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: Introduction to Dunbar Cave SNA, Botany Hike, Port Royal Hike, Dunbar Cave History, Port Royal History Hike and Evening Hike.
Tuesday, September 1st
Introduction to Dunbar Cave SNA
Time: 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 10 – adult
Learn about the Natural Area, past and present, with this indoor presentation.
Reservations By: 1:30pm, September 1st.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Wednesday, September 2nd
Botany Hike
Time: 8:15am – 9:30am
Ages: 7 – adult
Join is for an easy hike to learn about the plants of the Natural Area.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, August 31st.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Thursday, September 3rd
Port Royal Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: All Ages
Learn about Port Royal in the past and see the plants and animals of today. Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 1st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Friday, September 4th
Port Royal History Hike
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Learn about the past inhabitants of the town of Port Royal. Hike will begin at the parking lot next to the Visitor Center.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Saturday, September 5th
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: 10 – Adult
If you enjoy our butterfly garden, please come out and help us look after it by weeding. Bring work gloves and water. In the process you’ll learn about our native plants and our garden. You don’t have to stay the full hour, even 10 minutes will help.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 3rd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Port Royal Creek Exploration
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Ages: 5 – Adult
See some of our creek creatures 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, September 3rd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Dunbar Cave History
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 5 to adult
Join us for a walk around the area and learn about Dunbar’s past.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 3rd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Evening Hike
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail at this cooler time of day.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 3rd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Sunday, September 6th
Interpretive Morning Hike
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All Ages
Learn about the unique wildlife that can be found right here in our city on this 1 mile morning hike.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 4th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Time: 9:30am – 10:00am
Ages: All Ages
Take a short tour through our butterfly garden in full bloom. We’ll identify our plants and many of the butterflies you see.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 4th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Port Royal Trail of Tears
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: 7 – adult
Learn about the Trail of Tears at Port Royal Historic Area. Hike will begin at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm, September 4th.
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.
