Middle Fork Bottoms State Park

10/17/2026

HAYRIDES INCREASED CAPCITY TO 10 SEATS

Seats are still open for our hayrides this fall! We have an upgraded new trailer and some beautiful sunsets on the agenda. Come and join us!

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/middle-fork-bottoms

10/03/2026

Back by popular demand, come bundle up and see the park from a different angle! Registration is required for attendance.

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/middle-fork-bottoms

10/02/2026

🐀 Aw rats! What a way to start the spooky month!

In this video, Tennessee State Park Park Ranger Jacob demonstrates a common wildlife behavior called freezing. This behavior, modeled by a Hispid Cotton Rat, involves a startled animal remaining totally still to try and avoid being noticed.

Jacob's advice, as with almost any other wildlife encounter, is to leave it alone! You can briefly snap a picture to remember the moment, but remember that the animal is in distress, and it is waiting for you to leave.

This is a great option if you encounter snakes on the trail here at Middle Fork Bottoms. Typically, they are just waiting for you to leave so that they can finish crossing the trail. They don't want to be out in the open either!

09/17/2026

Restrooms are open! If you’ve been putting off visiting the park, now is a great time! Pictures are in the comments! Middle Fork Bottoms State Park

09/13/2026

Check out this cool find from Ranger Jacob!

More info:
https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/reptiles/lizards/eastern-fence-lizard.html

09/01/2026

Middle Fork Bottoms was featured in the September/October 2026 issue of the The Tennessee Conservationist magazine!

The article, written by Park Ranger Jacob Newby, is about the Bell's Vireo that have been spotted in Middle Fork Bottoms for the last 3 summers, and can be read at the link below:

Go beyond the parks. Subscribe to The Tennessee Conservationist Magazine for stunning photography and stories about our state's natural wonders.

08/30/2026

We always love to see the videos Bob Ingalls Photography shares from the park! 💚

08/24/2026

Send off the summer with some time outdoors at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park! We have some great Labor Day programs lined up.

Don't forget, these programs are the last opportunity to get the TN State Parks passport stamp!

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/middle-fork-bottoms

08/23/2026

It has been a great weekend of education and work at Middle Fork Bottoms!

Last night, a family got to learn about all sorts of bugs that live in the park, and a pair of sisters got to cast a spinner reel for the first time!

This morning, a volunteer helped removed a TON of unwanted plants from the flowerbed. Is looking nice and clean!

While working, we got to see a number of cool insects making use of the space, including a monarch butterfly which stopped for a quick drink along its journey!

These sorts of programs are some of the most important work that happens in Tennessee State Parks, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of activists, conservationists, and future park rangers.

Be on the lookout for more programs coming up, including our Labor Day schedule which will be uploaded later today!

🌳

08/16/2026

Come learn about the park and have fun doing it!

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/middle-fork-bottoms