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Enjoy our Good Nature throughout October

 » » Printer-friendly October Event Schedule for Tennessee State Parks
Fishing Roan Edgar Evins
 
The date links to event information.
Fri. & Sat.
Sat. & Sun.
Sat. & Sun.
Big Ridge hosts Ghost House Hikes on Friday and Saturday nights
Reelfoot Lake hosts Old Growth Cypress Forest Hikes on Sat. and Sun.
Reelfoot Lake hosts Canoe Float on Saturday and Sunday
 
Oct. 4-7
Oct. 5
Oct. 5
Oct. 5-7
Oct. 6
Oct. 6
Oct. 6
Oct. 6
Oct. 6
Oct. 6-7
Oct. 6-7
Sycamore Shoals hosts 18th Annual Quilt Show
Norris Dam hosts Pickin’ in the Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts Fire Prevention Awareness
Reelfoot Lake hosts Reelfoot Arts and Crafts Festival
Cedars of Lebanon hosts W.P.A. Day and 75th Anniversary Celebration
Edgar Evins hosts Lakeshore Clean-up
Roan Mountain hosts Chili Cook-off
Warriors’ Path hosts Environmental Education Workshop
Rock Island hosts Rock Island 5 Miler
Fort Loudoun hosts Garrison Weekend
Sycamore Shoals hosts Fort Watauga Knap-In
 
Oct. 12
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 13-28
Edgar Evins hosts Fall Color Boat Ride
Standing Stone hosts 14th Annual Standing Stone Car Show
Davy Crockett Birthplace hosts Mountain Melodies
Long Hunter hosts 6th Annual Mega Hike
Montgomery Bell hosts Two Lakes Trail Run
Edgar Evins hosts 6th Annual History Hayride
Roan Mountain hosts Autumn Harvest
Tims Ford hosts Heritage Day and Shade Tree Pickin'
Norris Dam hosts Color Pontoon Boat Trips
 
Oct. 19
Oct. 19-20
Oct. 19-21
Oct. 19-21
Oct. 19-21
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20-21
Oct. 21
Oct. 21
Oct. 22
Hill Forest Natural Area hosts Old Forest Hike
Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts Tennessee's History Festival
Cove Lake hosts Knap-in and Primitive Skills Festival
Edgar Evins hosts Fall Color Boat Ride
Long Hunter hosts Fall Festival and NAIA Pow Wow
Cumberland Mountain hosts Solar and Night Sky Program
Roan Mountain hosts Roan Mountain 10K
Frozen Head hosts Volunteer Trail Day
Pickett hosts Volunteer Day
Walls of Jericho SNA hosts Waterfall Hike
Panther Creek hosts Heritage Day
David Crockett hosts Halloween History Trail
Fall Creek Falls hosts Fall Colors Weekend
Harpeth River hosts Mound Bottom Guided Hike
Harpeth River hosts Pattison Forge Narrows of the Harpeth Hike
Cordell Hull Birthplace hosts United Nations Day Celebration
 
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
Oct. 26
Oct. 26-27
Oct. 26-28
Oct. 27
Oct. 27
Oct. 27
Oct. 27
Oct. 27
Oct. 27
Oct. 27-28
Oct. 27
Oct. 28
Oct. 28
Oct. 31
Sycamore Shoals hosts Scary Stories at the Carter Mansion
T.O. Fuller hosts Fall Festival
Davy Crockett hosts Trick or Treat in the Haunted Forest
Port Royal hosts Port Royal by Lantern
Red Clay hosts Inter Tribal Cultural Gathering POW WOW
Fall Creek Falls hosts Wild Foods Day
Nathan Bedford Forrest hosts Monsters Cafe
Cumberland Mountain hosts Trunk or Treat
Edgar Evins hosts Night Hike
Long Hunter hosts Halloween Hunt 5-Mile Run
Montgomery Bell hosts Haunted Group Camp
Reelfoot Lake hosts White Pelican Canoe Floats
Meeman-Shelby Forest hosts 1st Annual Meeman-Shelby Heritage
Harpeth River hosts Mound Bottom Guided Hike
Harpeth River hosts Hidden Lake Hike
Bledsoe Creek hosts Trunk or Treat in the Park
 
   
Davy Crockett Birthplace Henry Horton Step Back in Time Paris sunset
 
October on the weekends

Big Ridge hosts Ghost House Hikes on Fridays and Saturdays          
(East) Join Park Rangers for a spine-tingling night hike! 1.2 miles of spooky stories from Big Ridge’s past. Bring your own flashlight. The hike is free, but reservations are required. Limit 30 people. No children under 6 years old please. Contact the park office at 865-992-5523.

