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Clarksville’s Dunbar Cave State Park Programs for June 7th through June 13th, 2015

Dunbar Cave State Park - Clarksville TNClarksville, TNDunbar 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: Night Hike, Port Royal Evening Walk, Cave Hike, Park by Flashlight Hike, Creepy Crawley Detective, and Afternoon Hike.

Dunbar Cave State Park Visitor Center.
Dunbar Cave State Park Visitor Center.

Sunday, June 7th

Night Hike

Time: 8:00pm – 9:15pm
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 5th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger

Monday, June 8th

Port Royal Evening Walk

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
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, June 6th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Tuesday, June 9th

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.

Entrance to Dunbar Cave.
Entrance to Dunbar Cave.

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 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.

Tuesday, June 9th

Park by Flashlight Hike

Time: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Ages: All ages

Hike the one mile trail by flashlight as we see what we can find after the park closes for the night. Bring a flashlight (one per person), water and wear your bug spray.

Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, June 7th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist

Wednesday, June 10th

Cave Hike

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult

See Tuesday, June 9th for details on cave hikes.

Thursday, June 11th

Cave Hike

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult

See Tuesday, June 9th for details on cave hikes.


Creepy Crawley Detective

Time: 3:00pm — 4:00pm
Ages: 5-12

Leave your prejudice against bugs at home and come join us in the hunt for some of our smallest park inhabitants. We’ll start with a short hike to track down forest logs, then spend time finding and identifying the critters that call our fallen trees home. Be ready for an interactive quiz when we get back!

Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, June 10th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


Afternoon Hike

Time: 5:30pm — 6:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Now that you’ve avoided the heat of the day, come join us for a 1 mile hike as the temperature drops. We’ll identify plants and animals we see along the way, and answer any questions you may have about the park and its history.

Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, June 10th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


Friends of Dunbar Cave Meeting
In the Visitor Center AV Room

Time: 6:00pm

Friday, June 12th

Cave Hike

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult

See Tuesday, June 9th for details on cave hikes.


Thorns and Threats

Time: 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Ages: 5-12

We all know most animals bite back, but did you know plants can too? Spend the afternoon learning just how similar plants and animals are in their struggle to survive. Then apply your new knowledge with a game of bingo.

Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, June 11th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


Afternoon Hike

Time: 4:00pm — 5:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Work up an appetite with this 2 mile hike. Brief stops will be made to identify any interesting creatures and plants found on the trail. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water if you wish.

Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, June 11th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Saturday, June 13th

Cave Hike

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult

See Tuesday, June 9th for details on cave hikes.

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.

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