National Parks in Tennessee
15 NPS units in Tennessee — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to 15 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 1 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Tennessee's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Tennessee.
National Parks in Tennessee
Other NPS Units in Tennessee
Andrew Johnson
National Historic Site
Andrew Johnson's complex presidency (1865-69) illustrates the Constitution at work following the…
Appalachian
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses…
Big South Fork
National River & Recreation Area
Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River…
Chickamauga & Chattanooga
National Military Park
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga -…
Cumberland Gap
National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow…
Fort Donelson
National Battlefield
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote…
Manhattan Project
National Historical Park
The Manhattan Project is one of the most transformative events of the…
Natchez Trace
National Scenic Trail
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail…
Natchez Trace
Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive…
Obed
Wild & Scenic River
The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as…
Overmountain Victory
National Historic Trail
Stretching 330-miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the…
Shiloh
National Military Park
Visit the sites of the most epic struggle in the Western Theater…
Stones River
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862…
Trail Of Tears
National Historic Trail
Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from…
Planning Your Tennessee National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Tennessee's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 15+ NPS units in Tennessee and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Tennessee?
Tennessee has 1 designated national parks and 15 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Tennessee?
The best park depends on your interests. Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Tennessee?
Most NPS units in Tennessee charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.