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: Nature Hike, Night Hike, Cave Critter Meet and Greet, Interpretive Morning Hike, Dunbar Cave History and Port Royal Hike.
Friday, September 18th
Nature Hike
Time: 8:00am – 9:30am
Ages: All ages
Walk the 1 mile Short Loop and learn about the park’s inhabitants.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 16th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Night Hike
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: All ages
We will walk the Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and darkness rises– we might hear owls, frogs and other creatures as we go.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 16th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Saturday, September 19th
Cave Critter Meet and Greet
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: All Ages
If you’ve missed your chance at a cave tour this year, or didn’t catch some of our critters on the tour you attended, come meet them today at the entrance of the cave.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 17th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Interpretive Morning Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 12 – Adult
Enjoy a 2-mile guided tour around the park observing traces of our park wildlife and noting the change in flora as summer ends.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 17th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Dunbar Cave History
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Join us for a walk around the area and learn about Dunbar’s past.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 17th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Port Royal Hike
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
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 17th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Sunday, September 20th
Port Royal Creek Exploration
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Ages: 5 – Adult
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, September 18th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Walk With the Ranger Nature Hike
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: All ages
Walk the 1 mile Short Loop and learn about the park’s inhabitants.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 18th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Tuesday, September 22nd
Trail of Tears at Port Royal
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Ages: 8 – adult
Join us for a walk on the Trail of Tears. Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations by: 4:30pm, September 20th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Wednesday, September 23rd
Port Royal Plant Hike
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Ages: All Ages
Learn about Port Royal’s plants. Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 21st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Stellaluna: A Baby Bat Adventure
Time: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 4 – 11
Enjoy the story of Stellaluna, a baby bat who gets lost – and learn about bats, too, in this indoor program.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 21st.
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.
Port Royal State Historic Park is located at 3300 Old Clarksville Springfield Road, Adams, Tennessee.
Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.
