Tennessee's National Parks

Tennessee is filled with beautiful destinations. Many destinations are preserved within National Parks. Visitors to Tennessee have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of destinations, including historic sites, including many Civil War sites,  natural features and much more. Here are some of the amazing natural parks visitors can find in Tennessee.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

This National Historic Site is a great destination for visitors to learn about the 17th President, Andrew Johnson. Visitors can learn all about the influence that President Andrew Johnson had on the country. This park has many attractions for visitors to explore. Travelers can go to the Early Home, where visitors can learn about the early life of Andrew Johnson. The park also contains the Homestead, which Johnson owned before and after his presidency, where visitors can see many family memorabilia and more. Visitors can also stop at the Cemetery, where visitors can learn see where Andrew Johnson and his family are buried, and is an active cemetery for veterans.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Fort Donelson is the site of a famous Union victory, which was followed by more surrenders and started the Union on a path to victory. Visitors can tour this historic battlefield to learn about this important site in US history. There is a visitor center, which has an introductory film and information about the park. Later visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park and more.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their stunning diversity. As visitors enjoy the over 800 miles of trails they can also check out the wide array of flora and fauna. The park is home to many bears, and you may catch a glimpse of one of these bears while hiking. During the spring and summer the mountains host a beautiful range of wildflowers, well worth the visit to the park. The hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains ranges from short day hikes to challenging backcountry backpacking. For non-hikers there are also biking, fishing, camping and more options.

Obed Wild and Scenic River

This national park is a fantastic destination to enjoy some amazing Tennessee outdoor recreation. Located on the Cumberland Plateau, this river and park travel through some of the region's beautiful land. Visitors can enjoy the park while whitewater rafting, or rock climbing, hiking on some of the amazing trails, as well as fishing and more. Throughout the year the park is filled with beautiful sites for visitors to enjoy , from the vibrant fall colors to the beauty of winter.

Shiloh National Military Park

Visitors to Shiloh National Military Park will learn about the events that occurred at this site in April of 1862. Shiloh was the site of an intense battle which led to over 23,000 deaths, casualties and missing. After the Union victory at Shiloh, General Grant went on to capture Corinth, which was the site of a very important rail line. The Union capture of the Mississippi Valley eventually led to General Grant's victory at Vicksburg. Shiloh National Military Park commemorates the lives lost at this battleground, and the importance of the events that took place here. Visitors can learn about these events at the Shiloh Battlefield Visitor Center and at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center.

Stones River National Battlefield

The Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of an immensely bloody Civil War battle fought in Tennessee. The battle occurred at the very end of 1862 and ended with almost 24,000 casualties between the two armies. Visitors to this park will learn about the importance of this battle, and more. The park is home of one of the oldest Civil War monuments in the country, the Hazen Brigade Monument. Visitors can explore the park, enjoy interpretive programs and take advantage of the wide range of recreational opportunities within the park.

Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area

This park gives visitors to Tennessee the opportunity to learn about the Civil War within the state. There are many stories of battles, freedom and lots of information about Reconstruction after the war. Visitors to this National Heritage Area can enjoy education, as well as a tour of the area and even some reenactments.