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: Cave Hike, Port Royal History Walk, Morning Hike, Port Royal Firefly Watch, Butterfly Creation and Bird Walk.
Wednesday, July 1st
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
Due to the presence of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in our cave, clean caving protocols are in effect. Each person must bring two pairs of shoes- boots or shoes with good traction as the cave floor is very muddy and slippery, and any type of footwear to change into so that the WNS fungus is not carried out on your shoes.
The park will provide bags and you will be given instructions on how to clean the shoes so that we do not spread WNS to other areas. The hike is not handicap accessible and not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Every person on a cave hike must sign a release of liability waiver, and must bring a working flashlight.
Cost: $10.00 ages 13 +, $5.00 ages 5 – 12 (for safety reasons, no children under age 5 are allowed on a cave hike).
To go on a cave hike, you must have a reservation. Reservation can be made only during office hours (8:00am – 4:30pm Monday-Friday), and can be made by phone or in person. Hike is limited to 20 persons.
Port Royal History Walk
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: All ages
Learn about why Port Royal was important to our history on this easy walk around the grounds. Meet at Visitor Center parking lot at Port Royal State Historic Area.
Reservations by: 4:30pm, June 30th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Thursday, July 2nd
Morning Hike
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All Ages
Dodge the afternoon heat while still getting some exercise in with a morning hike. We’ll hike the one-mile short trail and discuss the animals and plants we see along the way.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 1st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Wednesday, July 1st for details on cave hikes.
Thursday, July 2nd
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: All Ages
If you’ve ever taken the time to enjoy our butterfly garden, please take time to help us look after it. We’ll be pulling weeds, so come prepared with work gloves and water. Many of you know the pains of weeding a garden and we’d appreciate any time you could donate to us.
In the process you’ll get to learn a few things about our native plants in the area and what we have available in our garden. Don’t feel obligated to stay the full hour, even 10 minutes will be a great help.
Reservations Requested by: 4:30pm, July 1st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Port Royal Firefly Watch
Time: 8:30pm – 9:15pm
Ages: All Ages
You’ve seen these little lanterns everywhere: in your yard, on the roadside, at Dunbar Cave. But have you ever seen hundreds lighting up the night like Christmas lights? You will if you join us at Port Royal tonight. Learn about these mysterious creatures and see them away from the lights of the city. Meet at the River Bottom parking lot. Wear bug spray, lawn chairs optional.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 1st.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Friday, July 3rd
Morning Hike
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Ages: All Ages
Exercising is always easier in a group. Enjoy the changing scenery you’ll never get on a treadmill and hike the 2 mile Recovery Trail with us. We’ll stop periodically to point out our native plants and animals.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Wednesday, July 1st for details on cave hikes.
Butterfly Creation
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 5-15
As a follow-up program to our June caterpillar and cocoon creation, we’ll be creating the butterflies which emerge from them and watching a few short videos about our more interesting pollinators.
Even if you were unable to join us for the caterpillar and cocoon activities, feel free to come and make one of our native butterflies to take home.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Bird Walk
Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Ages: Adults
Bring your binoculars and we’ll stroll around the grounds and look for the birds of summer.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Saturday, July 4th
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 one-mile hike we’ll point out the unusual sights our park has to offer.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Cave Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
See Wednesday, July 1st for details on cave hikes.
Cave Critter Meet and Greet
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5-Adult
Missing out on our cave hikes and the creatures we see? Or did your tour lack a cave critter or two? See some of our cave guests and cave lovers up close and personal, and learn a little about how they live their lives.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Fire(Fly) Works Hike
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All ages
Join us on a 1-mile walk through the woods to see these little lanterns of the night put on a show.
Reservations by: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Sunday, July 5th
Volunteer Opportunity
Time: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 12-Adult
Our new property has a healthy batch of kudzu and privet! If you’re looking for a way to help your state park, grab some work gloves and we’ll give you the chance to take the week’s frustrations out on an invasive species (looks great on resumes). Bring water and wear bug spray.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, July 3rd.
Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
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.
