Article Overview: Tennessee National Parks
Tennessee National Parks! We’ve got fifteen incredible national park sites for you to see on your next visit to The Volunteer State.
As a longtime resident of Tennessee’s neighbor to the south, Georgia, I’ve spent a great deal of time in these parks.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as full-fledged national parks.
So, What Is A National Park?
We get asked that question a lot because there’s a difference between a “national park” and a “national park site.” To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really?
If you’re planning a trip to the Volunteer State then a book that I highly recommend is: Traveling Tennessee: A Complete Tour Guide to the Volunteer State from the Highlands of the Smoky Mountains to the Banks of the Mississippi River by Cathy Summerlin.
We’re going to give you 15 reasons why you’ll want to make Tennessee your next vacation destination.
Tennessee National Parks FAQ
The list of national park sites in Tennessee are as follows:
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Scenic National Trail
Obed Wild & Scenic River
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
Shiloh National Military Park
Stones River National Battlefield
Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail
Why Trust Us About National Parks In Tennessee?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Table Of Contents: Tennessee National Parks
Tennessee National Parks
- Tennessee National Parks FAQ
- Why Trust Us About National Parks In Tennessee?
- Tennessee National Parks
Tennessee National Parks
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No trip to the Tennessee National Parks would be complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. Since it’s the most important stop in my humble opinion I’m going to free it from the alphabet and place the Great Smoky Mountains at the top of the list of our list of Tennessee National Parks.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the is the most visited national park in the country and a true monument to the beauty of the Appalachians.
Established in the depths of the Great Depression by generous local communities, wealthy philanthropists like John D. Rockefeller Jr., and the U.S. government, this pristine area was spared from further logging and development and is now a premiere outdoor destination belonging to all Americans.
Nestled in the misty mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains is easily one of the most beautiful national parks on the planet.
If you don’t believe me, visit in the fall and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about – more on that later!
If you’re wondering how crowded the park is considering it’s the most visited national park in the country – you might be surprised by the answer.
While it certainly depends on where you go in the park and what time of year you visit, Great Smoky Mountains doesn’t see anywhere near the crowding that parks like Zion or Yosemite do these days.
About Great Smoky Mountains
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains is a place where time seems to have stood still.
Here are the last remains of the ancient forests that once dominated the Eastern United States.
In the words of President Franklin Roosevelt,
“there are trees here that stood before our forefathers ever came to this continent; there are brooks that still run as clear as on the day the first pioneer cupped his hand and drank from them.”
These misty mountains are home to America’s most visited national park, a land of vast hardwood forests, clear mountain streams, frontier cabins, and iconic wildlife.
CHECK OUT: 15 AMAZING Facts About Smoky Mountains National Park
Watch Our Award-Winning Video
This video is the culmination of two weeks exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We chose Great Smoky Mountains as our second park because of it’s extraordinary display of fall colors, it’s incredibly diverse wildlife population, and it’s importance as the most visited national park in the country. This film was shot entirely in 4K UHD.
We chose to capture this park in the Fall as it is home to one of the most wonderful displays of fall foliage on the planet. Fall is also a wonderful time to watch the elk rutting season and experience cooler, less humid temperatures.
Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Go Leaf Peeping
Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains is simply spectacular with burning red oaks and brilliant yellow and orange maples. The park is home to many varieties of deciduous trees which turn fantastic colors in the fall.
Overlooks and creeks are ablaze with the colorful greetings of autumn and everywhere is a great spot to see this once-a-year feast for the eyes.
Take in the View from Clingmans Dome
The observation tower at Clingmans Dome provides sweeping views of the entire park and the surrounding mountains and lakes.
On clear days you can see over 100 miles in any direction. This highest peak in the park is easy to access for visitors of all ages and abilities and a must for any visit.
Tour the Historic Cabins and Mills
The historic cabins and buildings that dot the park are part of what makes Great Smoky Mountains National Park so great if you’ll excuse the pun.
Seriously though, these beautiful rustic pioneer structures hearken back to the hard scrabble life forged by early settlers of the area and add to the beauty of the park.
There’s lots of great information on these historic structures in the park visitor centers and many are staffed by volunteers and interpreters who can tell you all about what life like for the people who built these frontier settlements.
Ditch the Tourists and Head for Cataloochee
Far from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and the tourists you’ll find this peaceful mountain valley.
Known as Cataloochee, the valley was formerly home to a small mountain community before the park was established.
Now you can explore the remaining historic homes and buildings and take in the peaceful mountain charm that once made this an ideal place to settle.
There is also a herd of elk that can be commonly seen grazing the pastures of this peaceful valley, some of the bull elk can grow to immense sizes with very large antler racks.
