CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – 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 per every three children).

Age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child whom is younger or older than the age limits given.

For reservations: Visit the Dunbar Cave website and navigate to the upcoming events screen to register online or call the office at (931) 648-5526.

Friday, December 9th
2:00 – 3:00 pm History Hike (Port Royal State Historic Park) All Ages
Join us at Port Royal and learn about the town that used to be here and its role as one of the earliest communities in Middle Tennessee. This will be an easy walk around the park. Meet on the front porch of the old Masonic Lodge (brick building). To register for this program visit Port Royal’s website at http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/port-royal and navigate to the upcoming events screen. Or call the office at Dunbar Cave at (931) 648-5526.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 8th. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Saturday, December 10th
9:00 – 11:00 am Volunteer Day (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
There are always volunteer things to do around Dunbar Cave State Park. Meet at the visitor center and help pick up trash on the trails, pull weeds by the signs, paint the trail posts, and more.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 9th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger

Sunday, December 11th
1:00 – 2:30 pm Cocoa at the Cave (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) Children
The holiday season is finally here! Join us in the AV room in your Christmas pajamas for hot chocolate and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” movie. We will also be making natural ornaments out of cinnamon salt dough.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 10th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger

Thursday, December 15th
4:30 – 5:30 pm Night Hike (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
Come explore the park after hours! We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as daylight ends and darkness descends. We may see deer; hear owls, and who knows? Please wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 14th. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Sunday, December 18th
2:00 – 3:00 pm Trail of Tears (Port Royal State Historic Park) All Ages Come out to Port Royal as we learn about the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation along our preserved section of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Meet at the River Bottom Trailhead parking area on the North side of the highway bridge (opposite side of river from canoe access and picnic area). This will be an easy half mile hike. To register for this program visit Port Royal’s website at http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/port-royal and navigate to the upcoming events screen. Or call the office at Dunbar Cave at (931) 648-5526.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 17th. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Wednesday, December 21st
3:00 – 4:30 pm Welcome Winter Walk (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
Join us for a 2 mile hike on our Recovery Trail on this first day of winter. We will discuss how the trail got its name and see what wildlife we can spot. Please wear good walking shoes and bring water.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 20th. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Sunday, January 1st
8:30 – 9:30 am First Day Hike (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
Join us on our first hike of the year! We will walk the 1 mile Short Loop Trail and see if any animals are out and stirring. This is a moderate hike so wear good walking shoes. It is suitable for all ages.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm December 31st. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

10:30 – 11:30 am First Day Hike (Port Royal State Historic Park) All Ages
Join us for our first hike of the year! We will walk around the old town site of Port Royal and learn about its history. This will be an easy 1/4 mile walk that is suitable for the whole family. We will meet on the front steps of the old Masonic Lodge (brick building). To register for this program visit Port Royal’s website at http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/port-royal and navigate to the upcoming events screen. Or call the office at Dunbar Cave at (931) 648-5526.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 PM December 31st. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger