Tennessee State Park Calendar of Events

Good Day Everyone,

Here is the new listing of fall activities that the Tennessee State Parks will be hosting in October.
Come out to play and support our local and state parks!!!

Calendar of Events for October

Natchez Trace September 15 - November 15 Fall Color Pontoon Trips
Pontoon rides are held on Pin Oak Lake where visitors can enjoy a meal at Pin Oak Lodge then head out on the lake to enjoy the fall colors. (This program has a required sign up a week in advance.) Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-8176.

Natchez Trace October Shriner’s Trail Ride
This is an annual trail ride hosted by the Shrinners. It will be held at the Wrangler Campground. The event will include a bar-b-que meal, auction and hayride for the family. Contact (731) 968-3742.

Natchez Trace October Run like a Deer Trail Run
This is an annual event, which is sponsored by the Friends of Natchez Trace State Park. There will be a 5k and 10k run which will begin at the Park Store and end at Cub Lake Swim Area. For more information on this event contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Sycamore Shoals October Guest Naturalist Tour & Lecture Series
Throughout the year, area naturalists will be joining us at varied times to share in their areas of expertise. Guided tours, hikes, talks, and field trips will explore the park and other areas of natural interest. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals Last Sunday of the month, October Sunday Jams at the Carter Mansion
Our open pickin’ and sharin’ session is open to musicians of all levels, dancers, listeners, and toe tappers! Join us for this home-style gathering. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals Month of October Mysterious Candlelight Tours of the Carter Mansion
Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Carter mansion after dark? A house that is over 200 years old is bound to have some mysterious stories. At select times during the month of October, you will have the rare opportunity to visit the oldest frame house in Tennessee and explore the mysterious side of this historic place. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals October - December Traditional Arts Workshops
Join us for these great workshops that offer a unique opportunity to learn traditional and primitive art forms from expert instructors! Pre-registration will be required in addition to an instructor and materials fee. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Big Ridge October Fridays and Saturdays Ghost House Hikes
Join us for a "haunting" experience as we hike Big Ridge State Park’s Ghost House Trail. Along the way we will take a stop at the Norton Cemetery and listen to some spine-tingling stories about the ghosts of Big Ridge. Please bring a flashlight and meet at the grist mill parking lot. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No children under 6 years of age. The hikes are free, but reservations are required. Limit 30 people per hike. Contact Sarah Nicley at 865-992-5523.

Natchez Trace October 1 - November 15 Fall Color Canoe Trips
Canoe trips are held on Browns Lake where visitors often enjoy seeing Great Blue Herons, Fall colors and beautiful sunsets. If you are interested in a Fall Color Canoe Trip contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742. Sycamore Shoals October 2-5 14th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show Thursday - Saturday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm This four-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display. For more information, visit http://www.sycamoreshoals.org/ or call (423) 543-5808.

Bledsoe Creek October 4 Dulcimer Workshop & Jam Session
Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park will host a dulcimer workshop and jam session. Bring your dulcimer and questions. Many clubs will be present. There will be an open stage and an evening jam session. Vendor space available. 11 am - 6 pm. For more information contact Sharon Armistead skarmistead@yahoo.com or (615) 347-3639.

Sycamore Shoals October 4 & 5 Fort Watauga Knap-In
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Help us celebrate Tennessee Archaeology Week at Fort Watauga with demonstrations of how pre-historic man made stone tools and weapons. Displays of replicated primitive artifacts and demonstrations with primitive weapons such as bow and arrow and atlatl fill the days. Come and make your own projectile points! For more information, visit http://www.sycamoreshoals.org/ or call (423) 543-5808.

Fort Loudoun October 4 & 5 Garrison Weekend
Visitors can interact with living historians as they demonstrate a variety of tasks common to a frontier English fortification such as cooking, laundering, blacksmithing, musket & artillery demonstrations, medical, daily life in the enlisted soldier’s barracks, an 18th century Cherokee camp, and much more. Jeff.Wells@state.tn.us or (423) 884-6217.

Sycamore Shoals October 4 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall October 10 & 11 Tennessee's History Festival
Tennessee Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will host it's 5th annual Tennessee History Festival featuring 200 years of living history. Hernando DeSoto, Native American, Frontiersmen, Civil War and World War ll will be a part of this years festival. Mock battles of the Civil War and WWll time periods will be featured at 12:00 noon each day. Event will take place from 10:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. each day. For more information contact Michael.C.Cole@state.tn.us or 615-741-5280.

Natchez Trace October 10 Family Astronomy Day
This is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy the crisp autumn air and clear skies in Tennessee. Bring your family or group out for a night of viewing the stars. Equipment will be provided. For more information contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Port Royal October 11 Trail of Tears Commemorative Day
Come and learn about the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their homeland. Exhibits about the Trail of Tears and Port Royal, interpretive tours, 1830's domestic skills and medicine living history will be featured and at 10:00 am there will be re-creation of the Cherokees march through the town of Port Royal followed by a ceremony. David.Britton@state.tn.us or (931)-358-9696.


Chickasaw October 11 & 12 Craft Fair
Chickasaw's annual craft fair features hand crafted items from several vendors through out West Tennessee and beyond. The fair runs from 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. Ronald.Elder@state.tn.us or (731) 989-5141.

Standing Stone October 11 Annual Car Show
Come and enjoy antique cars/trucks and hot rods. The event is a fun filled day of music and food. Some 300 vehicles will be showed and judged. Show your own or just come and observe Contact: Patrick Randall, Patrick.Randall@state.tn.us or (931) 823-6347.

Sycamore Shoals October 11 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Tims Ford October 11 Shade Tree Pickin’ Festival
If you play an instrument or just enjoy listening to great music Tims Ford State Park is the place to be every other Saturday night. Please bring your instruments and join in. The music nights are held at the Recreation Building at Tims Ford State Park. 10 am - 10 pm. For more information sharon.reagan@state.tn.us or (931) 962-1183.

Natchez Trace October 17 Fall Color Pontoon Trips & Photography Day
This is the perfect time of the year to get out the camera and work on your photography. Visitors will not only have a chance to work on photography but we will also end the day with a Sunset Pontoon Ride. Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Fall Creek Falls October 18 & 19 Fall Colors Weekend
Join us on bicycle tours, guided hikes, and slideshows focusing on the autumn splendor of Fall Creek Falls. (423) 881-5708.

Fort Pillow October 18 Fall Festival
Join park staff for a day of programs and events including a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and a hayride. Greg.S.Taylor@state.tn.us or Robby.Tidwell@state.tn.us or (731) 738-5581.

Norris Dam October 18-30 Fall Color Cruises
Join us as we venture along beautiful Norris Lake in the park's pontoon boat and view nature's artistry of fall colors. Park Rangers will narrate your trip with tree and wildlife identification and park history. Must call the park office to sign up, after Labor Day (865-426-7461). There will be four trips per day departing from Norris Dam Marina and each trip lasts for approximately 1 hour. Trips limited to 10 people and organized groups taken through the week only. Trips will be canceled if inclement weather prevails. Trips cost $6.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under six. For more information email mike.scott@state.tn.us or call (865-426-7461).

Sycamore Shoals October 18 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Natchez Trace October 24 Backpacking Red Leaves Trail
This is an overnight backpacking trip on our newly renovated Red Leaves Hiking Trail. Hikers will head out into the forest and end at a picturesque view of the campsite on the banks of Maple Lake. This program is for both beginners and the experienced backpacker. (You must be over the age of 18 for this program.) For more information contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Fall Creek Falls October 25 Wild Foods Day
Field trips identifying edible wild plants and workshops on preparing wild meats and breads are just part of the activities. The real treat comes in enjoying the wild feast. (423) 881-5708.

Sycamore Shoals October 25 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am.For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals October 25 Mountain River Concert:
The Jonesborough Novelty Band Our continuing series of performances highlight the talents of
traditional musicians from our region. Join us at 7:00pm in the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center on the last Saturday of every month except July, September, November, and December. Admissions Charge. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Tims Ford October 25 Saturday Night Pickins
If you play an instrument or just enjoy listening to great music Tims Ford State Park is the place to be every other Saturday night. Please bring your instruments and join in. The music nights are held at the Recreation Building at Tims Ford State Park. 5 - 10 pm. For more information sharon.reagan@state.tn.us or (931) 962-1183.

Sycamore Shoals October 30 Scary Stories at the Carter Mansion 7:30 pm
Strange things happen around the time of All Hallows Eve, especially in a graveyard. Join us for tales of woe and terror, the weird and macabre, with a touch of wit thrown in for good measure. Don’t be afraid, the graveyard at the Carter Mansion isn’t haunted, we don’t think! For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Davy Crockett October 31 Trick or Treat in the Haunted Forest Birthplace
Come out and bring the kids to trick or treat through our woods. There will be a lighted trail to lead the way so you don’t get lost, ghost and ghouls will hand out treats along the trail. Dress appropriately for cold weather and bring a flashlight. For more information please contact Dawn.Coleman@state.tn.us or call (423) 257-2167.

Natchez Trace October 31 Fall Festival on the Park
Spend the night of the 31st on the park enjoying hay rides, campfire programs and wildlife. Contact Pin Oak Lodge for rooming information. (Sign up is required in advance for this program) Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742. Visit your state parks this fall. Enjoy Our Good Nature!
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To find the location of a park or a state natural area, check our Web
page at www.tnstateparks.com
For a free Tennessee State Park brochure call 1-888-867-2757.
Specific park brochures can be downloaded from our Web site.



-Bentley - VentureTree Team