Tennessee State Parks offers engaging, relevant, and interactive educational experiences. Discover more about learning with a Ranger--in a park or in your classroom!

After Tennessee statehood in 1796, Port Royal was one of the earliest towns established in middle Tennessee. Port Royal quickly became regionally important due to the establishment of a tobacco inspection point, and a flatboat yard. Throughout its history, it served an essential role in the development of Tennessee’s commerce and politics. 

Our historical ‘Townsite Tour’, gives visitors an opportunity to learn about Port Royal’s role in Tennessee history. These tours occur every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm year-round and last 1 hour. There is a $10 cost associated with the tour.

Port Royal State Historic Park offers an immersive interpretive program over the Trail of Tears for school groups ages 8 - 12. The program lasts two hours and involves 3 independent activities discussing the Trail of Tears, Indian Removal, and Cherokee history. For more information and booking options, please contact us at (931) 645-0622 or email bobby.cooley@tn.gov

Hopson Spring Branch Trail (0.2 Miles, Natural Surface, Easy)

The Hopson Spring Branch trail begins at the Historic Main Street in downtown Port Royal and follows along the Sulphur Fork Creek and the Hopson Spring Branch. This trail is located in a river bottom and will flood during heavy rain.

River Bottom Trail (0.5 Miles, Natural Surface, Easy)

The River Bottom Trail extends from the preserved section of the Trail of Tears and winds through the natural forested area of the park and alongside the Red River. This trail is located in a river bottom and will flood during heavy rain.