Activities to Experience During December at Tennessee State Parks
December 1, 2022 | Permalink
With the long winter days ahead of us, it’s nice to have something to look forward to. Check out the list below of fun things to do in Tennessee State Parks and start planning your next adventure!
Get in the holiday spirit with a cute winter craft
There are so many fun and cute craft classes held across the state during December! These are fun activities for all ages, make sure to register early!
- Make a Park Ranger Nutcracker – Bicentennial Mall State Park
- Create a Bottle Bird Feeder – Mousetail Landing State Park
- Make a Tree Cookie Ornament – Henry Horton State Park
- Make a Wood Slice Ornament – Red Clay State Historic Park
- Make a Basket – Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
- Create a Cedar Incense Cone – Bledsoe Creek State Park
- Make an Appalachian Braided Wreath – Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
Learn something new at an educational event
December offers some great opportunities to learn things about the parks and nature that you can’t see year-round. With a lot of foliage gone, it gives way to seeing unique features and creatures!
- Explore Mace Bluff – Harpeth River State Park
- Tour the York Home – Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park
- Primitive Fire Making Course – Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
- Learn to identify skulls – Tims Ford State Park
- Winter Tree Identification – Seven Islands State Birding Park
Photo by ©Aerial Innovations
Go for a long-distance trail run
Montgomery Bell State Park will host the 8th Annual Bell Ringer Trail Run on Saturday, December 10th. This course has 50k, 25k, and 15k distance options. The Bell Ringer gives area ultrarunners a close-to-home venue for a trail ultra and will showcase the tremendous natural resources of the Tennessee State Park system for visitors.
Photo by ©Tennessee Photographs from Rock Island State Park
Rent a cabin
For a cozy fall getaway with family or friends, rent a rustic cabin in the woods or mountains. Unplug, relax and spend some quality time in nature before heading inside to warm up by the fireplace.
Volunteer at your local state park
Celebrate the season of giving by giving back to our state parks and natural areas! We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, so there is something for everyone.
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Photo by ©Mark Taylor
Go for a guided nighttime hike
There are several opportunities throughout the month to see parks like never before – at night!
- Friday Night Moonlit Hike – Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Winter Solstice Hike – Long Hunter State Park
- Sunset Hike – Henry Horton State Park
- Astronomy of the Solstice – David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Attend a Christmas or Holiday Festival
Many Tennessee State Parks offer community events during the Christmas & Holiday season. These events- focused on crafts, cultural traditions, living history, food and more - are great ways to get kids outdoors during winter break.
Photo from Frozen Head State Park
End 2022 with a hike
What better way to reflect on the year than out in quiet, serene nature? Partake in one of these guided hikes, or go on a hike with your friends or family at your favorite park!
- Sunset Cider and Cocoa Hike – Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Moderate, Day-long Hike – Rocky Fork State Park
Plan Ahead for 2023 – First Day Hikes
Start the New Year off immersed in nature! Bring your family and friends and make a #resolutiontohike and connect with the outdoors at Tennessee State Parks.
From Reelfoot Lake to Fall Creek Falls to Warriors’ Path and every state park in between, our First Day Hikes are designed for all ages and abilities and are offered at all times of day. Start a New Year tradition with your family today. Tennessee State Parks’ First Hikes are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.