Clarksville’s Dunbar Cave State Park Programs for July 19th and July 25th, 2015

July 14, 2015 |

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.

Entrance to Dunbar Cave.

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.

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