Reelfoot Lake hosts Old Growth Cypress Forest Hikes on Sat. and Sun. through Nov. 18
Reelfoot Lake State Park is offering naturalist guided hikes into one of most unique areas of Reelfoot Lake. Little Ronaldson Slough has one the largest stands of old growth Bald Cypress trees found in Tennessee. This area is usually accessible only by canoe or kayak, but because of the historical low water levels it is now accessible by hiking. However, this is not a traditional trail or guided hike; it is a true woods walk into a very remote area. This is a place few people have visited, and it could be years before these trips are offered again. Hikes are offered on Sat. and Sun., through November 18. Schedule for more details. For more information call 731-253-8003.

Reelfoot Lake hosts Canoe Float on Saturdays and Sundays
Join Reelfoot Lake State Park naturalists for a beautiful fall canoe float on Reelfoot Lake. Fall brings thousands of migrating birds including American White Pelicans and Bald Eagles. The cypress turns a rusty red and there is no better time to explore this unique natural area. Navigate through thousands of cypress stumps during historically low water levels for a rarely-seen view of Reelfoot Lake. Floats are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, through November 18. No trips will be offered October 4, 7 or 20. For more information call 731-253-8003.

 
 
Roan Camping Fall Creek Falls Cumberland Mountain
 
October 8-11 events

Sycamore Shoals hosts 18th Annual Quilt Show on Oct. 4-7
(East) Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 4, 5, 6 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET and Sunday, October 7, 1 pm – 4:30 p.m. This four-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display. Contact the park for details at 423-543-5808.

Norris Dam hosts Pickin’ in the Park on Oct. 5
(East) Join us as we listen to some old time bluegrass bands at the park’s outdoor amphitheater. Free. Food and drink available. For more information call 865-426-7461.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts Fire Prevention Awareness on Oct. 5
Come down to the park to learn about staying safe with fire, presenting by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office. Free to the public. On the map plaza. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact 741-5280 or email cara.alexander@tn.gov for more information.

Reelfoot Lake hosts Reelfoot Arts and Crafts Festival on Oct. 5-7
(West) Chosen as one of the top three arts & crafts shows in Tennessee. Free admission and some free parking. Exhibitors come from many states to show their crafts and sell their wares with over 300 different vendors. When not perusing the wares enjoy free entertainment with artists from the area. Sit in the shade and enjoy old time string music and singing. www.reelfootartsandcrafts.com. For more information call 731-253-8003.

Cedars of Lebanon hosts W.P.A. Day and 75th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 6
We are celebrating TN State Parks’ 75th Anniversary as well as Cedars of Lebanon State Park’s heritage through the W.P.A. Day (Works Progress Administration). Featured this year will be the opening of the W.P.A. time capsule from 1937 and the signing of a giant pair of overalls by our local dignitaries. Highlights include: historical and cultural programs, demonstrations, and period life from the era during the establishment of Cedars of Lebanon. Join us for history, art, music, crafts, cross cut saw competitions, corn bread cooking contest, and free pinto beans, corn bread, and mush. Free to the public! For more information call 615-443-2769.

Edgar Evins hosts Lakeshore Clean-up on Oct. 6
9 a.m. through noon CT. What better way to show your support and love for Edgar Evins State Park than by helping us keep our park clean and beautiful! Meet Ashley at the Courtesy Dock to help clean up the lakeshore between the courtesy dock and the boat ramp. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Gloves are also recommended. Plan to stay all morning or just part of the day. For more information call 931-858-2446.

