work within your budget to deliver a unique spot for your business or meeting needs. Five state parks have full conference centers with audio-visual equipment, copy centers, and WiFi compatibility. Sixteen state parks offer a variety of meeting rooms for smaller gatherings and most parks have picnic shelters or pavilions for outdoor gatherings.  Twelve parks have restaurants serving delicious home-style food and many will provide complete catering for your event.

Learn more from the Tennessee State Parks’ Meeting Planners Guide.