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Road trips are great because they are flexible, affordable, and full of activities of your choice. Everything can be customized, from where you stay to what you see and how far you go. That’s why Tennessee state parks are packed with great outdoor adventures, history and overnight stays, so plan ahead. The trips you’ve put together can be cut, added or backtracked to shape your ideal vacation. We’re sharing three of them with road trips already planned, but there are plenty more for you to read. over here.
Nashville road trip
95 miles, 6 parks, Cedar Glace, Lakes, Nashville, New Lodge and Harpez River.
1. Cedar of Lebanon
Begin the trip enjoying a relaxing cabin or camping stay at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 45 minutes east of Nashville.
2. Long Hunter State Park
Take a day trip to walk the loop around Coucheville Lake or take in the views of Percy Priest Lake from the 4-mile Volunteer Day Loop.
3. Radnor Lake State Park
Next, check out the wildlife at Radnor Lake State Park. This is a favorite of the residents of Nashville, because of the natural habitat close to the city. Remember that this is a natural area, so stay on the trail and read the park rules before visiting.
4. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, this park is a must-see. Walk the 200-foot granite map of the state, visit the World War II Memorial, listen to the 95-Bell Carillon, and have fun on the Tennessee Falls River. (Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the fountains may be temporarily closed.)
5. Montgomery Bell State Park
Pack up and head to the newly renovated lodge at Montgomery Bell. Book a private room overlooking Acorn Lake and enjoy exploring the park’s long hiking trails, paddling and fishing the three lakes, golfing on the 18-hole course, and dining at the park’s restaurant. The park also offers cabins and campsites.
6. Harpeth River State Park
Complete your vacation with a day trip exploring the Harpez River. Enjoy scenic drives into the park, hike to overlooks, visit waterfalls, or put your kayak in for a day’s float.
Visit the waterfall
130 miles, 6 parks, 8 waterfalls, 2 lakes, cabin accommodations, incredible hiking.
1. Standing Stone State Park
This first stop may not have a waterfall on site, but it’s the perfect starting point for a tour of Cummis Falls. Reserve a newly restored historic cabin, deluxe cabin or campsite and explore the park’s suspension bridge, hiking trails, rentals and fishing opportunities.
2. Cummins Falls State Park
With a 75-foot waterfall and swimming area, this park is perfect for a summer day. Note: The hike to the base of the falls is steep and requires a Gorge Access Permit (can be purchased online) so plan accordingly.
3. Cookeville, TN
Take a coffee break in Cookeville and explore the town’s restaurants, stock up on some gear for an outdoor experience, or visit the Cookeville Depot Museum.
4. Edgar Ivins State Park
Book a cabin with views of sparkling Center Hill Lake or camp on one of the unique wooden platforms. This park is convenient for visiting Burgess Falls, Window Cliffs State Natural Area, and Cummins Falls.
5. Burgess Falls State Park
Another spectacular waterfall destination is Burgess Falls State Park, which has four waterfalls that drop from a height of 250 feet. The last of these falls is spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. Eight miles from the park is the Window Cliffs State Natural Area, where you can cross several streams and hike 2.7 miles to the top of the famous geological cliff.
6. Sparta, TN
Stop in Sparta to take in the view at Sunset Rock, grab a bite to eat, or check out historic Independence Square.
7. Rock Island State Park
This park is home to some of the most beautiful and significant views on the East Highland Rim. Don’t leave without visiting the 30-foot Great Falls below a 19th-century cotton mill that operated 100 years ago. Reserve a cabin, reserve a campsite, or stay a little longer at Edgar Ivins.
8. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Complete your trip by visiting the tallest waterfall in Tennessee along with three other spectacular waterfalls. Reserve a cabin on the lake or at a campsite. Explore the views at Millikan Overlook, the swinging bridge over the Cane Creek Cascades, fish at Fall Creek Falls Lake, and more.
Nature to Memphis
220 miles, 7 non-trafficked parks, 5 lakes and Memphis BB
1. Chickasaw State Park
Begin your trip to relax under the pines around Lake Placid in West Tennessee. Book a cabin or reserve a campsite and then head out to explore hiking, paddling, fishing, swimming and more.
2. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Take a day trip to visit this archaeological site, which contains at least 15 Native American mounds. Climb the 100+ steps to the top of Saul’s Mound and visit the museum’s exhibits on Tennessee prehistory.
3. Pickwick Landing State Park
Pack up and head southeast to the newly renovated lodge at Pickwick Landing on the shores of Pickwick Lake. Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, rent a pontoon boat, enjoy great sport fishing, play a round of golf and watch from your room’s private balcony. The park offers overwater villas, standard cabins and lakefront campsites.
4. Big Hill Pond State Park
Take a day trip to Big Hill Pond or camp under the stars. Climb the fire tower and walk the boardwalk through Dismal Swamp for a 360 view of the area, fish and paddle on Lake Travis McNaught.
5. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Drive east to Mayman-Shelby Forest State Park, where you can cozy up in a lakefront cabin or set up camp for the night. Tulip Poplar Lake offers paddling, boating and fishing, and the park’s hiking trails are some of the most popular near Memphis.
6. Memphis
On your way to Fuller State Park, make a pit stop in Memphis for some famous BBQ or to see some historical sites.
7. To Fuller State Park
Explore the history of TO Fuller State Park, just 15 minutes from downtown Memphis. Located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the park is home to Native American settlements. Visit the CH Nash Museum in Chukalisa to celebrate and learn about the vibrant and sophisticated culture of these ancient people. RV and tent camping available.
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