Our Parks in July

7/5/2021

I hope everyone had a fun and safe July Fourth!

This month started with a bang (pun intended), and the Tennessee State Parks have plenty of events planned to keep the fun going. If you’re in a competitive mood, check out the challenges the parks are planning this month.

This month, try:

• 7/7 - Burgess Falls State Park

- $5

- Big Summer Birding Competition

- Until September 22, visitors can compete to identify the most birds in the park.

The winner will receive a prize.

- Read the details and instructions to get your species check card here.

• 7/9 - Panther Creek State Park

- Free; park will provide compasses.

- Learn about compass basics and orienteering on a compass course.

- Children ages 8-14 can participate, but an adult should assist them.

• 7/14 - Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

- $3

- Learn how to build a fire.

• 7/16 - 18 - Reelfoot Lake State Park

- Osprey Fest

- $10 to enter the photo and art contest

- $20 per person for two-hour boat tours to see ospreys

• 7/17 - Rocky Fork State Park

- Free; bring your own banjo

- Discuss the history of string music and learn basic banjo techniques

• 7/18 - Norris Dam State Park

- Free; donations are appreciated.

- 1930s vintage-style baseball game between Norris Dam and Pickett State Park

• 7/24 - Fort Loudoun State Historic Park

- $5

- Learn about the medical caregivers who worked at Fort Loudoun in the 1700s,

and learn about the state of medicine during that time while viewing examples of

that time period’s medical tools.

• 7/30 - Cove Lake State Park

- $20

- Kayak fishing tournament

- This is a catch, photograph, release tournament, and only Spotted Bass,

Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Black Bass count towards your score.

- Read the competition and registration details here.

• 7/31 - Standing Stone State Park

- Free

- 4-hour edible wild plant workshop with lectures and hikes

Maybe I’ll see you out there!