You may have heard of the more-popular Rock Island State Park and Burgess Falls, but did you know Tennessee has over 50 state parks and natural areas that don’t get enough lovin’?! We went through and scoured the list of state parks to visit in Tennessee, and found the best spots that get sloughed off during the prettier months of the year. How many of these gems have you visited…? Or do you have a couple to add to that bucket list of yours? Take a closer look at 10 under-appreciated state parks to visit in Tennessee.

10. Big Ridge State Park
Big Ridge State Park, 1015 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807, USA
Wikipedia
Located just over half an hour north of Knoxville, Big Ridge is defined by its sharp, steep ridges and its stream-filled valleys. Originally developed by the TVA as an example of how their lakes could double as recreation areas, Big Ridge now has more than 15 miles of trails and 50 campsites.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
9. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Wikipedia
Built within Nashville to celebrate Tennessee's bicentennial in 1996, the mall is dominated by the State Capitol overlooking the park from the South. The park boasts a WWII memorial, a full Carillon bell tower, and various other tributes to the Tri-Star State.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
8. Cove Lake State Park
Cove Lake State Park, 110 Cove Lake Ln, Caryville, TN 37714, USA
Wikipedia
Cove Lake sits on the eastern side of the Cumberland Plateau, giving it stunning views. The park boasts 106 campsites, 6 rentable picnic pavilions, and an 11-mile stretch of the famous Cumberland Trail. Located about 45 minutes northwest of Knoxville, it's the perfect getaway for Central and Eastern Tennesseans.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
7. David Crockett State Park
David Crockett State Park
Wikipedia
Located about an hour and a half south of Nashville, this park has a lot of history to it. It's the actual site of Davy Crockett's powder mill, gristmill, and distillery that he owned and operated. The buildings are no longer there, but the park now has a paved biking trail and more than 6 miles of trails along the bluffs of scenic Shoal Creek.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
6. Dunbar Cave State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park, 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043, USA
Wikipedia
Just outside of downtown Clarksville, Dunbar Cave is a great example of Tennessee's many limestone caves. The cave was used for thousands of years by Native Americans and was used in the last century as a venue for square dances, radio shows, and music concerts. Cave tours are offered from May through August, making it the perfect way to cool off in the summer.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.

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5. Edgar Evins State Park
Edgar Evins State Park Road, Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Tennessee 38582, USA
Wikipedia
Perfect for the boating enthusiast, Edgar Evins is located on pristine Center Hill Lake, about an hour East of Nashville. There's also condo-style cabins for those looking for a getaway and 12 miles of hiking for the nature enthusiasts. Don't forget the butterfly garden with more than 30 species of native Tennessee plants that have drawn over 35 species of butterflies.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
4. Norris Dam State Park
Norris Dam State Park, 125 Village Green Cir, Rocky Top, TN 37769, USA
Wikipedia
Norris Dam has historical significance because it was the first project undertaken by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The park is great for boating -- you can bring your own or rent one of a variety of boats at the marina. You can also stay in one of their cabins, originally constructed by the CCC in the 1930s.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
3. Indian Mountain State Park
Indian Mountain State Park, 143 Indian Mt State Park Cir, Jellico, TN 37762, USA
Wikipedia
This park name is a little misleading -- the park itself actually sits at the base of the mountain, right on the Kentucky border, about an hour north of Knoxville. What makes Indian Mountain State Park unique? It used to be a strip mine but was converted to a recreational area in the 1960s.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
2. Standing Stone State Park
Standing Stone State Park, 1674 Standing Stone Park Hwy, Hilham, TN 38568, USA
Wikipedia
Located on the Cumberland Plateau, standing stone is named after a 12-foot-tall rock that used to stand on a sandstone ledge in the park and was used by local Native American nations to define their borders. The stone has since fallen and is now preserved in nearby Monterey, but the park is there to commemorate its significance and history. This park is actually famous for its annual marble tournament, which draws competitive marble enthusiasts from across the globe.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.
1. Natchez Trace State Park
Natchez Trace State Park, 22390 Natchez Trace Rd, Wildersville, TN 38351, USA
City of Mount Juliet
Just to be clear, Natchez Trace State Park is not the park that has the famous Natchez Trace bridge. This park is located about half an hour outside of Jackson on an old, alternate route of the original Natchez Trace. This park is perfect for those looking to hit the trail -- they have over 250 miles of horse riding trails and a 40-mile overnight trail for the serious backpack campers.
Click here to find out more about this Tennessee park.

So, what do you think about these state parks to visit in Tennessee? How many can you check off your bucket list? Make sure to let us know in the comments section!

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More to Explore

State Parks To Visit Tennessee

Marisa Roman | February 09, 2022

What is the most popular state park in Tennessee?

If you’re searching through a list of the best state parks in Tennessee to visit and you don’t know which one to land on, we have a popular choice for you to check out. Rock Island State Park in Tennessee is a real gem just 85 miles from Nashville. With 883-acres of space, plus a 30-foot waterfall, this historic state park is well worth a visit. There are even designated swimming areas in this park so you can keep cool during the warmer months.

Can I hike to historical sites in Tennessee?

Sometimes the best parks in Tennessee are the ones that have the coolest historical sites. With a state that has such a rich history, it's only fair that hiking throughout Tennessee can bring about a ton of delightful pockets of history. Start with exploring the ruins of this 1,500-year-old ancient village in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. Then move on to these 7 Nashville hiking trails that lead to some pretty incredible old ruins.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Tennessee?

Looking for some exciting things to do outside in Tennessee with kids? How about planning a trip for some hiking?! There are tons of hiking trails in Tennessee that are perfect for families to trek together. For instance, this easy one-mile hike in Middle Tennessee will take you to Rutledge Falls for some waterfall views! Meanwhile, this other family-friendly hike is under two miles and will take families along the Stone Door Trail in South Cumberland State Park.

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