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: Trees, Insects, Recovery Trail Hike, Port Royal Hike and Cleanup, Recovery Trail Hike and Trail Hike and Park Cleanup.
Friday, September 25th
Trees
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 7 – adult
Learn the trees of the Natural Area on this short hike.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 23rd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Insects
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 5 -12
Come out and learn about our six-legged friends in this indoor and outdoor program.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 23rd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Saturday, September 26th – National Public Lands Day
Recovery Trail Hike
Time: 9:00am to 10:00am
Ages: All ages
Join Clarksville Tennessee Trails Association and Friends of Dunbar Cave member Suva Bastin for a 2 mile hike on the Recovery Trail. You might see deer, squirrels and who knows what else.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 25th.
Port Royal Hike and Cleanup
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: All ages
Join us on the easy 1/2 mile River Bottom Trail as we enjoy the park and do some litter pickup.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 25th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Time: 11:00am
Ages: All ages
Join Clarksville Tennessee Trails Association and Friends of Dunbar Cave member Suva Bastin for a 2 mile hike on the Recovery Trail. You might see deer, squirrels and who knows what else.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 25th.
Trail Hike and Park Cleanup
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Ages: All ages
Hike the one mile trail and learn about the park while we remove litter. We might see or hear deer, owls, and other animals that become active in the evening.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 25th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Sunday, September 27th
Volunteer Opportunity
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: 5 – Adult
This morning we’ll be picking up trash around the park and on the trails. Gloves and trash bags will be available.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 25th.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Wildflower Walk
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Ages: 6 – adult
Learn to identify the late summer wildflowers of Dunbar Cave on this easy walk.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm, September 25th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Monday, September 28th
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 26th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Tuesday, September 29th
Time: 10:00am – 10:45am
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, September 27th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Port Royal History Hike
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
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 27th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Wednesday, September 30th
Night Hike
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
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 28th.
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.
