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Clarksville’s Dunbar Cave State Park Programs for July 12th and July 18th, 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, Cave Hike, Port Royal History Hike, Interpretive Morning Hike, Port Royal Creek Exploration, and The Secret World of Bats.

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

Sunday, July 12th

Night Hike

Time: 8:00pm – 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, July 10th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger

Tuesday, July 14th

Cave Hike

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

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- boots or shoes with good traction as the cave floor is very muddy and slippery, and any type of footwear to change into so that the WNS fungus is not carried out on your shoes.

The park will provide bags and you will be given instructions on how to clean the shoes so that we do not spread WNS to other areas. The hike is not handicap accessible and not recommended for people with mobility issues.

Every person on a cave hike must sign a release of liability waiver, and must bring a working flashlight.

Cost: $10.00 ages 13 +, $5.00 ages 5 – 12 (for safety reasons, 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.


Port Royal History Hike

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 7-adult

Learn about the past inhabitants of the town of Port Royal Hike is easy and suitable for all ages. Hike will begin at the parking lot next to the Visitor Center at Port Royal Historic Area.

Reservations by: 4:30pm, July 12th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger

Wednesday, July 15th

Cave Hike

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

See Tuesday, July 12th for details on cave hikes.

Thursday, July 16th

Interpretive Morning Hike

Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All ages

You may have hiked our trails many times, but have you ever taken the time to really look at them? On this guided one-mile hike we’ll point out the unusual sites our park has to offer.

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 14th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


Cave Hike

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

See Tuesday, July 12th for details on cave hikes.


Port Royal Creek Exploration

Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Ages: All Ages

See some of our creek creatures face to face as we break out the nets and scoop up some of our aquatic fauna. Wear clothes you’re willing to get wet and shoes that can stay on your feet. Fair warning, we’ll be kicking at rocks and flipflops won’t protect your toes.

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 14th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


The Secret World of Bats

Time: 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Ages: 8 – adult

See bats as we could never see them here through this award-winning nature documentary. We will be inside the cool Visitor Center – come early and see our Museum!

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 14th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist


Port Royal Firefly Watch

Time: 8:30pm – 9:15pm
Ages: All Ages

You’ve seen these little lanterns everywhere: in your yard, on the roadside, at Dunbar Cave. But have you ever seen hundreds lighting up the night like Christmas lights? You will if you join us at Port Royal tonight. Learn about these mysterious creatures and see them away from the lights of the city. Meet at the River Bottom parking lot. Wear bug spray, lawn chairs optional.

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 14th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Friday, July 17th

Morning Hike

Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All Ages

Dodge the afternoon heat while still getting some exercise in with a morning hike. We’ll hike the one-mile short trail and discuss the animals and plants we see along the way.

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 15th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


Cave Hike

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

See Tuesday, July 12th for details on cave hikes.


Port Royal Campfire Games

Time: 7:30pm — 9:00pm
Ages: All Ages

Come out to Port Royal for the evening and relax around a campfire. Bring your children to 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, July 15th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Saturday, July 18th

Morning Hike

Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All Ages

Dodge the afternoon heat while still getting some exercise in with a morning hike. We’ll hike the one-mile short trail and discuss the animals and plants we see along the way.

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 17th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger


TN Promise Trail Marker Installation and Volunteer Day

Time: 8:00am – 11:00am

This event is to help TN Promise Scholars log community service hours required to meet their scholarship commitments. Join Ranger Adam Neblett for a morning of digging post holes and sinking numbered 4x4s approximately two feet into the ground to help guide hikers along the trail, and also to be used to identify locations for lost hikers and rescue operations. Please wear boots, bring water and a post hole digger if you have one. Don’t forget the bug spray!

All TN Promise participants and volunteers must complete the online RSVP Form at this website http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-event-cards/tn-promise-saturday.

If you are not a TN Promise Scholar, you are still welcome to participate – please call the office to register.


Cave Hike

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

See Tuesday, July 12th for details on cave hikes.


Bird Walk

Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Ages: Adults

Bring your binoculars and we’ll stroll around the grounds and look for the birds of summer.

Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 16th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist

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.

Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.

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