Roan Mountain hosts Chili Cook-off on Oct. 6
(East) Cook up a pot or come and sample. Register at Park Headquarters or campground. prizes will be awarded. 8 a.m. - noon ET. For more information call 423-772-0190.

Warriors’ Path hosts Environmental Education Workshop on Oct. 6
(East) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ET. Learn to use nearby, familiar environments as “natural classrooms” for your children and students. Try teaching techniques that bring conservation to life. This workshop is especially geared for teachers and youth leaders. Free, but pre-registration is required. To pre-register, contact the park office 423-239-8531 or email Marty.Silver@tn.gov

Rock Island hosts Rock Island 5 Miler on Oct. 6
(Plateau) Rock Island State Park will be hosting the kick off race this year for the 34th annual Tennessee State Parks Running Tour. This is the longest state parks running event in the U.S. Total participants last year for the tour was 3,064. The Rock Island race will include an on road & off road section with challenging elevation changes! You can access online registration at Racesonline.com. Call 931-743-2461 for more information or contact the park office at 931-686-2471.

Fort Loudoun hosts Garrison Weekend on Oct. 6-7
(East) Garrison Weekend is a time when the daily lives of the men, women and children of Fort Loudoun are recreated for the public. On these days, park visitors will find living history re-enactors in costume at Fort Loudoun. Visitors can view an 18th century infirmary, the soldier’s barracks, the commander’s quarters, blacksmith shop and a Cherokee encampment. For more information call 423-884-6217 or visit www.fortloudoun.com

Sycamore Shoals hosts Fort Watauga Knap-In on Oct. 6-7
(East) Knapping—with a “K”—has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools, and the Knap-In at Fort Watauga is our celebration of Tennessee Archaeology Week. Watch primitive skills craftsmen make arrowheads, spear points, and other survival tools. There will be demonstrations of primitive tools such as the bow, arrow, and atlatl throughout the day. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET. Contact the park for details at 423-543-5808.

 
 
Cumberland Mountain Hiking Step Back in Time at Henry Horton
 
October 12-15 events

Edgar Evins hosts Fall Color Boat Ride on Oct. 12
Meet at the Courtesy Dock for a scenic tour to view the fall colors on Center Hill Lake by pontoon boat. Limit 12 people. Will depart promptly at 10 a.m. CT. Please arrive 15 minutes prior. We will accept reservations no sooner than week before event. Sorry no children under 3 years of age. No restroom at the dock. Please sign up at the Visitors Center or call 931-858-2114 or 931-982-3918.

Standing Stone hosts 14th Annual Standing Stone Car Show on Oct. 13
(Plateau) This day-long event is a family fun filled day of cars, music and food. Approximately 300 vehicles – classics, trucks and hotrods – will be shown and judged. Event begins at 8 a.m. CT. For more information about entering a vehicle call Travis Stover 931-823-6347.

Davy Crockett Birthplace hosts Mountain Melodies on Oct. 13
(East) Join park staff and our Pioneer Friends Group in celebrating 75 years in state parks with a day of traditional mountain music down by the Nolichucky River. Local groups will share the rich heritage of traditional mountain music and showcase the art of storytelling. This event will be held at Shelter #3 in front of the Crockett Cabin and starts at 11:00 a. m. ET. For more information please contact: Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov  For more information call 423-257-2167.

Long Hunter hosts 6th Annual Mega Hike on Oct. 13
Join us once again as we attempt to hike all of Long Hunter's trails - 26 miles - in a single day. Whether you hike only a couple of miles or all 26 miles, the objective is to have fun, enjoy the fall foliage, and experience the wide variety of habitats Long Hunter has to offer. Please bring water, lunch, snacks, and good hiking shoes. Meet at the Couchville Lake parking lot in Area 2 at 7 a.m. CT. For more details, call the park office at 615-885-2422.

Montgomery Bell hosts Two Lakes Trail Run on Oct. 13
The second race in the 34th annual TN States Park Running Tour. All races are held on Saturdays from October to March at 11 AM local time in 21 different State Parks, located from Memphis to Kingsport. On-line registration at Active.com. Sponsored by the Jones Creek Road Runners. For more info contact John Spencer at 615-441-5915 or jvspencer@aol.com..

