Tennessee State Parks

10/21/2026

We’re not waiting for Punxsutawney Phil this year.

According to an old folk tradition, a persimmon seed predicts a “spoonful of snow” this winter. ❄️

It’s time for our annual Persimmon Seed forecast! According to an old East Tennessee tradition, the shapes of the embryos (“baby trees”) inside of persimmon seeds are said to forecast the coming winter.
If they’re shaped like spoons, it means the winter will “spoon” a lot of snow on us. If they’re shaped like knives, it means the winter winds will be cold & “cutting” (cold and dry). If the embryos are shaped like forks or plates, it means that winter will be so mild that you’ll be able to take your fork and plate outdoors for a picnic.
Ranger Marty collected some early-ripened persimmons today for your “viewing pleasure.” What do you see in these seeds?

Do you know any other East Tennessee nature-signs traditions? Please share them in the comments!

How accurate is the persimmon forecast? How accurate are any of our East Tennessee weather traditions? Early peoples in our Tennessee hills lived closer to the natural world, and had to pay closer attention to nature’s cycles. We’ll have to wait until winter’s over to judge the accuracy of this seed-forecast, but we can enjoy both the traditions and the sweet fruits right now!

(PS - photo of plate full of persimmons and seeds by Ranger Marty)

10/21/2026

📍 Ghost House Trail, Big Ridge State Park
Trail Info 👻
- 1.25 Miles
- Easy, Loop
- The trail can be hiked any time of year, and seasonally in October, guided hikes are held on Friday nights if you want to visit the cemetery and ghost house by lantern light and hear some of the folklore stories!

This trail takes you by the Norton Cemetery and remnants of the infamous “ghost house” of this former community. When the oldest daughter of the Hutcheson family passed away from tuberculosis, a series of untimely deaths and unexplainable paranormal events followed the Hutcheson family and those associated with them.

Just a few instances include hearing thumps and moans coming from within the houses, hearing a “phantom wagon” pass by outside even though there was no one there, catching sight of family members after they had long passed away, and hearing crying from the cemetery.

Even to this day, people have claimed to hear or see strange things when hiking this trail.

This trail is perfect for spooky season and full of Appalachian folklore passed down by word of mouth by the family members of those who witnessed the haunts and haints.

Send this to someone you’d hike a spooky trail with.

Video by on Instagram

10/15/2026

I hope you like jump scares! 👀

Did you know that there are over 6,000 species in the Jumping Spider or Salticidae family? Since they are active during the daytime, it is likely you have seen them before. Often found in open areas like our gardens and yards, the Phidippus audax, commonly known as the Bold Jumping Spider, is the most commonly seen jumping spider in Tennessee.

With their small bodies, iridescent fangs, and striking eyes 👁️👁️ you might find yourself getting spooked by their appearance. But keep in mind they are more likely to jump away from you than to attack you.

As opposed to webs, one of the ways these spiders use their silk is for transportation. They extend their spinnerets in the wind to guide their silk to a destination for it to latch on to. This creates the perfect line for the spider to jump on to, and almost zip-line across.

Their name comes from their tendency to jump when traveling, escaping, and as a hunting technique. As though they are in stealth mode, jumping spiders stalk their prey before suddenly pouncing and landing accurately on their victims. Just for them to poison them and suck out a “prey milkshake”. 🥤

But don’t be alarmed, these spiders aren't a threat for pets and humans. They are more likely to retreat and their bite is similar to a mosquito.

The more you learn about them, the more fascinating and less spooky they become. Jump into The Tennessee Conservationist article and learn more about these misunderstood creatures at tnstateparks.info/ReadJumpingSpiders.

10/13/2026

Fall signs, it’s your time to fly. 🐦 🍂

We’re pairing fall’s zodiac signs with birds you can spot at Tennessee State Parks.

Every zodiac sign will get their turn… winter, we’re looking at you. Practice patience. It’s good for birdwatching.

♎ Libra - Barred Owl
The friend who never takes sides and is always the peacemaker. And the one who looks majestic from every angle. Libras and Barred Owls are both diplomatic, peacemakers, and protective. Barred Owls set up their breeding territory in mid-September and are one of the few birds that mate for life.

