Clarksville, TN – Dunbar Cave State Natural Area has been a State Park since 1973. The cave and its surrounding 110 acres have considerable scenic, natural and historical significance. The entrance offered shelter to prehistoric Native Americans as far back as 10,000 years.
Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs during the year. There are programs for children and adults.
Some of the upcoming events include: Botanical Day Hike, Port Royal Afternoon Hike, Cave Hike, Wildlife Dentures, and Caterpillar Creation.
Sunday, June 14th
Botanical Day Hike
Time: 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Ages: All ages
Take a guided tour through the park to learn more about our summer flora and which plants are fading, fruiting, or blooming. Be ready for a 1 mile hike. Wear sturdy shoes, bring some water, and field guides if you have them!
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 12th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Port Royal Afternoon Hike
Time: 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Ages: All ages
Take a short relaxing stroll down at Port Royal. Learn a bit of the history and landmarks on the park, as well as the seasonal plants and animals. We’ll meet in the River Bottom Trail parking lot on the north side of the bridge.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 12th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Tuesday, June 16th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
Each person on a cave hike must have a working flashlight. Due to the presence of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in our cave, clean caving protocols are in effect.
Each person must bring two pairs of shoes- one pair, which will be worn in the cave, must be boots or shoes with good traction as the cave floor is very muddy and slippery (no sandals or flip-flops). The other pair (any type of footwear) is to change into before exiting the cave so that the WNS fungus is not carried out on your shoes.
The park will provide bags to place your cave shoes in and you will be given instructions on how to properly clean them when you get home so that we do not spread WNS to other areas.
The cave floor is muddy and slippery; every person must sign a release of liability waiver which will be provided to you when you make your reservations. The hike is not handicap accessible and not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Cost is $10.00 for ages 13 and older, $5.00 for ages 5 – 12 (no children under age 5 are allowed on a cave hike).
To go on a cave hike, you must have a reservation. Reservation can be made only during office hours (8:00am- 4:30pm Monday-Friday), and can be made by phone or in person.
Hike is limited to 20 persons.
There will be no cave hikes June 17th – 19th due to our Jr. Ranger Camp.
Friday, June 19th
Wildlife Dentures
Time: 5:00pm — 6:30pm
Ages: 5-15
Ever wondered why your teeth are different from a dog’s? Or a squirrel’s? Discover the relationship between animal teeth and the food they eat. When you’re done, you’ll be taking home your very own set of wildlife dentures.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 17th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Saturday, June 20th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16th for details on cave hikes.
Caterpillar Creation
Time: 4:30pm — 6:30pm
Ages: 5-15
You see them in your yard and all around our park, but do you know what kind they are? Come find out about the larval form of some of our most beautiful insects and have the chance to create your own caterpillar. Later on, we’ll continue this program by making both the cocoon and the adult butterfly for your caterpillar.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 18th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Dunbar Cave State Park Programs Information
Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the Deadline Listed. Programs with no reservations by the deadline will be canceled.
All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).
Age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is younger or older than the age limits given.
Dunbar Cave State Park is located at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road, Clarksville Tennessee.
Port Royal State Historic Park is located at 3300 Old Clarksville Springfield Road, Adams, Tennessee.
Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.