Edgar Evins hosts 6th Annual History Hayride on Oct. 13
(Middle) Bring your blanket and enjoy a family oriented ride back into time as the Friends of Edgar Evins and park staff bring history alive. There will be approximately 10 stops along the hayride where costumed re-enactors reveal the history of the area and its people. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required and the cost is $10 per person. We begin accepting reservations on the 1st of September each year. The hayrides fill up quickly so mark your calendars now. For more information and to RSVP call 931-858-2114 or 800-250-8619.

Roan Mountain hosts Autumn Harvest on Oct. 13
(East) Celebrate the coming of autumn and the beautiful fall foliage of the Appalachian Mountains at our annual Autumn Harvest at the Miller Farmstead. Guests can take a step back in time with demonstrations of old-time skills such as basket weaving, soap making, cornmeal grinding, spinning and dyeing, flint-knapping and more. There will also be a variety of foods available for purchase. Activities start at noon, continuing until 4 p.m. ET. For more information call 423-772-0190.

Tims Ford hosts Heritage Day and Shade Tree Pickin' on Oct. 13
(Middle) Join us as we celebrate Tennessee State Park’s 75th anniversary with interpretive programs and activities relating to the history of the park and the people who lived here prior to the establishment of Tims Ford Reservoir. Bluegrass, country and gospel music will fill the air – bring your instrument and join in or just bring a lawn chair and sit a spell. Call the park office 931-962-1183 or check out Tims Ford State Park's Facebook page for more information. 

Norris Dam hosts Color Pontoon Boat Trips on Oct. 13-28
(East) Each year nature displays a spectacular array of fall colors. Join us as we venture along the shores of Norris Lake via pontoon boat ride and view this beautiful display of nature’s artistry. Each boat ride will last approximately one hour and will depart from the Norris Dam Marina. Park Rangers will narrate your trip with tree identification and park history. Registration is required by contacting the park office after Labor Day to sign up for a trip. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under six years old. If inclement weather prevails at the time of the boat departure, then trip will be cancelled. Trips run daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET. Each year nature displays a spectacular array of fall color. For more information contact Ranger Mike Scott the park office at 865-426-7461.

 
 
Warriors' Path Roan Path Frozen Head
 
October 19-22 events

Hill Forest Natural Area hosts Old Forest Hike on Oct. 19
(Middle) Join Brian Bowen, Tennessee Natural Areas Program and Julia Landstreet, Friends of Warner Park for an October afternoon hike through the Hill Forest Designated State Natural Area. This 2.5 mile hike is your opportunity to experience the natural area’s biggest and oldest forest trees while enjoying the fall color. The hike will take approximately 3 hours. Bring water, wear sturdy walking gear, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Hill Forest SNA at 2 p.m. CT. Reservations are required. RSVP to Warner Park Nature Center at 615-352-6299 or email wpnc@nashville.gov.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts Tennessee's History Festival on Oct. 19-20
(Middle) The 9th annual Tennessee History Festival and one of Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversary Events. Enjoy 200 years of living history and learn about Tennessee's past. The event blends education and entertainment, allowing school groups and families to experience day-to-day soldier life in history. The two-day festival features multiple displays and demonstrations by re-enactors and living history interpreters. The festival is free and open to the public. Activities will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT each day. School groups are encouraged to plan their visits for Friday, Oct. 19 and must register in advance. Educators may arrange for bus parking and special informational packets for their visits. School group reservations may be made by contacting Park Manager Mike Cole at 615-741-5800.

Cove Lake hosts Knap-in and Primitive Skills Festival on Oct. 19-21
(Plateau) In celebration of Tennessee State Parks 75th anniversary please join us and our volunteers for the 3rd annual Cove Lake State Park Knap-In and Primitive Skills Festival to be held October 19th, 20th, and 21st, from 9 a.m. ET until sunset each day. The event is free and open to the public. Demonstrations will include; flint knapping, bow building, cordage, basket weaving, quiver making, blowgun and darts, nature walk, fire making, atlatl, storytelling and a few other displays taking you through a time tunnel of the past. We may even sing happy birthday and share a bite of cake, refreshments limited. For more information call 423-566-9701.

