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Things to do › Dog-Friendly State Parks
Which Tennessee state parks and attractions allow dogs, using the rule each one publishes on its own page, including the places inside a park where dogs are not allowed.
65 of the 65 state parks in our data follow the statewide rule the parks page prints: leashed dogs are allowed, but not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas. Attractions set their own rules; 3 of 23 allow dogs in some form.
65Parks, Statewide Rule
3Attractions Allowing Dogs
6Attractions: No Pets
14Not Confirmed
State park facts come from our state park dataset (last checked Oct 30, 2026), read on each park’s own tnstateparks.com page. Plans and rules change, so check the organizer or park page before you drive.
State Parks: The Statewide Rule
Source: each park page on tnstateparks.com. The rule is the same at the parks listed here; the table links to each park page for its own exceptions.
Memphis & West Tennessee (13) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| Big Cypress Tree Park Official page | Greenfield, Weakley County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Big Hill Pond State Park Official page | Pocahontas, Hardeman County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Chickasaw State Park Official page | Henderson, Chester County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Fort Pillow State Historic Park Official page | Henning, Lauderdale County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Official page | Millington, Shelby County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Middle Fork Bottoms Official page | Humboldt, Gibson County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Natchez Trace State Park Official page | Wildersville, Henderson County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Official page | Eva, Benton County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Paris Landing State Park Official page | Buchanan, Henry County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Pickwick Landing State Park Official page | Counce, Hardin County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park Official page | Pinson, Madison County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Reelfoot Lake State Park Official page | Tiptonville, Lake County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| T.O. Fuller State Park Official page | Memphis, Shelby County · Memphis & West Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Upper Cumberland & Plateau (13) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| Burgess Falls State Park Official page | Baxter, Putnam County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park Official page | McMinnville, Warren County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park Official page | Byrdstown, Pickett County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cumberland Mountain State Park Official page | Crossville, Cumberland County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cummins Falls State Park Official page | Cookeville, Jackson County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Edgar Evins State Park Official page | Silver Point, DeKalb County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Fall Creek Falls State Park Official page | Spencer, Van Buren County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Official page | Jamestown, Fentress County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Rock Island State Park Official page | Rock Island, Warren County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Savage Gulf State Natural Area Official page | Beersheba Springs, Grundy County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Scotts Gulf Wilderness Official page | Sparta, Van Buren County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park Official page | Pall Mall, Fentress County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Standing Stone State Park Official page | Hilham, Overton County · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Nashville Area (10) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Capitol Mall Official page | Nashville, Davidson County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Bledsoe Creek State Park Official page | Gallatin, Sumner County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cedars of Lebanon State Park Official page | Lebanon, Wilson County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Dunbar Cave State Park Official page | Clarksville, Montgomery County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Harpeth River State Park Official page | Kingston Springs, Cheatham County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Johnsonville State Historic Park Official page | New Johnsonville, Humphreys County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Long Hunter State Park Official page | Hermitage, Davidson County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Montgomery Bell State Park Official page | Burns, Dickson County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Port Royal State Historic Park Official page | Adams, Robertson County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Radnor Lake State Natural Area Official page | Nashville, Davidson County · Nashville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Chattanooga & Southeast (10) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| Booker T. Washington State Park Official page | Chattanooga, Hamilton County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park Official page | Birchwood, Meigs County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Fiery Gizzard State Park Official page | Monteagle, Marion County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Fort Loudoun State Historic Park Official page | Vonore, Monroe County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Harrison Bay State Park Official page | Harrison, Hamilton County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Hiwassee River State Park Official page | Delano, Polk County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail Official page | Pikeville, Bledsoe County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Official page | Soddy Daisy, Hamilton County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Ocoee River State Park Official page | Delano, Polk County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Red Clay State Historic Park Official page | Cleveland, Bradley County · Chattanooga & Southeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Knoxville Area (7) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| Big Ridge State Park Official