Our family is on a mission to explore all the Tennessee State Parks — and we want to help you do the same! With 57 parks spread across the state, there are endless opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, and more. Whether you’re looking for the best hikes near Nashville or a weekend camping trip outside Memphis, the state parks in Tennessee have something for everyone.
In this post, we’ll share why we’re passionate about visiting every Tennessee State Park, highlight some of our favorite stops so far, and give you resources to help plan your own outdoor adventures.
Why Visit Tennessee State Parks?
The Tennessee State Parks system is one of the most diverse in the country. From stunning waterfalls and rocky gorges to peaceful lakes and historic sites, every park offers something unique. Many parks are just a short drive from major cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis, making them easy day trip or weekend getaway destinations.
Best of all? Tennessee State Parks don’t charge entrance fees, making them one of the most accessible outdoor systems in the U.S.
Our Family’s Journey
We set out to visit all 57 parks as a family, not only to explore nature but also to connect with each other and experience the beauty of our home state. So far, we’ve covered highlights like:
- Burgess Falls State Park — A short, easy hike to a breathtaking 130-foot waterfall, just 15 minutes off I-40 between Nashville and Knoxville.
- Window Cliffs State Natural Area — A challenging but rewarding trail with creek crossings and stunning cliff views.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park — Home to Tennessee’s tallest waterfall and some of the best hikes in the state.
As we visit more parks, we document our experiences through blog posts and YouTube videos, offering tips, photos, and honest reviews.
Hiking, Camping, and More
Looking for Tennessee State Parks camping options? Many parks offer a variety of overnight accommodations, including campgrounds, RV sites, and cozy cabins. Whether you’re into backcountry camping or prefer glamping, there’s a perfect park for you.
If you’re a hiker, you’ll love exploring the best hikes in Tennessee State Parks, from easy family-friendly trails to challenging routes with sweeping views. Our guides cover trail lengths, elevation gains, AllTrails ratings, and practical tips to help you prepare.
Don’t miss the opportunity to kayak, paddleboard, fish, swim, or join ranger-led programs, too. Tennessee’s parks are packed with activities beyond the trails!
Your Park Planning Toolkit
To help you plan, we’ve created a Google Sheet listing all 57 Tennessee State Parks, their closest major city (Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or Knoxville), and the drive time from that city. We’ve also created a Google My Maps with pins for each park, so you can easily see them plotted on a map. View the map here.
Would you find that useful? Let us know in the comments or by reaching out! We’re excited to share these planning tools with fellow adventurers.
Helpful Links
We recommend bookmarking these for the latest park updates, event calendars, maps, and resources straight from the official team.
Follow Along with Us!
We’ll be posting new blog entries and videos regularly as we make our way through all the Tennessee State Parks. Subscribe to stay updated on our latest adventures, including detailed guides for hiking, camping, and the best hikes in the state.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for videos of each park! We share behind-the-scenes looks, family tips, and beautiful nature footage from all across Tennessee.
Want to share your favorite state parks in Tennessee or recommend a must-see trail or camping spot? Drop your suggestions in the comments below or connect with us on social media. We love hearing from fellow adventurers!
Together, let’s explore the beauty of Tennessee one park at a time.
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