Edgar Evins hosts Fall Color Boat Ride on Oct. 19-21
Meet at the Courtesy Dock for a scenic tour to view the fall colors on Center Hill Lake by pontoon boat. Limit 12 people. Will depart promptly at 10 a.m. CT. Please arrive 15 minutes prior. We will accept reservations no sooner than week before event. Sorry no children under 3 years of age. No restroom at the dock. Please sign up at the Visitors Center or call 931-858-2114 or 931-982-3918.

Long Hunter hosts Fall Festival and NAIA Pow Wow on Oct. 19-21
(Middle) Celebrate Native American Indian Month in Tennessee at the annual NAIA Pow Wow, one of the top Pow Wows in the country. Enjoy traditional Native American food, arts, crafts, music, storytelling and games. Competition dancing includes: Fancy, Traditional, Straight Grass Cloth, Buckskin, Fancy Shawl, Jingle Dress, Senior, and Junior. For more information visit www.naiatn.org/powwow/index.html.

Cumberland Mountain hosts Solar and Night Sky Program on Oct. 20
(Plateau) 1 -3 p.m. CT. Solar viewing will begin at the upper softball field. 1 hour before sunset. A 40 minute pre dusk basic astronomy program will begin with planet and deep sky night observing following! Solar viewing and night sky viewing led by Lloyd Watkins. For more information call 931-484-6138.

Roan Mountain hosts Roan Mountain 10K on Oct. 20
The third race in the 34th annual TN States Park Running Tour. All races are held on Saturdays from October to March at 11 AM local time in 21 different State Parks, located from Memphis to Kingsport. Sponsored by the State of Franklin Track Club. Online registration at Active.com. For more info contact Rob Schoborg at 423-926-1265 or schoborg@etsu.edu.

Frozen Head hosts Volunteer Trail Day on Oct. 20
(Plateau) 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET. The public is invited to join us in maintaining the park’s trails. Tools will be provided. Volunteers should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including rain and snow. Bring food, water and a daypack. Some areas require hiking one to two miles in rugged terrain. First time volunteers must complete a liability form. Located in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains of East Tennessee, Frozen Head State Park is easy to find. From the Interstate 40 exit 347 at Harriman take Hwy. 27 North to Wartburg. Turn right (East) on Hwy. 62. Travel two miles and turn left on Flat Fork Road. Travel 4 miles to the park entrance. For more information contact Ranger Michael Hodge at michael.e.hodge@tn.gov or 423-346-3318.

Pickett hosts Volunteer Day on Oct. 20
(Plateau) Participate in trail work, planting native species, litter clean up and other park projects. Meet park personnel and the Friends group at the park office at 9 a.m. CT. Work days generally last until 3 p.m. CT. Bring gloves, water, a sack lunch and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Sunscreen, insect repellant and a hat are also good to have. Feel free to work a few hours or stay the entire time. For more information call 931-879-5821.

Walls of Jericho SNA hosts Waterfall Hike on Oct. 20
(Plateau) This is a joint field trip with the Tennessee Native Plant Society. We will stop to appreciate plants along the way. Catch the fall colors at the Walls of Jericho State Natural Area in Franklin County. This strenuous 8-mile hike descends 900 feet into the “Walls” and continues along the creek to an amazing canyon of sheer rock bluffs, caves, and waterfalls. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. This hike is strenuous and participants should be in good physical condition. The trip will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Meet at the Nashville Target store parking lot off of Bell Road near Hickory Hollow at 7 a.m. CT. Reservations required: RSVP by October 19 to Todd Crabtree, 615-532-1378, or Todd.Crabtree@tn.gov. The first 10 reservations can take advantage of transportation provided by the Tennessee Natural Areas Program.

Panther Creek hosts Heritage Day on Oct. 20
(East) Join us at Panther Creek State Park for Heritage Day as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Tennessee State Parks. There'll be live music, food, historical demonstrations, hayrides, crafts, hikes and more during this celebration of our local history. This event will take place at the Spoone Shelter from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. For more information call 423-587-7046.

