Meet Up with the State Naturalist

One of the most popular ways to experience Tennessee’s Outdoor Adventures and learn about Tennessee's flora and fauna is to spend time with State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath.

Did You Know?
The common skunk can spray his scent up to 15 feet when he feels threatened!

Got a Question for the State Naturalist? Click here to ask Randy. Please be patient for reply, because Randy is usually outdoors.

Randy's Schedule:

May 4 - Cedar Glade Festival at Cedars of Lebanon State Park

May 7 - Favorite Places Slide Show for Tennessee Trails Association meeting in Spring Hill

May 9 and 10 - Hikes for Fall Creek Falls Environmental Education Center school groups

May 11 - Prater Place Hike at Fall Creek Falls State Park

May 25 - Night Hike at Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area

If you are interested in having Randy speak, present a program or lead a hike for your group or school please call 615-418-5787.

With more than 28 years of experience with Tennessee State Parks, Randy has served as a Ranger Naturalist at South Cumberland and Radnor Lake State Parks. He was appointed State Naturalist for Tennessee State Parks in 2007. A graduate of UT-Martin and former National Park Service Interpretive Specialist, Randy is one of the most sought after interpretive specialists in the southeastern United States.

Learn how hiking helps maintain trails. Click here to read “Volunteers on the Red Leaves Trail” in Natchez Trace State Park by Randy Hedgepath in The Tennessee Conservationist magazine. And stay tuned to learn more about an upcoming renovation project on this scenic trail.