Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this park commemorates Tennessee’s 200th anniversary with a historical timeline, fountains representing major rivers, and a striking view of the State Capitol. It offers visitors an educational and scenic experience in an urban setting.
Big Cypress Tree State Park – Situated in Weakley County in northwest Tennessee, this small park was named after what was once the largest bald cypress tree in the U.S. Although the original tree was lost to a storm, the park remains a peaceful retreat with picnic areas and a nature trail.
Big Hill Pond State Park – Spanning over 4,000 acres in southwest Tennessee near Pocahontas, this park is a haven for hikers and paddlers. It features scenic wetlands, the stunning Travis McNatt Lake, and an observation tower offering panoramic views of the forested landscape.
Big Ridge State Park – Located in northeastern Tennessee near Maynardville, this park is part of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range, offering steep ridges, deep hollows, and a rich history, including remnants of early settlements and Civilian Conservation Corps structures.
Bledsoe Creek State Park – Nestled along Old Hickory Lake in Gallatin, this park provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Originally a hunting ground for Native Americans, it now offers well-maintained hiking trails and scenic campsites.
Booker T. Washington State Park – Located on the shores of Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga, this park honors the legacy of Booker T. Washington. It offers fishing, hiking, and picnicking with stunning lake views, making it a favorite for family outings.
Burgess Falls State Park – Found in Putnam and White counties near Sparta, this park is renowned for its series of dramatic waterfalls along the Falling Water River. The largest, Burgess Falls, plunges 136 feet into a gorge, offering breathtaking views for hikers and photographers.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park – Located in Wilson County near Lebanon, this park protects unique cedar glades, a rare ecosystem found only in this region. With camping, hiking, and horseback riding, it provides a great escape into Tennessee’s natural beauty.
Chickasaw State Park – Set in Henderson County near Henderson, this park is named after the Chickasaw people who once inhabited the area. It features Lake Placid, horseback riding trails, and dense forests perfect for camping and hiking.
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park – Situated in Byrdstown, this park honors Cordell Hull, a Tennessee native and Nobel Peace Prize winner for his role in founding the United Nations. It includes a replica of his log cabin birthplace and a museum about his life and legacy.
Cove Lake State Park – Located in Campbell County near Caryville, this park sits at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, offering scenic lake views, fishing, and hiking trails. The peaceful setting makes it a favorite among campers and birdwatchers.
Cumberland Mountain State Park – Found in Crossville, this park was developed as part of a New Deal project to help struggling farm families. It surrounds Byrd Lake, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring Cumberland Plateau landscapes.
Cumberland Trail State Park – A linear park stretching across Tennessee from the Cumberland Gap to the Tennessee River Gorge, this park is a long-distance hiker’s dream. It passes through rugged terrain, waterfalls, and deep gorges, offering breathtaking Appalachian scenery.
Cummins Falls State Park – Located in Jackson County near Cookeville, this park features Cummins Falls, one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls. A popular swimming destination, it requires a challenging hike through rocky terrain to reach the stunning falls.
David Crockett State Park – Situated in Lawrenceburg, this park celebrates the legacy of frontiersman Davy Crockett. With Shoal Creek running through it, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and learning about Crockett’s impact on Tennessee history.
David Crockett Birthplace State Park – Located in Greene County near Limestone, this park marks the birthplace of the legendary Davy Crockett. A reconstructed cabin, museum exhibits, and scenic Nolichucky River views provide a historical and relaxing setting.
Dunbar Cave State Park – Found in Clarksville, this park is known for its prehistoric cave art and guided cave tours. The cave system, used by Native Americans for centuries, is a fascinating glimpse into Tennessee’s ancient history.
Edgar Evins State Park – Nestled on the shores of Center Hill Lake in DeKalb County, this park offers stunning views, boating, and hiking trails through rugged landscapes. The observation tower at the visitor center provides a breathtaking panoramic view.
Fall Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park, located in Van Buren and Bledsoe counties, is home to Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S. The park boasts extensive hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and abundant wildlife.
Fort Loudoun State Park – Situated in Vonore, this park preserves a reconstructed 18th-century British fort from the French and Indian War era. It offers historical reenactments, hiking trails, and views of Tellico Lake.
Fort Pillow State Park – Located in Henning, this park commemorates the site of the Civil War’s Fort Pillow Massacre. It includes preserved fortifications, a museum, and trails through the rugged bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
Frozen Head State Park – Found in Morgan County, this park is known for its remote wilderness, challenging hiking trails, and the infamous Barkley Marathons. The park’s namesake peak, often covered in frost, provides stunning panoramic views.
Harpeth River State Park – A linear park following the Harpeth River, this park features archaeological sites, canoeing routes, and scenic bluffs. Located west of Nashville, it’s perfect for paddling, fishing, and exploring historic sites like the Narrows of the Harpeth.
Harrison Bay State Park – Situated on Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga, this park was originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers excellent boating, fishing, and golf at the renowned Bear Trace course.
Henry Horton State Park – Located in Chapel Hill, this park was built on the estate of former Tennessee Governor Henry Horton. It features diverse recreation, from golf and trap shooting to hiking and fishing on the Duck River.
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park – Positioned in southeast Tennessee, this park is a hub for whitewater enthusiasts. It offers access to both the tranquil Hiwassee River and the adrenaline-pumping Ocoee River, famous for its Olympic whitewater course.
Indian Mountain State Park – Nestled in Campbell County near Jellico, this park was built on a reclaimed mining site. It now features fishing lakes, walking trails, and camping, providing a peaceful retreat in the Cumberland Mountains.
