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: Port Royal Day Hike, Evening Hike, Cave Hike, Fireflies, Port Royal Morning Hike and Cocoon Creation.
Sunday, June 21st
Port Royal Day Hike
Time: 2:00pm — 3:00pm
Ages: All ages
Head out to Dunbar’s sister historical state park to take in the sights and sounds. Our hike will be approximately ¾ of a mile, the trail is moderately strenuous. Wear sturdy shoes . Meet in the parking lot beside the restrooms.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 19th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Monday, June 22nd
Evening Hike
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and day ends to see what is out.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, June 20th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Tuesday, June 23rd
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.
Fireflies
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages: All ages
Come out and learn about these little lanterns of the night on a short hike.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 21st.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Wednesday, June 24th
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
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 Required By: 4:30pm, June 22nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am.
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 23rd for details on cave hikes.
Thursday, June 25th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 23rd for details on cave hikes.
Cocoon Creation
Time: 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Ages: 5-15
As a follow-up program to our caterpillar creation, we’ll make paper mache cocoons to continue the life cycle of our lovely insects. If you were unable to attend the caterpillar creation, please join us anyway.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 23rd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Blindman’s Tree Hunt
Time: 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Ages: 5-15
In some Native American tribes this game was used as a test of manhood. These days it’s just plain fun. Test your memory and your senses as you trace your way back to a place you’ve never seen.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 23rd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Friday, June 26th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 23rd for details on cave hikes.
Time: 7:30pm — 9:00pm
Ages: 5-adult
Come out to Port Royal and relax around a campfire. We will play flashlight tag, glow stick hunt, and other fun games. We’ll end the night with tasty s’mores. In the event of rain, this program will be rescheduled.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 24th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Saturday, June 27th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 23rd for details on cave hikes.
Tuesday, June 30th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16th for details on cave hikes.
Night Hike
Time: 8:15pm – 9:30pm
Ages: All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as darkness rises– we might hear owls, frogs and other creatures.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, June 28th.
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.
