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: Cooling at the Cave, Night Hike, Cave Hike, Port Royal Hike, Morning Hike and Port Royal Campfire Games.
Sunday, July 19th
Volunteer Opportunity
Time: 12:00pm — 4:30pm
Ages: 12-Adult
Our new property has a healthy batch of kudzu and privet! If you’re looking for a way to help your state park, grab some work gloves and we’ll give you the chance to take the week’s frustrations out on an invasive species (looks great on resumes). Bring water and wear bug spray. Eat lunch before you come.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, July 18th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Monday, July 20th
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 18th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Tuesday, July 21st
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.
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 Hike
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Learn the role Port Royal played in history and the Trail of Tears and observe the plants and animals of today. Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot on the north side of the bridge.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, July 19th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Wednesday, July 22nd
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, July 21st for details on cave hikes.
Thursday, July 23rd
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 21st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, July 21st 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 21st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Friday, July 24th
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Tuesday, July 21st for details on cave hikes.
Time: 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Ages: All Ages
This half-mile hike will introduce you to Dunbar Cave’s little-known sister park. We’ll discuss the role it played in the Trail of Tears and observe what most forests in Tennessee looked like years ago. Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot on the north side of the bridge.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, July 22nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Eyes of the Night
Time: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Did you know that the eyes of animals shine with different colors – spiders are emeralds or diamonds, bullfrogs look like opals – in reflected light? Bring your flashlight and join us for this short walk around the grounds to see what kinds of creatures we can identify. Wear bug spray because the lights will attract insects.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, July 22nd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Saturday, July 25th
Cooling at the Cave
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: All ages
The Friends of Dunbar Cave present a throwback to Dunbar’s past as a music and dance cave. The Cumberland Winds Jazz Group will play at the cool cave entrance as you listen to the music, dance and enjoy homemade refreshments.
Free, refreshments provided with a donation. T-shirts and memberships available to purchase.
No reservations needed.
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.