You can also spot wild turkeys and a number of other interesting wildlife in this scenic and quiet part of the park.
2. Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
As a retired history teacher who enjoys nothing more than researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks, I relish the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the past.
This is one reason why I recommend Tennessee’s National Parks because there are some truly fascinating historical sites in the Volunteer State. A case in point is the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson. Johnson served as President from 1865 to 1869, succeeding Abraham Lincoln after his assassination.
The site was established as a National Historic Site in 1935, and it includes Johnson’s two homes, tailor shop, and grave site.
The homes, one of which was built in 1826 and served as Johnson’s main residence, and the other built in 1869, were restored to their appearance during Johnson’s presidency. The tailor shop, where Johnson worked before entering politics, serves as a museum that showcases his life and career.
The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site provides insight into the life and presidency of one of the most controversial figures in American history.
Things To Do At The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
I recommend beginning your visit at the visitors center.
Here you will find the site’s 13 1/2 minute orientation film and the Eastern National bookstore. Adjoining the Visitor Center, the Memorial Building houses the presidential museum, as well as Andrew Johnson’s original 1830’s Tailor Shop.
Andrew Johnson’s Early Home tells the story of the tailor-turned-politician. Andrew and Eliza’s family lived in this house from the 1830’s until 1851, when they moved into the larger Homestead several blocks away.
After visiting the early home you can take a tour of his homestead (1851-75) where Johnson lived for 24 years, both before and after his presidency.
Johnson was only Democrat from a southern state who did not leave the Senate during the Civil War. His home was occupied during the war by soldiers and left in disrepair.
Visitors can also see The National Cemetery where Andrew Johnson and his family are buried at the crest of Monument Hill.
3. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Need a good stretch of the legs? Among the Tennessee National Parks you will be able to explore the longest hiking trail in the world.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, also known as the Appalachian Trail, is a scenic hiking trail that runs along the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
The trail is approximately 2,190 miles long and passes through 14 states in the eastern United States. The idea of a long-distance trail along the Appalachian Mountains was first proposed in 1921 by forester Benton MacKaye.
Over the next several decades, volunteers and organizations worked to build and maintain the trail, and in 1968, the trail was officially designated as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act.
Today, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular long-distance hiking trails in the world, and thousands of people hike all or part of it each year. It is also an important resource for wildlife and plant species, providing critical habitat and corridors for many species that would otherwise be isolated from one another.
The Appalachian Trail is protected and managed by the National Park Service and a network of other federal and state agencies, as well as local trail-maintaining clubs.
4. Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
One of the beautiful Tennessee National Parks encompasses 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. It’s the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This breathtaking site protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries.
The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
Outdoor activities are plentiful and include the following:
- Enjoy A Sunrise Or Sunset: There are overlooks all along the Big South Fork River gorge where you can catch the suns first or last rays of the day.
- Take A Hike: You can choose from any number of hikes ranging from a lazy stroll along the river to a multi-day hike through the backcountry.
- Go Horseback Riding: Big South Fork has miles of horse trails, stabling facilities at Bandy Creek Stables and even two equestrian campgrounds at Station Camp in Tenn. and Bear Creek in Ky.
- See The Wildflowers: In the spring time you can find spectacular displays of wildflowers and native plants along many trails in the park.
- Biking, Climbing Or Whitewater Rafting: Try whitewater rafting the Big South Fork River, mountain biking through the backcountry or rock climbing on the miles of cliff lines throughout the park. (Source: NPS)
More Tennessee National Parks
5. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
If you’re a history buff then you’ll discover that the Tennessee National Parks are a great place to have a blast with the past. One of my favorite sites is the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.
The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is a National Park located in the state of Georgia and Tennessee, which commemorates the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga of the American Civil War. The park was established in 1890 and is the oldest and largest military park in the United States.
The Battle of Chickamauga was fought on September 19-20, 1863, and resulted in a Confederate victory. The Battle of Chattanooga was fought on November 23-25, 1863, and resulted in a Union victory.
These battles were crucial in the Civil War as they helped secure Union control of Tennessee and opened the door for a deep thrust into the Confederate heartland.
Created To Preserve The History & Honor The Memory Of Those Who Fought There
The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park was created to preserve the history and memory of these important battles and to honor the soldiers who fought in them.
The park includes over 9,000 acres of preserved battlefield land, as well as monuments, markers, and interpretive exhibits. Visitors can tour the battlefields, visit the museum, and hike the trails to gain a better understanding of the history of the Civil War and the role these battles played in shaping the nation.
Today, the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park continues to be an important place for remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Civil War, and it remains a popular destination for history enthusiasts, tourists, and educational groups.
