8 Top-Rated Tennessee State Parks to Visit (and the Full List of All Parks)

There really is no bad time to visit Tennessee. You’re never late. You’re never early. You’re always right on time.

If you visit the in spring, you’ll love the new blooms and flowers.

During the summer, you’ll be thrilled to find higher water levels at the lakes and more water at the falls.

If it’s Fall, you’ll easily fall in love with the colorful Autumn leaves.

During the winter, while it may be cold, the lack of leaves on the trees gives you a great vantage point of the hills.

With that being said, it’s time to get to it. Explore these Tennessee state parks!

Check out the top rated parks and find a complete list below of all state parks in Tennessee.

8 Top Rated Tennessee State Parks

1. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Located in the eastern part of the state, Fall Creek Falls is Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park. It boasts breathtaking waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and a variety of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, and golfing.

2. Radnor Lake State Park

Situated just outside of Nashville, Radnor Lake offers a peaceful retreat within the city. It features a scenic lake, diverse wildlife, and over six miles of hiking trails. The park is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

3. Big Ridge State Park

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in northeastern Tennessee, Big Ridge State Park offers a picturesque setting with its forested hills and tranquil lake. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and camping in this beautiful park.

4. Cumberland Mountain State Park

Located in Crossville, Cumberland Mountain State Park is known for its rolling hills, scenic trails, and beautiful lake. The park offers activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, golfing, and camping. The historic Homesteads Tower Museum is also worth a visit.

5. Frozen Head State Park

Situated in the Cumberland Mountains, Frozen Head State Park is renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging hiking trails. The park features the 3,324-foot peak of Frozen Head, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

6. Edgar Evins State Park

Set along the shores of Center Hill Lake, Edgar Evins State Park is a popular destination for water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The park also has hiking trails that provide scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills.

7. Burgess Falls State Park

Located near Cookeville, Burgess Falls State Park showcases a series of stunning waterfalls on the Falling Water River. Visitors can hike along the trails to see the waterfalls up close and enjoy picnicking and wildlife viewing.

8. Rock Island State Park

Another waterfall located on Center Hill Lake! Short easy trails offer amazing views of roaring waterfalls. Camp, hike, paddle or fish at this park. There’s even a beach area if you feel like lounging. Be sure to call ahead – this park can have regular closings due to generating.

A List of All Tennessee State Parks:

1. Big Cypress Tree State Park – Greenfield, TN
2. Big Hill Pond State Park – Pocahontas, TN
3. Bledsoe Creek State Park – Gallatin, TN
4. Booker T. Washington State Park – Chattanooga, TN
5. Burgess Falls State Park – Sparta, TN
6. Cedars of Lebanon State Park – Lebanon, TN
7. Chickasaw State Park – Henderson, TN
8. Cove Lake State Park – Caryville, TN
9. Cumberland Mountain State Park – Crossville, TN
10. Cumberland Trail State Park – Multiple locations across the state
11. David Crockett State Park – Lawrenceburg, TN
12. Edgar Evins State Park – Silver Point, TN
13. Fall Creek Falls State Park – Spencer, TN
14. Fort Loudoun State Park – Vonore, TN
15. Frozen Head State Park – Wartburg, TN
16. Harpeth River State Park – Kingston Springs, TN
17. Harrison Bay State Park – Harrison, TN
18. Henry Horton State Park – Chapel Hill, TN
19. Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park – Delano, TN
20. Indian Mountain State Park – Jellico, TN
21. Johnsonville State Historic Park – New Johnsonville, TN
22. Long Hunter State Park – Hermitage, TN
23. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park – Millington, TN
24. Montgomery Bell State Park – Burns, TN
25. Mousetail Landing State Park – Linden, TN
26. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park – Eva, TN
27. Norris Dam State Park – Rocky Top, TN
28. Natchez Trace State Park – Wildersville, TN
29. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – Manchester, TN
30. Panther Creek State Park – Morristown, TN
31. Paris Landing State Park – Buchanan, TN
32. Pickett State Park – Jamestown, TN
33. Pickwick Landing State Park – Pickwick Dam, TN
34. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park – Pinson, TN
35. Reelfoot Lake State Park – Tiptonville, TN
36. Roan Mountain State Park – Roan Mountain, TN
37. Rock Island State Park – Rock Island, TN
38. Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park – Pall Mall, TN
39. South Cumberland State Park – Multiple locations across the Cumberland Plateau
40. Standing Stone State Park – Hilham, TN
41. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park – Elizabethton, TN
42. T.O. Fuller State Park – Memphis, TN
43. Tims Ford State Park – Winchester, TN
44. Warriors’ Path State Park – Kingsport, TN
45. Washington State Historic Park – Limestone, TN
46. Watauga Lake State Park – Elizabethton, TN
47. Window Cliffs State Natural Area – Baxter, TN

Please note that the locations provided are approximate and represent the general areas where the state parks are situated. Call ahead before planning any trips – trails and parks tend to close often.