♏ Scorpio - Red-breasted Nuthatch
For the friend who knows their boundaries and isn’t influenced easily. Scorpios and Red-breasted Nuthatches are both passionate, protect their personal space, and aren’t easily caught off guard. Red-breasted Nuthatches are serious about home security. They avoid intruders by covering the entrance hole of their tree cavity with sticky tree resin. They avoid trapping themselves by nose-diving straight into the hole.

♐ Sagittarius - Bald Eagle
The friend who will go out to dinner by themselves and enjoy it. Bald Eagles and Sagittariuses are both independent, adrenaline seekers and future-oriented. Bald Eagles are solitary creatures, but know how to impress when they’re dating a potential mate. They perform a “cartwheel display,” flying extremely high, locking talons, and free-falling until the last second.

Now grab a pair of binoculars, head to a Tennessee state park, and find your bird bestie.

Shop our Bird Nerd merch for your next birding adventure: https://tnstateparks.info/BirdNerdMerch

10/07/2026

When the leaves fall, stay at this state park 👇

Mousetail Landing State Park spans over 1,000 acres, featuring old-growth hardwoods along the Tennessee River, making it a prime spot to see vibrant fall colors.

Enjoy crisp weather as you paddle along the river or park yourself in the middle of fall foliage by hiking on trails that pass by springs, historic cemeteries, and scenic overlooks

The best part? You can explore the park’s natural and historic side by staying overnight at the backcountry campsite.

The land that later became Mousetail Landing State Park first started as a major shipping point for goods along the Tennessee River in the 1800s. A general store, post office, warehouse, and homesteads popped up along the popular spot, and you may see foundational stones and remnants of these structures along the way to the campsite!

With so much history and nature to explore, the park’s camping options also include a main campground for RVs and tents and a waterfront primitive campground for tents.

Tip: Enjoy a beautiful evening at Sunset Point in the Spring Creek Campground, where you’ll find colorful sunsets.

Discover more about Mousetail Landing State Park: tnstateparks.info/Mousetail-Landing-Fall-Trip

10/06/2026

Looking for Things to BOO this spooky season?

We summoned the creepies, crawlies, and things that go bump in the night so you can have a frighteningly fun October at Tennessee State Parks.

Share with a friend… if you dare! 👻

For details and even more fang-tastic events, visit: https://tnstateparks.com/happenings/fall

And if you’re *really* afraid of missing out on what’s happening in our parks, subscribe to The Tennessee Conservationist at tnconservationist.org!

10/02/2026

Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and c***r by the campfire can only mean one thing…

It’s fall camping season at Tennessee State Parks.

If you’re a beginner camper, these three parks offer the perfect campgrounds for you:

1.) Tims Ford State Park
2.) Bledsoe Creek State Park
3.) T.O. Fuller State Park

From full hookups to heated bathhouses and playgrounds for kids, these three parks have a spot waiting for you.

Find out more by reading our blog, 5 Beginner Camping Destinations: tnstateparks.info/Beginner-Camping

10/02/2026

Celebrate Halloween with the creatures that truly own the night. 🦇

From bats and moths that pollinate under the cover of darkness to owls silently hunting in the twilight zone, these species work the graveyard shift to help keep Tennessee's ecosystems healthy. Wear your appreciation all season long by shopping at tnstateparks.info/ShopHalloween26.

All designs are hand-drawn by Friendly Arctic Printing & Design in Nashville, TN.

10/01/2026

Welcome to Tennessee's 68th State Park.

While it's not quite ready for visitors, Dry Branch State Park represents one of Tennessee's most significant conservation success stories. Located in Lewis, Hickman, and Perry counties, Dry Branch protects 2,169 acres of the Western Highland Rim and some of Tennessee's rarest natural resources, including the federally endangered Tennessee yellow-eyed grass, a species found in only a handful of locations worldwide and protected by TDEC's Tennessee Division of Natural Areas.

Follow along as this remarkable landscape takes shape. We'll share updates here and on our website as we move closer to welcoming visitors.