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Activities

Dunbar Cave State Park is located 60 minutes northwest of Nashville and about one and a half miles northeast of downtown Clarksville in Montgomery County. Dunbar Cave is the most prominent of several caves located in this designated natural area. In the roomy mouth of the cave, square dances, radio shows, and big band era concerts were once held.

Events and Programs

EVENTS

Cave Tours
Tennessee State Parks has suspend cave tours at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area after a bat from Dunbar Cave tested positive for White Nose Syndrome. Dunbar Cave is closed indefinitely in an effort to take every necessary precaution to isolate the fungus as much as possible in order to protect bat populations at other nearby hibernacula, recognizing that bat-to-bat transmission is still possible.

Other park activities and events, including fishing, hiking and picnic facilities will remain open and available to the public.

Sleepy Hollow Bonfire and Night Walk - Oct. 28
Join us from 6-9 p.m. CT for an evening of theater and storytelling. Guided walks led by Ichabod Crane will depart from the visitor's center every 20 minutes. See the Legend of the Headless Horseman come to life at the beautiful outdoor theater. A bonfire, music, hot chocolate and cider will warm the night air. Admission is $5 per person. Complete details.

Saturday, October 29 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Children's Theatre Presentation - Actors in animal costumes present a short play about the Natural Area. Free, all ages, at the cave entrance. (2:00 presentation is a repeat of the earlier performance.) Complete details.

PROGRAMS

Friends of Dunbar Cave meet every third Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center.

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Fishing

Angling is a popular activity on beautiful Swan Lake. The lake is fed by the cold, clear stream that flows from the mouth of Dunbar Cave. Since it is only 15-acres in size, boating and swimming are not permitted. A valid TN Fishing License is required.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Hiking Trails

There are three trails on the natural area that range from a leisurely walk to a fairly strenuous hike. All trails begin and end at the visitors' center.

Lake Trail: 0.67 mile (easy, partially paved)
Short Loop: 1.1 miles (moderate)
Recovery Trail: 1.9 miles (moderate)

Natural Area

This 110-acre natural area in Montgomery County is honeycombed by caves and sinkholes, the most prominent being Dunbar Cave. This 8.1 mile cave has historical, natural, archaeological and geological significance. Excavations revealed that this cave has been occupied by man for thousands of years, drawn by its constant stream flow and natural air conditioning.

For more information, visit the Natural Areas web site.

Picnic Facilities

The park has seven picnic tables located just behind the visitors' center on a hill overlooking scenic Swan Lake.

Picnic area is not wheelchair accessible.

Visitors Center

Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome, but

McGregor Park Riverwalk
640 N. Riverside Drive
Clarksville, Tn ( Map & Directions )

Park Rules

Park Hours: Dawn Until Midnight
No Skates, Boards, Bikes or
Motorized Objects In Play Area
All Pets Must Be Leashed
No Alcoholic Beverages or Profanity Allowed
No Smoking in Playground Areas

Facility Descriptions

1 Mile Walking Trail
Picnic Areas
ADA Accessible Playground
Restrooms
Boat Ramp to Cumberland River
As the River Flows Museum depicting Clarksville's river history.
15.0 Acres

Grills in the Park Policy

1. They cannot have a grill within 50' of a children's play area. (Kids Safety)

2.They cannot have a grill under a pavilion. (Fire Safety)

3. They cannot have a grill within a sports complex (Inside the fields/fenced areas) and the parking lots of sports complex's. (Protection of Concessionaire's contracts)

Find Out More about the McGregor Park Courtesy Boat Dock.

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