RELATED: Top 10 BEST Civil War Sites in America
And If You’re A History Buff Like Me . . .
If you love history as much as I do and you’re particularly interested in how this conflict impacted the men who fought in it then I heartily recommend Six Armies in Tennessee: The Chickamauga and Chattanooga Campaigns by Steven E. Woodworth.
Woodworth is a gifted writer who uses primary sources skillfully to take his readers into the hearts and minds of the everyday soldiers.
6. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
If you prefer the beauty of nature to battlefields than the Tennessee National Parks will not disappoint you. One of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been to is the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Cumberland Gap, a natural break in the mountain range that was used as a major transportation route for centuries.
The park was established in 1940 and covers over 20,000 acres of land.
The Cumberland Gap has a rich history dating back to the Native American civilizations that used it as a transportation route and hunting ground.
During the late 1700s and early 1800s, the gap was a major transportation route for pioneers, settlers, and traders traveling westward. In the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces used the gap as a strategic point, leading to several battles in the area.
The Park Is A Popular Destination For Nature Enthusiasts & History Buffs Alike
Today, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and tourists.
The park offers scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains, hiking trails, camping, and picnic areas. Visitors can also tour historic sites and museums, including the Hensley Settlement, a preserved pioneer community, and the Pinnacle Overlook, which provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and to learn about the rich history of the region, making it an important part of American cultural and natural heritage.
7. Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Fort Donelson National Battlefield is located in Tennessee and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Battle of Fort Donelson, which took place in February 1862 during the American Civil War. The fort was named after Confederate General Daniel S. Donelson and was one of the first major Union victories in the war.
The Battle of Fort Donelson was a decisive Union victory that resulted in the capture of over 12,000 Confederate soldiers and helped to secure Union control of Tennessee. The battle also marked the first time in American history that a Confederate fortress was taken by storm, and it set the stage for future Union advances in the western theater of the war.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield was established in 1928 to commemorate the Battle of Fort Donelson and to preserve the history of the Civil War in the western theater.
The park covers over 1,200 acres and includes monuments, markers, and interpretive exhibits that tell the story of the battle and the soldiers who fought there. Visitors can tour the battlefield, visit the museum, and hike the trails to gain a better understanding of the history of the Civil War and the role that Fort Donelson played in shaping the nation.
Today, Fort Donelson National Battlefield remains an important place for remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Civil War, and it continues to be a popular destination for history enthusiasts, tourists, and educational groups.
RELATED: Top 10 BEST Civil War Sites in America
Things To See & Do At Fort Donelson
Located along the beautiful banks of the Cumberland River, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a wonderful place to visit.
You can drive the actual battlefield grounds. First, however, I would recommend a trip to the visitor center.
There’s a great park film that helps you understand the battle and why Fort Donelson was so important for the Union forces.
A 6-Mile Trail With 11 Stops
The park has a 6-mile trail with 11 stops.
It’s a self-guided driving tour that takes you through battlefield sites, the spot where Union soldiers camped for the night before the surrender, and into the small town of Dover.
There you can see the historic Dover Hotel. It’s the site where Ulysses S. Grant accepted the Confederate surrender of the Fort from his old friend Simon B. Buckner.
While you’re there, you may also want to visit the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. The names of the soldiers interred in the Fort Donelson National Cemetery have been compiled from original cemetery records.
8. Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Where can you go from the Great Smoky Mountains to the dawn of the nuclear age? Why Tennessee National Parks of course!
It’s there that the United States began developing the deadliest weapon known to humankind.
The Manhattan Project was the code name for the American-led effort to develop a functional atomic weapon during World War II.
The development of the atomic bomb brought together some of the world’s leading scientific minds, as well as the U.S. military. Most of the work was done at Los Alamos, New Mexico.
On July 16, 1945, the team of scientists led by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, in a remote desert location near Alamogordo, New Mexico, successfully detonated first atomic bomb.
This detonation created an enormous mushroom cloud some 40,000 feet high ushering in the Atomic Age. The explosive force was estimated to be equivalent to an 8.0 earthquake.
As a retired history teacher and a lifelong history buff, I can tell you that the best book to read if you’re interested in the story behind the Manhattan Project is The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes.
His Pulitzer Prize–winning book details the science, the people, and the sociopolitical realities that led to the development of the atomic bomb.
Let’s Not Forget About Oak Ridge, Tennessee
The rolling hills and narrow valleys of East Tennessee proved to be the ideal location for the top-secret atomic weapons program developed here beginning in 1942.
Oak Ridge, TN was instrumental in the United States win over Nazi Germany during World War Two because of the development of the atomic bomb.