page | Maynardville, Union County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Cove Lake State Park Official page | Caryville, Campbell County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Frozen Head State Park Official page | Wartburg, Morgan County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Indian Mountain State Park Official page | Jellico, Campbell County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Norris Dam State Park Official page | Rocky Top, Anderson County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Panther Creek State Park Official page | Morristown, Hamblen County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Seven Islands State Birding Park Official page | Kodak, Knox County · Knoxville Area | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Southern Middle Tennessee (7) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| David Crockett State Park Official page | Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Devil's Backbone State Park Official page | Hohenwald, Lewis County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Head of the Crow State Park Official page | Sewanee, Franklin County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Henry Horton State Park Official page | Chapel Hill, Marshall County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Mousetail Landing State Park Official page | Linden, Perry County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park Official page | Manchester, Coffee County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Tims Ford State Park Official page | Winchester, Franklin County · Southern Middle Tennessee | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Tri-Cities & Northeast (5) Events in This Region
| Park | Where | Pet Rule, as the Park Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| David Crockett Birthplace State Park Official page | Limestone, Greene County · Tri-Cities & Northeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork Official page | Flag Pond, Unicoi County · Tri-Cities & Northeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Roan Mountain State Park Official page | Roan Mountain, Carter County · Tri-Cities & Northeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Official page | Elizabethton, Carter County · Tri-Cities & Northeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
| Warriors' Path State Park Official page | Kingsport, Sullivan County · Tri-Cities & Northeast | Leashed dogs allowed; not in lodges, cabins, eating places or swim areas (statewide policy) |
Attractions and Their Dog Rules
| Place | Where | Dog Rule, as the Place Publishes It |
|---|---|---|
| American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) Official page | Oak Ridge, Anderson County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Cades Cove Official page | Townsend, Blount County | Park pets page: leashed pets (6 ft max) welcome in campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads; only the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail allow pets; never in the backcountry; never left in a vehicle. The page does not mention the Cades Cove loop specifically. Service animals allowed anywhere visitors can go. |
| Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Official page | Nashville, Davidson County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Cumberland Caverns Official page | McMinnville, Warren County | Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on tours. Trained service animals allowed on walking tours, not on adventure tours or overnight packages. |
| Graceland Official page | Memphis, Shelby County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Grand Ole Opry House Official page | Nashville, Davidson County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Official page | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Pets are not allowed unless they are registered service animals. |
| Museum of Appalachia Official page | Clinton, Anderson County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Nashville Zoo Official page | Nashville, Davidson County | Pets not allowed on zoo grounds, including the parking lot and inside parked cars. Trained service dogs permitted (restricted from Lorikeet Landing, Kangaroo Kickabout, Critter Encounters and The Aviary). |
| National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel Official page | Memphis, Shelby County | Animals are not allowed in the museum except service animals. |
| Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Adventure Park Official page | Gatlinburg, Sevier County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Point Park, Lookout Mountain (Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park) Official page | Lookout Mountain, Hamilton County | Pets welcome in the park, leashed at all times; owners must dispose of waste. Only service animals allowed in the visitor centers. |
| Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Official page | Gatlinburg, Sevier County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Ruby Falls Official page | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Shiloh National Military Park Official page | Shiloh, Hardin County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Stax Museum of American Soul Music Official page | Memphis, Shelby County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Sun Studio Official page | Memphis, Shelby County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Tennessee Aquarium Official page | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Pets are not allowed inside. Service animals (dogs and miniature horses trained for tasks) are welcome; do not take them into the Butterfly Garden if they could pose a risk to the free-roaming birds and reptiles. |
| Tennessee State Museum Official page | Nashville, Davidson County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| The Hermitage: Home of President Andrew Jackson Official page | Hermitage, Davidson County | Leashed dogs allowed on the historic grounds (bring waste bags); not allowed inside any building including the Mansion and Andrew Jackson Center; only trained service dogs may enter buildings. |
| The Lost Sea Adventure Official page | Sweetwater, Monroe County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Titanic Museum Attraction (Pigeon Forge) Official page | Pigeon Forge, Sevier County | Not confirmed: the official page we read does not publish a rule. |
| Zoo Knoxville Official page | Knoxville, Knox County | Pets not allowed; service animals permitted. |
Events That Mention Dogs
Listed only where the organizer’s own page or our notes say dogs or pets are welcome.
