Tennessee is a state known for its miraculous natural beauty and beautiful national parks, for its forested mountains and deep-set caves. Ol’ Rocky Top sits in the heart of the south but on top of some of the most stunning land in North America. Still, it’s shocking how often dreamy natural pockets are lost and forgotten. We’ve featured 10 of our favorite lesser-known state parks to visit in Tennessee, and we’re sure you’ll find a new favorite hiking spot.

1. David Crockett State Park
David Crockett State Park, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Our list of some of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee begins at David Crockett State Park. David Crockett State Park makes its home in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, located right on the shores of Shoal Creek. The park honors the famed Davey Crockett, born and raised in Tennessee. There are local restaurants that offer up delicious eats and hiking trails perfect for all ages. Learn more about how you can hike the wild frontier at David Crockett State Park in Tennessee.
2. Panther Creek State Park
Panther Creek State Park, 2010 Panther Creek Park Rd, Morristown, TN 37814, USA
Simon - Flickr
Panther Creek State Park is massive, with over seventeen hiking trails and seven miles of riding trails stretching across its water-infused acreage. Located in Morristown, Tennessee, you can hike and fish year-round. With so much to offer, Panther Creek State Park is truly a hidden gem destination in Tennessee.
3. Seven Islands State Birding Park
Seven Islands State Birding Park, 2809 Kelly Ln, Kodak, TN 37764, USA
OHFalcon42 - Flickr
Knox County has one of the prettiest spots in the state for birding enthusiasts. The entire park was designed around birdwatching, and sits alongside the French Broad River. Visit during the spring and summer, and you'll find this park to be positively brimming with colorful wildflowers.
4. Big Hill Pond State Park
Big Hill Pond State Park, Tennessee 38061, USA
kdnxr - Flickr
There are over 5,000 acres of land comprised of Big Hill Pond State Park stretch across McNairy County. Located in Pocahontas, Tennessee, the forested area boasts streaks of waterways and great hiking areas for one and all.
5. Cove Lake State Park
Cove Lake State Park, 110 Cove Lake Ln, Caryville, TN 37714, USA
collectmoments - Flickr
This Campbell County gem has 673 acres of land that surround Cove Lake, a waterway completed in 1936 after the implementation of the Caryville Dam. Check out Richard's BBQ restaurant right on the water, and enjoy hiking and camping through the park. In fact, if you visit during the summertime, you can camp right on the beach!

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6. Dunbar Cave State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park, 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, this gorgeous state park is one of the Nashville-area's greatest kept secrets. Home to one of the largest cave complexes in the world, the 110-acre park is open year-round and welcomes animals on a leash. Learn more about why you'll want to explore this fascinating cave in Tennessee.
7. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643, USA
DM - Flickr
Sycamore Shoals can be found in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and offers an unedited look at the state's natural underbelly. The 70-acre space welcomes humans and canines alike, with fabulous year-round hiking trails.
8. Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
Kelsey Healy - Alltrails
Located along the edge of Percy Priest lake, Long Hunter State Park is one of the best spots to hike, fish and boat in the greater Nashville area. The state park straddles Davidson and Rutherford counties, making it easy to visit and hard to leave. For a truly phenomenal experience, head to this state park at sunrise.
9. Pinson Mounds Archaeological Park
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, 460 Ozier Rd, Pinson, TN 38366, USA
Pinson Mounds Archaeological Park - Wikipedia
Visit Pinson, Tennessee to experience a prehistoric Native American complex that will catapult you back in time. Pinson Mounds is a national historic landmark, and the Madison County state park is a must-visit for history nerds. Plus, it's considered one of the best secrets in Tennessee.
10. Big Cypress Tree State Park
Big Cypress Tree State Park, 295 Big Cypress Rd, Greenfield, TN 38230, USA
Timothy Kuykendall - Google
Big Cypress Tree State Park is located in Weakley County, and was named after one of the oldest cypress trees east of the Mississippi. After 1,350 years, in 1976, the penultimate cypress was hit by lightning, but even its death couldn't suppress the local appreciation of the area. Perfect for hiking and picnicking, this Greenfield, Tennessee park is one of the most under-appreciated in the state.

So what did you think of our list of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee? Which would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Take it from us – these gorgeous Tennessee spring hikes take you through some of the most beautiful places in the state.

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state parks to visit in Tennessee

Beth C. | February 10, 2022

What are some other state parks I should visit in Tennessee?

Now that you've learned all about some of Tennessee's little-known parks, you might be curious to learn about some of the most popular. One of the most visited parks in the state is Cummins Falls State Park. With an epic waterfall that also works as a swimming hole, this park is especially popular during the warmer months. Next up on the list is Fort Loudon State Park, which is positively brimming with history. It's here that you can explore early colonial frontier life. Other popular state parks in Tennessee include Edgar Evins State Park, Sergeant Alvin State Park, Rock Island State Park, Reelfoot Lake State Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Pickwick Landing State Park, Harpeth River State Park, Davy Crockett's Birthplace, Cove Lake State Park, Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Burgess Falls State Park, the Bicentennial Mall, and lastly, Roan Mountain State Park. For more information, be sure to read our previous article: 15 Gorgeous Tennessee State Parks That Will Knock Your Socks Off.

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