From waterfalls and mountain overlooks to historic sites and hidden gems, Tennessee’s state parks showcase some of the best natural and cultural treasures in the Volunteer State.
Since moving to Tennessee, exploring the state parks has become one of our favorite ways to discover new places, hike new trails, and learn more about the history of our adopted home. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly adventures, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, or fascinating historic sites, you’ll find them throughout Tennessee’s incredible state park system.
Browse our Tennessee State Park guides below and start planning your next adventure.
{Start Here : Visiting Every Tennessee State: Our Family Journey to Visit All the Parks }
Quick Facts: Tennessee State Parks
- 65 Tennessee State Parks
- thousands of miles of hiking trails
- waterfalls, lakes, mountains, rivers, and historic sites
- free park admission at most Tennessee State Parks
Search Parks by Interest
One of the things we love most about Tennessee State Parks is how different they are from one another. Some are known for spectacular waterfalls, others for mountain views, historic sites, quiet lakes, or family-friendly adventures.
If you’re looking for a specific type of experience, start with some of our favorite Tennessee State Parks in each category below.
Waterfall State Parks
From towering cascades to hidden swimming holes, these are some of our favorite Tennessee State Parks for chasing waterfalls.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Burgess Falls State Park
- Rock Island State Park
- Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
- Savage Gulf State Park
Best State Parks for Hiking
Whether you’re looking for a short scenic trail or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks offer some of our favorite hiking experiences in Tennessee.
- Savage Gulf State Park
- Fiery Gizzard State Park
- Frozen Head State Park
- Roan Mountain State Park
- Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park
State Parks for History Lovers
These parks bring Tennessee’s history to life through Native American sites, frontier settlements, Civil War landmarks, and historic landmarks.
- Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
- Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
- Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
- David Crockett State Park
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Family-Friendly State Parks
With easy trails, beautiful scenery, and plenty of room to explore, these parks are some of our favorite spots for family adventures.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Henry Horton State Park
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park
- Warrior’s Path State Path
- Tims Ford State Park
State Parks for Scenic Views
From mountain overlooks to deep gorges and sweeping lake views, these parks showcase some of Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes.
- Savage Gulf State Park
- Roan Mountain State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Cumberland Mountain State Park
- Head of the Crow State Park
Lakes, Rivers & Water Activities
If you enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, these parks are some of our favorite waterfront destinations.
- Tims Ford State Park
- Edgar Evins State Park
- Harpeth River State Park
- Bledsoe Creek State Park
- Montgomery Bell State Park
State Parks for Fall Color
From fiery mountain ridges to colorful river gorges, these parks showcase some of the most beautiful fall scenery in Tennessee.
- Roan Mountain State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Savage Gulf State Park
- Fiery Gizzard State Park
- Head of the Crow State Park
State Parks in Winter
With fewer crowds, clearer views, and the chance for a rare Tennessee snowfall, these are some of our favorite state parks to visit during the winter months.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Radnor Lake State Park
- Frozen Head State Park
- Cumberland Mountain State Park
- Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Explore by Region
Tennessee stretches from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains, and each region offers a completely different state park experience. Explore parks by region to find waterfalls, mountains, lakes, historic sites, and hidden gems.
West Tennessee
Known for rivers, forests, lakes, and Civil War history.
Featured Parks:
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
- Mousetail Landing State Park
- Natchez Trace State Park
- Big Cypress Tree State Park
- Reelfoot Lake State Park
Middle Tennessee
Home to waterfalls, historic sites, scenic rivers, and some of the most popular hiking destinations.
Featured Parks:
East Tennessee
Mountain vistas, Appalachian history, and some of the most dramatic landscapes.
Featured Parks:
Tennessee State Park Resources
If you’re planning a trip to Tennessee’s state parks, here are some of our most helpful guides, stories, and related adventures to help you explore the state even further. We will continue to update this guide as we explore more Tennessee State Parks throughout the years.
{ Start Here: Tennessee State Parks: Our Family’s Journey to Visit All the Parks}
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
- Great Stone Door Hike at Savage Gulf State Park
- Hiking in Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Exploring Fiery Gizzard State Park
- Scenic Adventures in Roan Mountain State Park
Seasonal Travel Guides
- Favorite Fall Hikes in Tennessee
- Winter Adventures in Tennessee State Parks (coming soon)
- Tennessee Fall Hiking & Scenic Spots (coming soon)
Related Tennessee Travel Guides
- Tennessee Waterfalls Guide (coming soon)
- Best Tennessee Hiking Trails ( coming soon)
- Tennessee Weekend Getaways (coming soon)
Plan Your Visit
Each Tennessee State Park offers its own unique experience, from waterfalls and hiking trails to lakes, history, and mountain views. Be sure to check individual park pages for trail details, tips, and what to expect before you go.
Find state park information at Tennessee State Parks website.
Tennessee’s state parks have become one of our favorite ways to explore the state we now call home. From waterfalls and hiking trails to lakes, history, and mountain views, there is always something new waiting to be discovered. We’ll continue updating this guide as we explore more parks across Tennessee.