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Hiwassee Loop (fall scenic ride) | Oct 24-Nov 22 | Delano · Chattanooga & Southeast | Fall coach: ages 13+ $65, ages 2-12 $50; Crown class ages 13+ $90, ages 2-12 $75 |
| UTC Mocs Football vs Mercer (Homecoming and Fan Appreciation Day) | Sat, Nov 7 (1:00 PM) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Cookeville History Museum Christmas Forest Exhibit (30+ decorated trees) | Nov 26-Jan 2, 2027: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Tuesday-Saturday (page: any time the museum is open) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Thanksgiving at Fall Creek Falls (buffet at The Lodge) | Thu, Nov 26 (11:00 AM-6:00 PM) | Spencer · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| After Thanksgiving Day Hike (Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park) | Fri, Nov 27 (1:00 PM-2:30 PM) | Manchester · Southern Middle Tennessee | $0.00 (donation tiers $5-$20 listed) |
| Day After Thanksgiving Hike (Fort Pillow State Historic Park) | Fri, Nov 27 (10:00 AM-1:00 PM) | Henning · Memphis & West Tennessee | $0.00 (donation tiers $10-$20 listed) |
| Coffee, Cascades, and Ancient Mounds (Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park) | Sun, Nov 29 (9:00 AM-10:30 AM) | Manchester · Southern Middle Tennessee | $3.00 attendee (donation tiers $8-$23 listed) |
| Holiday Cookeville Community Band Concert (Cookeville Performing Arts Center) | Sun, Nov 29: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM (page text: 3pm) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | Free |
| Three Dog Night at the Tennessee Theatre | Fri, Dec 4 (8:00 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Cookeville Depot Christmas Open House | Sat, Dec 5 (10:00 AM-3:00 PM) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Doggone Christmas | Sat, Dec 5 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Dogwood Park Christmas Tree Lighting and Light Show | Sun, Dec 6 (6:00 PM-7:30 PM) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Christmas Day Hike (Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park) | Fri, Dec 25 (1:00 PM-2:30 PM) | Manchester · Southern Middle Tennessee | $0.00 (donation tiers $5-$20 listed) |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Wiener Dog Races night vs Pee Dee | Sat, Jan 9 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
Keep Planning
- Regional event hubs: Upper Cumberland & Plateau, Southern Middle Tennessee, Chattanooga & Southeast, Knoxville Area, Memphis & West Tennessee, Tri-Cities & Northeast
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs go on every trail?
Not always. A park can allow leashed dogs while barring them from lodges, cabins, eating places and swim areas, and some trails or tours have their own rules. The park page, linked from each row, is the authority.
Do attractions allow dogs?
Most do not, except service animals; a few outdoor sites allow leashed dogs. The attractions table quotes each one, and a place whose page does not say is marked not confirmed.
What if a park is marked not confirmed?
It means the page we read did not publish a dog rule. Call the park or read its page before bringing a dog; we would rather say so than guess.
Sources
- Park facts (entry, pet rule) were read on each park’s own tnstateparks.com page; attraction facts on each attraction’s own site. All rows are in the places directory and its dataset.
- Each event was read on the organizer’s own page, where its date, hours and price are printed; every row is in the Tennessee events dataset with a checked date.
How we check
Cite this page: It's Tennessee, “Dog-Friendly State Parks”, itstennessee.com/things-to-do/dog-friendly-state-parks/ (updated ). By the It's Tennessee editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.