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, Interpretive Morning Hike, Birding/Nature Appreciation Hike, Port Royal Botanical Hike, Evening to Night Hike and Butterfly Garden Stroll.
Friday, October 2nd
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 30th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Saturday, October 3rd
Interpretive Morning Hike
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All Ages
You may have hiked our trails many times, but have you ever taken the time to really look at them? On this guided 1 mile hike we’ll point out the interesting sites our park has to offer.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, October 1st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Birding/Nature Appreciation Hike
Time: 9:00am
Ages: 8 – adult
Join the Warioto Audubon Society for this hike – bring your binoculars and meet in the picnic area.
No reservations needed.
Port Royal Botanical Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: All Ages
Join us on a short ½ mile hike on the River Bottom Trail at Dunbar’s historical sister park. We’ll meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot on the north side of the bridge.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, October 1st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Evening to Night Hike
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and nocturnal animals come out.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, October 1st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Sunday, October 4th
Butterfly Garden Stroll
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
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 frequenting them.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, October 2nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Port Royal Creek Exploration
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
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, October 2nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Port Royal Hike
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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, October 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Dunbar Cave History
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 5 to adult
Join us for a walk around the area and learn about Dunbar’s past.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, October 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Tuesday, October 6th
Port Royal Birding Hike
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 12 – adult
Bring your binoculars and learn the birds of Port Royal. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot at Port Royal Historic Area.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, October 4th.
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.