Known as the “Secret City”, Oak Ridge was not on any maps and 100,000 workers were brought to the city to work on a Top Secret war project, known as the Manhattan Project.
This city became home to several massive Manhattan Project facilities employing thousands of workers during and after World War II and was the headquarters for the project after relocating from New York City.
These facilities in Oak Ridge operated with one goal in mind—enriching uranium for use in the world’s first atomic bomb. (Source: NPS)
Now when it comes to things to do, there’s nothing top secret about that. Oak Ridge is home to four museums and you can visit them all on your next visit to the Secret City.
Be sure to visit the American Museum of Science and Energy, the K-25 History Museum, The Oak Ridge History Museum, and the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum.
9. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic roadway that stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The parkway was created to commemorate the historic Natchez Trace, a Native American trail that was used for centuries as a trade and migration route.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the trail became a popular travel route for European American settlers, merchants, and military personnel.
After the establishment of the federal highway system in the early 20th century, much of the Natchez Trace fell into disuse.
In the 1930s, the idea of preserving the trail as a scenic parkway was proposed, and the Natchez Trace Parkway was officially established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1938.
Today, the parkway is a popular destination for tourists and provides a glimpse into the history and natural beauty of the American South.
RELATED: Top 10 BEST USA Road Trips of a Lifetime
More Tennessee National Parks
10. Natchez Trace Scenic National Trail
The Natchez Trace Scenic National Trail is a recreational trail that follows the general route of the historic Natchez Trace, a Native American trail that was used for centuries as a trade and migration route. The trail was designated as the Natchez Trace Scenic National Trail in 1983 by the U.S. Congress and is managed by the National Park Service.
The trail provides recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, and biking, as well as a chance to learn about the natural and cultural history of the region.
It passes through three states, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, and offers scenic views of rolling hills, forests, and wildlife.
The Natchez Trace Scenic National Trail is a unique resource that helps to preserve the history and beauty of the Natchez Trace for future generations to enjoy.
Best Places To Visit
Imagine what it was like to journey on the Old Trace. The pioneers endured bad food, bugs, disease, heat, swollen rivers, and dangerous swamps.
You don’t have to imagine if you follow the Sunken Trace.
The good news is that it only will take you five minutes, instead of the endless days these folks endured, to walk this trail.
Let your imagination carry you back to the early 1800s and be thankful you weren’t there to share in these privations.
11. Obed Wild & Scenic River
One of the lesser known yet stunning places to see among the Tennessee National Parks is the Obed Wild & Scenic River.
The Obed Wild & Scenic River was designated as a Wild & Scenic River by the U.S. Congress in 1976 and is managed by the National Park Service. The Obed River is renowned for its scenic beauty, geological features, and diverse recreational opportunities.
The history of the Obed River dates back thousands of years, to when Native American tribes used the river as a source of food and water. During the early 19th century, the area around the Obed River was settled by European American farmers and miners. The discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of several small towns and the development of a thriving mining industry.
In the mid-20th century, concerns about the environmental impact of mining on the Obed River led to calls for its protection. In 1976, the Obed River was designated as a Wild & Scenic River, which protected it from further development and ensured that its natural and cultural resources would be preserved for future generations.
Today, the Obed Wild & Scenic River is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
The river is also home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, as well as important cultural and historical resources, making it a unique and valuable natural resource.
Still More Tennessee National Parks
12. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is a 330-mile trail that follows the route taken by Patriot militia during the American Revolutionary War.
The trail runs from Virginia through Tennessee and North Carolina, and marks the journey of the Overmountain Men, a group of militia from the Appalachian region, who marched to the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina in 1780. This battle was a pivotal moment in the war, as it marked the first major American victory against British forces in the southern colonies.
The idea of preserving the Overmountain Victory route as a historic trail was first proposed in the 1970s, and in 1980, the trail was officially established as a unit of the National Park Service. The trail is unique in that it follows a largely rural route through some of the most remote and rugged areas of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Today, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is a popular destination for history buffs, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is marked with signs, markers, and interpretive panels, and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and horseback riding. It is a valuable resource that helps to preserve the rich history of the American Revolution and the Overmountain Men, and provides a glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America
13. Shiloh National Military Park
Shiloh National Military Park is a protected area in southwestern Tennessee that was established to commemorate the Battle of Shiloh, which was fought on April 6-7, 1862 during the American Civil War. The battle was one of the first major engagements in the Western Theater of the war and resulted in over 23,000 casualties.
After the war, the site of the Battle of Shiloh was purchased by the federal government and was established as a national military park in 1894. Over the next several decades, the park was developed and expanded, with monuments, markers, and other interpretive features being added to commemorate the soldiers and events of the battle.
