Tennessee has long been known as a great state to visit for those looking to get outside. The Volunteer State boasts major river access to the Tennessee, Cumberland and, Mississippi rivers; it has numerous lakes for recreation and, of course, the Appalachian mountains anchoring the state’s eastern flank.
Plus, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular outdoor attraction in Tennessee. It was the most visited U.S. National Park in 2024, with over 12 million visitors enjoying the wildlife, hiking and sightseeing the area has to offer. Tennessee’s varied topography means there’s unique natural areas to explore in every area of the state.
Tennessee also has a very robust state park system. With 59 different parks scattered across the state, there’s everything from remote rural getaways to parks with golf courses, restaurants and lodging. And unlike many other states, Tennessee state parks are also free to visit!
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Nestled in the far northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park is only a short distance from both the Kentucky and Missouri borders. Its remote, rural setting makes it an absolute must-visit for any nature enthusiast that loves bird watching.
Reelfoot Lake was formed in the early 1810’s when violent earthquakes actually made the Mississippi River run backwards for a short while. The water backing up is what helped form the lake; its origins make it ecologically different from anywhere else in Tennessee. In essence, Reelfoot Lake is a flooded forest with a shallow layer of water as its floor. The many stands and stumps of bald cypress trees give off a vibe that feels more like a deep-South coastal swamp than northern Tennessee.
The lake is mostly shallow enough that the best way to explore the area is on hand powered crafts such as canoes or kayaks. There are also several shorter trails to hike around the lake; the half-mile boardwalk near the visitor’s center is a pleasant way to meander through the trees by the waters edge.
What really makes Reelfoot Lake State Park stand out is the bird-watching available there. The coastline has almost every shore bird there is In Tennessee as well as golden eagles. The biggest draw is the frequency of bald eagles sightings.
During January and February, bald eagles flock to the area to mate and nest. Thousands of bald eagles are in the area at this time. The park holds an annual Reelfoot Eagle Festival in February; rangers lead daily eagle-watching tours to help visitors spot the birds and learn about them. It’s a great way to get to see the legendary American symbol in its natural habitat.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Arguably the crown jewel of the Tennessee State Park system, Fall Creek Falls is almost 30,000 acres of protected land in remote Bledsoe and Van Buren counties on the Cumberland Plateau. It is one of Tennessee’s most popular and visited state parks, although there’s plenty of places to get away from crowds if that’s your goal.
The centerpiece of the park is Fall Creek Falls. Tumbling 256 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Cascading over a rounded rock ledge, it makes for a great photo opportunity both from above and below it. A half-mile trail will take you down to the base of the falls if you want to make the short climb down and back up, of course. The park also features several other notable falls such as Piney Falls and Cat Creek Falls.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is best seen on foot. It’s a great hiking destination, with almost 60 miles of trails to explore. Some of them are quite remote and are designed as an overnight trek with places to camp. The hikes feature waterfalls, steep cliffs and beautiful views of a wild area that largely avoided ever being developed.
A combined hike on the Gorge Overlook and Woodland trails is a great option; at a little over three miles, it’ll give you some of the best views of the waterfall in the park while not being overly long. It is listed as being “moderately challenging”, so come prepared with good footwear and water.
Frozen Head State Park
If the popularity and people at Fall Creek Falls is still too much for you, then head east to Morgan County and visit Frozen Head State Park. One of the most remote areas in Tennessee, the park and surrounding natural areas contain vast tracts of virgin forests that look similar to how they did before European habitation. Over 24,000 acres of wilderness are waiting to be explored by foot or in a few places by mountain bike.
Depending on which way you come into the park, you may pass by the old Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. In 1977, prisoner James Earl Ray broke out of the prison and attempted to escape through the remote wilderness that’s now part of the park. He was found 60 hours later, having only been able to travel eight miles in the rugged terrain. The story inspired a local ultra-runner to create the Barkley Marathon, which takes place every year in the spring in the park and involves bushwalking their way over the mountains in a preplanned loop known only by the race director.
Hiking is pretty much the only way to see Frozen Head State Park. There are over 50 miles of trails in the park; many of them are remote enough that you will pass few people while out in the wilds of the Cumberland Plateau. For the best view, try to get a trail that goes by the location of the old Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) fire tower. While it’ll require some harder hiking, the views from the top are some of the best on the plateau; off to the east the Smoky Mountains are visible.
If you want an all day hike, take the South Old Mac Trail out to the tower and return on the North Old Mac trail, completing an entire circuit around Old Mack mountain and getting a taste of what Barkley Marathoners experience. The round trip is about seven miles and is rated moderate.
Harpeth River State Park
If tromping through dense woods and rocky outcrops seems like more work than you’d like on your TN state park visit, check out Harpeth River State Park and explore the area by canoe or kayak. The park encompasses 40 miles of the river with nine different access spots to the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe, or there are several outfitters that offer rentals. The river is a Class I river, meaning it’s great for beginners without a lot of experience.
The best part of the park to visit is the Narrows of the Harpeth area. Here, the river almost touches itself as it winds through the Nashville basin. There is much to do in this area. A short trail will take you up to a bluff overlooking the river valley that’s a great place to eat lunch. A historic tunnel has been cut through the mountains in this area as well, making for a unique walk though the hills.
This is also an excellent place to put into the water because of the way the river loops back on itself, you can put into the water, do a 5+ mile float and get out at roughly the same area as you parked. If you’re into history, you can also view the remains of an old grist mill and a 1940’s resort in the park.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Finally, if you’re visiting Nashville check out Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. While it may seem counterintuitive to have a state park in the middle of a major city, the park is a homage to Tennessee's 200 year bicentennial celebration that occurred in 1996. The park does a great job of presenting the history, geography, and ecology of the state.
Despite only being 11 acres, there is a lot to do in the park. Visitors can stroll down the pathway of history, which takes you through the history of the state before and after settlement. It’s a paved loop of just under a mile, making it a perfect stroll for families with younger kids or strollers. There is also a 200 foot granite map of the state to see and a map of the river basins in the state. Each county also has its own engraving in the path on the sidewalk, noting the date settled and seat of government. The visitors center can also set you up with guided tours by a ranger if you want more information.
Perhaps the highlight of the park is the 95-Bell Carillon, which tolls every quarter hour and plays a song at the top of the hour. It’s a great place to eat lunch from, say, the adjourning farmers market as you gaze upon the open green space framed by the skyscrapers of the city of Nashville. Bicentennial Capitol Mall may not be a traditional state park, but it’s a must-see if you are visiting the city or the capital area.