Tennessee State Parks

Calling all Tennessee nature photographers! 📸

America's State Parks annual photo contest is still accepting submissions, and we want Tennessee State Parks to shine! Help represent our beautiful state by entering your best photos taken at Tennessee State Parks for a chance to win prizes, including REI gift cards and a $10,000 grand prize.e a shot at winning great prizes, including REI gift cards and a $10,000 grand prize.

Here’s what to know:
— Photos must have been taken after May 15, 2024.
— You can submit up to 40 photos.
— Entries are due July 15, 2026.

Enter now: tnstateparks.info/AmericaStateParksPhotoContest

Photo by John Guider at Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area

Summer signs it’s your time to fly. ☀️🐦

We’re pairing the zodiac signs of summer with birds you can spot at Tennessee State Parks. The rest of the zodiac signs will get their turn as the seasons change. Practice patience. It’s good for birdwatching.

♋ Cancer - Eastern Bluebird

The friend who always offers to host might have some competition! Cancers and Eastern Bluebirds are both nurturing, protective, and serious about creating a safe, secure home. As secondary cavity nesters, Eastern Bluebirds rely on existing tree cavities or nest boxes to give their young a secure place to grow.

♌ Leo - Summer Tanager

For the friend who loves the spotlight, there’s a bird flying in to steal center stage. Leos and Summer Tanagers are both vibrant, independent, and confident about what they bring to the nest. Not content to wait around, Summer Tanagers catch bees and wasps mid-flight. Before eating them, they’ll rub the insects against bark to remove the stingers.

♍ Virgo - Carolina Wren

The friend who already organized your backpack before you got the chance. Virgos and Carolina Wrens are both meticulous, intelligent, and resourceful, ready for whatever comes their way. Carolina Wrens are secondary cavity nesters and will build a nest in almost anything from boots and canoes to coffee cans.

Now it’s time to grab a pair of binoculars, hit a Tennessee state park, and find your bird bestie.

Shop Bird Nerd merch for your next birding adventure: tnstateparks.info/BirdNerdMerch

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

As America celebrates 250 years, we’re proud to care for places where Tennessee’s story and our nation’s story meet.

Across Tennessee State Parks, visitors can explore stories of Indigenous people, frontier life, westward expansion, sacrifice, conservation, and the Volunteer spirit that helped shape America. These places are open year-round for everyone to experience, with no entrance fee.

Now through Labor Day weekend, attend a park program and receive a special Tennessee State Parks America 250 stamp in your park passport. Stamp availability may vary by park, so we recommend checking with the park before your visit if collecting the stamp is part of your plans.

Find a program near you: tnstateparks.com/happenings

Here’s to the places that help us remember where we’ve been, appreciate where we are, and imagine what’s possible in the next 250 years.