Johnsonville State Historic Park – Located along the Tennessee River in Humphreys County, this park preserves the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Johnsonville, with interpretive trails and stunning riverfront views.
Long Hunter State Park – Found on the shores of Percy Priest Lake near Nashville, this park offers hiking, fishing, and boating. The Volunteer Trail is a highlight, providing stunning lake views along its scenic route.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park – Located near Memphis, this park encompasses thousands of acres of bottomland forest along the Mississippi River. With extensive hiking trails, a scenic lake, and abundant wildlife, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Middle Fork Bottoms State Park – Located in West Tennessee near Three Way, this relatively new park features restored wetlands, hiking and biking trails, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Designed to enhance conservation efforts, it provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Montgomery Bell State Park – Situated in Dickson County, this historic park was once the center of Tennessee’s iron industry. Now a popular outdoor destination, it offers scenic lakes, hiking trails, a golf course, and a lodge nestled in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee.
Mousetail Landing State Park – Located along the Tennessee River in Perry County, this park got its name from an old tannery fire that drove mice in droves toward the river. Today, it provides quiet hiking trails, river access, and picturesque camping spots.
Natchez Trace State Park – Found in West Tennessee near Lexington, this park is named after the historic Natchez Trace travel route. It features vast forests, scenic lakes, and miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road adventures.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park – Located on the western bank of the Tennessee River in Benton County, this park honors the Confederate general and features Pilot Knob, one of the highest points in West Tennessee, offering spectacular views.
Norris Dam State Park – Situated in East Tennessee near Lake City, this park surrounds Norris Lake and the historic Norris Dam, the first major project of the TVA. It offers excellent boating, fishing, and hiking through Appalachian foothills.
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area – Found near Chattanooga, this rugged park is a paradise for adventure seekers, featuring deep gorges, waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails leading to stunning overlooks.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – Located in Manchester, this park protects an ancient Native American ceremonial site with stone walls dating back over 1,500 years. The site is surrounded by picturesque waterfalls and forested hiking trails.
Panther Creek State Park – Nestled in the rolling hills of East Tennessee near Morristown, this park offers panoramic views of Cherokee Lake, over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, and excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.
Paris Landing State Park – Located on the shores of Kentucky Lake in Henry County, this park is a hotspot for boating, fishing, and water sports. The park also features a golf course, a newly renovated lodge, and stunning sunset views over the lake.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park – Found in the Cumberland Plateau near Jamestown, this park showcases dramatic rock formations, natural bridges, and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Pickwick Landing State Park – Located in Hardin County along Pickwick Lake, this park is a favorite for boaters and anglers. It features a modern lodge, a marina, and sandy beaches perfect for relaxing by the water.
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park – Situated in Madison County near Jackson, this park preserves one of the largest Native American mound complexes in the Southeast, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Mississippian culture.
Port Royal State Historic Park – Found near Clarksville, this small but significant park preserves the historic site of a once-thriving 18th-century trading town along the Red River and part of the Trail of Tears.
Radnor Lake State Park – Located just outside Nashville, this protected natural area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring serene lake views, well-maintained trails, and a strict no-pets policy to preserve its tranquil environment.
Red Clay State Park – Situated in southeastern Tennessee near Cleveland, this park marks the last council grounds of the Cherokee Nation before their forced removal on the Trail of Tears. It features historic reconstructions and cultural exhibits.
Reelfoot Lake State Park – Found in northwest Tennessee, this unique lake was formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12. It is famous for its bald cypress swamps, abundant birdlife, and prime bald eagle-watching opportunities.
Roan Mountain State Park – Nestled in East Tennessee near the North Carolina border, this park is known for its spectacular rhododendron blooms, high-elevation forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas along the Appalachian Trail.
Rock Island State Park – Located in Warren and White counties, this park features dramatic waterfalls, rugged rock formations, and deep gorges carved by the Caney Fork River, making it a favorite for kayakers and hikers.
Rocky Fork State Park – Situated in East Tennessee near the North Carolina border, this remote park offers pristine streams, steep ridges, and rugged backcountry trails, perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure.
Savage Gulf State Park – Part of the larger South Cumberland State Park system, this stunning park near Tracy City is home to deep gorges, towering cliffs, and breathtaking waterfalls, including the iconic Greeter Falls.
Seven Islands State Birding Park – Located near Knoxville, this park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with open meadows, wetlands, and riverfront habitats that attract hundreds of bird species year-round.
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park – Found in Pall Mall, this park honors the World War I hero with a preserved family home, gristmill, and historical exhibits detailing his life and military achievements.
South Cumberland State Park – Spanning multiple counties in Middle Tennessee, this vast park offers some of the best hiking in the state, featuring waterfalls, gorges, and rugged backcountry trails.
Standing Stone State Park – Located on the Cumberland Plateau near Livingston, this park features scenic Standing Stone Lake, rich history tied to Native American lore, and annual marble tournaments.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park – Found in Elizabethton, this park preserves the site of an 18th-century frontier settlement and a key meeting ground for the Overmountain Men before the Battle of Kings Mountain.
T.O. Fuller State Park – Situated in Memphis, this park is one of the earliest state parks in the U.S. open to African Americans. It features rolling hills, hiking trails, and archaeological sites of Mississippian culture.
Tims Ford State Park – Located in southern Middle Tennessee near Winchester, this park surrounds Tims Ford Lake, offering excellent boating, fishing, and a scenic golf course.
Warriors’ Path State Park – Found in Kingsport, this park is named after the Great Indian Warpath and features a large lake, extensive hiking and biking trails, and one of the state’s most accessible playgrounds.