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: Cave Hike, Birding Port Royal, Night Hike, Trail Cleanup and Hike, Nature Detectives, and Bird Hike.
Tuesday, June 2nd
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 is to change into before exiting the cave so that the WNS fungus is not carried out on your shoes. This pair can be any type of footwear. The park will provide plastic 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.
Because 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. Because of the conditions of the cave, it 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.
Wednesday, June 3rd
Birding Port Royal
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Ages: 8 and up
Bring your binoculars and learn the birds of Port Royal on this easy walk around the grounds, by the creek and by the river bank. Meet at the upper parking lot beside the Visitor Center.
Reservations by 4:30pm, May 31st.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 2nd for details on cave hikes.
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: All ages
We will take the ½ mile River Bottom Trail and see what plants and creatures we can find. Meet at the River Bottom Trail Head at Port Royal Historic Park.
Reservations by 4:30pm, May 31st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Thursday, June 4th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 2 for details on cave hikes.
Nature Detectives
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5 – 12
Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind.
Reservations by 4:30pm, June 2nd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Night Hike
Time: 7:45pm – 9:00pm
Ages: All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and darkness rises– we might hear owls, frogs and other creatures as we go.
Reservations by 4:30pm, June 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Friday, June 5th
Bird Hike
Time: 6:00am – 8:00am
Ages: 8-adult
Bring your binoculars and we will learn to identify birds by sight and sound when they are most active – in the cooler morning hours.
Reservations by 4:30pm, June 3rd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 2nd for details on cave hikes.
Saturday, June 6th
Saturday, June 6th is National Trails Day
Come out and hike on your own or join us for one of our hikes.
Cave Hikes
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 2nd for details on cave hikes.
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: All ages
Our hike will take us through the woods, around the lake and by the cave entrance. We will look at flowers, trees and animals as we do a trash pickup. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.
Reservations by 4:30pm, June 5th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Port Royal History and Natural History Hike
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
You will learn about the past inhabitants of the town of Port Royal (including a short walk on the Trail of Tears) and about the plants and animals that call the area home now. Hike is easy and suitable for all ages. Hike will begin and end at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations by 4:30pm, June 5th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, 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.