David Crockett hosts Halloween History Trail on Oct. 20
Venture out on a Jack-O-Lantern lit trail for a slightly spooky stroll to encounter some tales of the past. The History Trail is an annual tradition and the themes change each year, so you never know who you may meet! The Friends of David Crockett State Park will be set up at the beginning of the trail signing folks in and hosting the Trick-or-Treat station, and will have food and drinks on hand for donations. For more information call Rachel Bridges 931-762-9408.

Fall Creek Falls hosts Fall Colors Weekend on Oct. 20-21
(Plateau) Join us on bicycle tours, guided hikes, and slideshows focusing on the autumn splendor of Fall Creek Falls State Park. For more information call 423-881-5708.

Harpeth River hosts Mound Bottom Guided Hike on Oct. 21
(Middle) Sunday, at 1:00 pm CT. Join us for a ranger led hike to view the Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex known as Mound Bottom. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reservations are required. Max 15 people. Canceled if rain. Please call Harpeth River State Park for Reservations at 615-952-2099.

Harpeth River hosts Pattison Forge Narrows of the Harpeth Hike on Oct. 21
(Middle) (Middle) Sunday, at 10:00 am CT. Enjoy a moderate 1 mile hike through the Narrows of the Harpeth. Includes a brief history of Montgomery Bell’s tunnel and iron forge. Max 15 people. Cancelled if rain. Please call Harpeth River State Park for Reservations at 615-952-2099.

Cordell Hull Birthplace hosts United Nations Day Celebration on Oct. 22
(Middle) Join park staff as we celebrate the United Nations, the international peacekeeping agency primarily authored by former Secretary of State Cordell Hull. We will observe this occasion with a display of highlights of the U.N. as well as a showcase of Sec. Hull’s Nobel Peace Prize, which he received in 1945 for his role in creating the esteemed agency. The park is open 9a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. For more information call 931-864-3247.

October 25-31 events

Sycamore Shoals hosts Scary Stories at the Carter Mansion on Oct. 25
(East) Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at a 200 year-old mansion. Bring the family and join us for tales of woe and terror, the weird and macabre, with a touch of wit thrown in for good measure. Don’t be afraid, the graveyard at the Carter Mansion isn’t haunted… we think! Contact the park for details at 423-543-5808.

T.O. Fuller hosts Fall Festival on Oct. 26
(Plateau) Join us for our 6th Annual Fall Festival open to children of all ages. This is a safe community alternative for Trick-or-Treating. Children only need to bring a basket and flashlight to find the hidden glowing eggs filled with candy that are scattered throughout the parks’ Day Use Area. Following the Egg Hunt children are taught to roast weenies and make homemade s’mores on an open campfire. (This event is always held the Friday before Halloween at sunset with the following Friday as a rain date.) For more information call 901-543-7581.

Davy Crockett hosts Trick or Treat in the Haunted Forest on Oct. 26
(East) Bring the kids to trick or treat through our woods. There will be a lighted trail to lead the way so you don’t get lost. Ghost, ghouls and haints will hand out treats along the trail and give you a little scare. Dress appropriately for cold weather, and bring a flashlight and a candy bag. A $1 per person donation for the park will be taken at the entrance. Event is 7-8 p.m. ET. For more information call 423-257-2167 or email Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov.

Port Royal hosts Port Royal by Lantern on Oct. 26-27
Join us for a guided lantern tour of the park and hear the mysterious stories of Port Royal’s historical past. Re-enactors will bring to life the Bell witch, the 1910 tabacco wars and other highlights of the area. Tours begin at 6 p.m. CT with the last tour departing at 9 p.m. CT. The event is free. For more information call 931-358-9696.

Red Clay hosts Inter Tribal Cultural Gathering POW WOW on Oct. 26-28
(East) Come join in the family fun. Native dance demonstrations take place throughout the weekend. Enjoy food and crafts from Native vendors. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and sun shades. View Flyer. For more information call 423-478-0339. 

Fall Creek Falls hosts Wild Foods Day on Oct. 27
(Plateau) Field trips identifying edible wild plants and workshops on preparing wild meats and breads are just part of the activities. The real treat comes in enjoying the wild feast. View flyer. For more information call 423-881-5708.

