Featured image: Blueway at Billy Dunlop Park by Jon Duncan
When the weather’s just right (and let’s be honest, in Tennessee, that’s most of the time…if you can stand the humidity), Clarksville calls. Whether you’re the type to lace up your hiking boots, paddle your way downstream, or wander along a waterway paired with a good podcast, this city has something to get your heart rate up and your nature-loving soul happy.
From a cave with centuries-old history to a winding waterway with a lovely riverwalk, here’s how to experience all of Clarksville’s great outdoors.
Planning a trip to Clarksville? Here’s everywhere you should eat, stay, and play.
Dunbar Cave
Dunbar Cave State Park makes you feel small in the best possible way. But the 144-acre park with an eight-mile-long cave isn’t just a pretty backdrop… this place has stories. Thousands of years ago (dating back to the 14th century), Mississippian Native Americans used the cave as a sacred space, leaving behind intricate drawings and carvings that are still visible today.
You can take a guided cave tour (May through September, weather permitting), stroll along three miles of wooded trails, or post up at a picnic table and pretend you’ve got all the time in the world. It’s part hike, part history, and fully worth the trip. And, it’s naturally climate-controlled, offering a delightful respite during Tennessee’s hottest days.
Winding Rivers
Clarksville is a two-river town, and the locals know how to make the most of every drop. The Cumberland River may be a commercial waterway (peep plenty of barges), but that doesn’t stop weekend warriors from launching their own kayaks and canoes from Liberty Park or McGregor Park. If you’re more into laid-back floats or are in town for a visit, head over to the Red River, where two outfitters (Float Ya Boat and Red River Canoe Rental) offer tubes and kayaks without the need for checked bags.
Pro tip: Stop into the “As the River Flows” museum at the RiverCenter to soak in some history before heading out. It’ll give you a deeper appreciation for how much this river has shaped the city—from its earliest settlements to today’s riverside rooftops and walking trails.
Liberty Park
Clarksville doesn’t skimp on green space. Liberty Park is basically the city’s backyard—complete with a marina, amphitheater, a massive community-built playground, and three miles of paved riverfront trails. You’ll also find nods to hometown heroes here, including memorials for Wilma Rudolph and Pat Summitt. Whether you’re walking your pup, catching a sunset, or launching a boat, it’s a prime place to spend a Saturday.
Clarksville Greenway
Once a railroad line, the fully paved, nine-mile Clarksville Greenway path winds through some of the city’s most scenic pockets—think bluff views, shady tree tunnels, wildflower fields, flowing creeks, and a 600-foot pedestrian bridge, which is a photo op all its own. Lace up your running shoes, grab your pup (leash required!), or hop on a bike to take it all in—access points are available at Heritage Park, Pollard Road, and Mary’s Oak Drive.
Rotary Park
Rotary Park is your one-stop adventure center, complete with five miles of trails, creeks, an ADA-accessible playground, a sand volleyball court, and even an 18-hole disc golf course. Mountain bikers love the dirt trails (some shared with hikers, some exclusive), and families come for the wide open spaces and shady picnic spots. In 2020, the Wade Bourne Nature Center opened its doors, showcasing the area’s natural history through hands-on activities and displays. So, this is a worthy spot for rainy day adventuring, too.
Cumberland Riverwalk
The Cumberland Riverwalk stretches about four miles, hugging the edge of downtown and connecting to the Upland Trail through a pedestrian overpass. There are plenty of benches and lookout points, so go ahead and grab a coffee downtown, take a stroll, and let your worries trickle downstream. Pro tip: This walk is especially magical around golden hour.
Feeling hungry after all that adventuring? Read a local food writer’s guide to Clarksville dining.
This article is presented in partnership with Visit Clarksville, a Modern South founding partner.
