State Naturalist

One of the most popular ways to experience Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee State Natural Areas is to spend time with State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath. Throughout the year, Randy can be found leading waterfall tours, wildflower hikes, nature walks and scenic excursions at a variety of state parks and natural areas. Check your schedule and make plans to meet up at a Tennessee State Park soon. To find an event at a state park near you, take a look at our event calendar. Learn more about Tennessee State Park Vacation Packages including the popular waterfall tours. 

Unable to join Randy on his outdoor adventures? You can learn more about Randy and our natural resources through reading his blog.

State Naturalist Blog


If you would like to have Randy present an interpretive program or lead an interpretive walk or hike for your group, please email him at Randy.Hedgepath@tn.gov or call 615-418-5787. 

State Naturalist, Randy Hedgepath has more than 30 years of experience with Tennessee State Parks. Randy has served as a Ranger Naturalist at South Cumberland and Radnor Lake State Parks. He was appointed State Naturalist for Tennessee State Parks in 2007. A graduate of UT-Martin and former National Park Service Interpretive Specialist, Randy is one of the most sought after interpretive specialists in the southeastern United States.

Do you have a question about parks or nature in Tennessee?

Ask Randy by email, Randy.Hedgepath@tn.gov