Nathan Bedford Forrest hosts Monsters Cafe on Oct. 27
(West) Join us at 7 p.m. CT at the park office for a half-mile hike of creepy crawly things and ghosts along the trail. The Monster Cafe will be in full swing at Shelter #1 for the kids with all kinds of food, games and treats. For more information call 731-584-6356.

Cumberland Mountain hosts Trunk or Treat on Oct. 27
(Plateau) 6 – 8 p.m. CT. Meet at the Recreation Hall for a Hayride over to the campground to begin your trunk or treat adventure!! Other events will be scheduled. For more info contact Ranger Johnson at 931-484-6138.

Edgar Evins hosts Night Hike on Oct. 27
Meet Ranger Mark Taylor at the Millennium Trail at 7 p.m. CT for a guided hike around our Wolf Creek inlet- at night! We will listen and look for owls and other nocturnal wildlife. Please wear sturdy shoes, a warm jacket and bring a dim flashlight. This is a moderate trail. Approximately 1 mile. For more information call 931-858-2446.

Long Hunter hosts Halloween Hunt 5-Mile Run on Oct. 27
This event is part of the 34th Annual Tennessee State Parks Running Tour. The race will include two laps around Couchville Lake. Awards will be presented in five age categories and there will also be a Halloween costume contest. Early registrants will receive a t-shirt. For more info, call 615-889-1306.

Montgomery Bell hosts Haunted Group Camp on Oct. 27
Join Montgomery Bell staff, Friends of Montgomery Bell, Ramble the Racoon, and local businesses for our annual Haunted Group Camp. Highlights include Trick-or-Tread Cabins, spooky cabins, hayrides, storytelling, park programs and more. Tickets are $5 a carload. There will be a family-friendly loop and a scary loop for older kids. For more information or to purchase a ticket call the park office at 615-797-9052.

Reelfoot Lake hosts White Pelican Canoe Floats on Oct. 27-28
(West) Canoe floats are offered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 and at 9 a.m. on Sunday Oct. 28. Participants will paddle out to see hundreds of white pelicans who rest on Reelfoot Lake as they make their annual journey south for the winter. This canoe trip is on flat water, but some upper body strength is required as the trip will last approximately 3 hours. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack and water to drink. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Canoes, life jackets and paddles will be provided. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own canoes/kayaks. Meet at the Reelfoot Lake State Park visitor center at 1 p.m. CT. Reservations are required. Reservations may be made by calling 731-253-9652. For more information please email Robin.Wooten@tn.gov or David.Haggard@tn.gov.

Meeman-Shelby Forest hosts 1st Annual Meeman-Shelby Heritage Festival & 75th Anniversary TSP Celebration on Oct. 27
(West) Come to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. CT to celebrate our American traditions, skills, and legacies. Demonstrators, vendors, games, live music, and interpretive programs will be offered for the entire family, as well as hourly programs by Tennessee State Parks. The event is free and event is free and parking is available within walking distance. For more information call 901-876-5201.

Harpeth River hosts Mound Bottom Guided Hike on Oct. 28
(Middle) Sunday, at 1:00 pm CT. Join us for a ranger led hike to view the Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex known as Mound Bottom. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reservations are required. Max 15 people. Canceled if rain. Please call Harpeth River State Park for Reservations at 615-952-2099.

Harpeth River hosts Hidden Lake Hike on Oct. 28
(Middle) Sunday, at 10:00 am CT. Hike a 2 mile moderate loop trail through a wooded area along bluffs and lakes featuring points of interest from the quarry and resort eras. Max 15 people. Cancelled if rain. Please call Harpeth River State Park for Reservations at 615-952-2099.

Bledsoe Creek hosts Trunk or Treat in the Park on Oct. 31
Join park staff and the Friends of Bledsoe Creek for Trunk or Treat and the spooky trail from 6 – 8 p.m. CT. This free event is located in the stage area of the day use area. Hot chocolate will be available. Everyone is invited.

 
 
autumn Bluebird sumac Warriors' Path