Today, Shiloh National Military Park is a popular destination for history buffs, tourists, and school groups. The park covers over 2,500 acres and includes interpretive trails, monuments, and historic structures, as well as a museum and visitor center.
It is a valuable resource that helps to preserve the history and memory of the American Civil War and the Battle of Shiloh, and provides a unique glimpse into one of the most important events in American history.
Things To Do At Shiloh
Shiloh National Military Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:
- Touring the battlefield: Visitors can take self-guided tours of the battlefield, which includes over 1,300 monuments, markers, and interpretive signs that help to tell the story of the Battle of Shiloh.
- Hiking: There are several hiking trails throughout the park, offering visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the region and learn about the history of the battle.
- Visiting the museum and visitor center: The museum at Shiloh National Military Park houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and other items related to the Battle of Shiloh and the American Civil War. The visitor center also provides information about the park and its history.
- Participating in ranger-led programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided walks, campfire talks, and battlefield tours.
- Camping: Shiloh National Military Park has a campground for visitors who wish to stay overnight.
- Fishing: The park has two fishing lakes, where visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, and other species.
RELATED: 22 EPIC Pennsylvania National Parks Worth Visiting
Read About The Battle Of Shiloh
When it comes to the Battle of Shiloh, however, I’m going to recommend three books:
- Shiloh and the Western Campaign of 1862, by O. Edward Cunningham
- Shiloh, Bloody Shiloh by Wiley Sword
- Shiloh: The Battle That Changed the Civil War by Larry J. Daniel.
14. Stones River National Battlefield
Stones River National Battlefield is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and was the site of the Battle of Stones River, which took place from December 31, 1862 to January 2, 1863, during the American Civil War. The battle was fought between Union and Confederate forces, with the Union ultimately prevailing.
The battlefield was established as a national park on March 26, 1927, to commemorate the battle and the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought there.
It remains an important symbol of American history and is preserved for future generations to learn about the Civil War and its impact on the country.
Things To Do At Stones River
The landscapes of Stones River National Battlefield offer visitors an array of historic and natural features to experience bicycling, hiking and walking.
If you are a history buff then two places I recommend visiting are Fortress Rosencrans and the Stones River National Cemetery.
If you are a film buff then you should know that outdoor filming activities [outside of areas managed as wilderness] involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras, is permitted.
15. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail
Among the Tennessee National Parks is a place which commemorates a darker yet important chapter in American history. It’s the Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail.
As a former history teacher, I believe no study of American history is complete without an understanding of the Trail of Tears.
This history lesson begins in 1830. Don’t worry there’s no homework assignment. It was in that year that Congress passed the Indian Removal Act.
This infamous piece of legislation forced various Native American tribes to relinquish their lands in exchange for federal territory.
Most of the major tribes – the Choctaws, Muscogee Creeks, Seminoles, and Chickasaws – agreed to be relocated to Indian Territory (in present-day Oklahoma).
The Trail Of Tears
As the National Park Service reports, “U.S. Army troops, along with various state militia, moved into the tribe’s homelands and forcibly evicted more than 16,000 Cherokee Indian people from their homelands in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia.”
The impact of the resulting Cherokee “
Trail of Tears” was devastating.
More than a thousand Cherokee – particularly the old, the young, and the infirm – died during their trip west, hundreds more deserted from the detachments, and an unknown number – perhaps several thousand – perished from the consequences of the forced migration.
The tragic relocation was completed by the end of March 1839, and resettlement of tribal members in Oklahoma began soon afterward.” (Source: National Park Service)
If you want to learn more about this tragic chapter in American history then I recommend: Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation by John Ehle.
“I could not but think that some fearful retribution would come upon us. The scene seemed to me like a distempered dream, or something worthy of the dark ages rather than a present reality.”
-Lieutenant John W. Phelps, who assisted with the removal
The Trail Of Tears Today
This incredible trail stretches 5,043 miles across nine states.
You can follow the trail on foot, by vehicle, over water, by bicycle or by horse. Along the way, you will see sacred sites which tell the story of death and suffering as well as survival.
Map Of Tennessee National Parks
List Of Tennessee National Parks
- Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- Natchez Trace Scenic National Trail
- Obed Wild & Scenic River
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Shiloh National Military Park
- Stones River National Battlefield
- Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail
About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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Maryland National Parks: 27 EPIC Maryland National Parks Worth Visiting (Helpful Guide + Photos)
Maine National Parks: An Epic Guide to Maine’s National Parks
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested joining the adventure, sign up below!
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