The 54 Park group

Of the hundreds of times I've visted this park this is the first photo I've taken here at the sign. Highlights See the Visitor Center, fort reconstruction, & Tellico Blockhouse View the Cherokee Indian village reconstruction Experience living history programs: Garrison weekends, 18th Century Trade Faire (September), and Christmas at Fort Loudoun Visit the nearby Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
1 Of the hundreds of times I've visted this park this is the first photo I've taken here at the sign.

Highlights
See the Visitor Center, fort reconstruction, & Tellico Blockhouse
View the Cherokee Indian village reconstruction
Experience living history programs: Garrison weekends, 18th
Century Trade Faire (September), and Christmas at Fort Loudoun
Visit the nearby Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
 Red Clay, the second park visited. It was here in 1838, that the Cherokee learned they would be removed from their lands. So began the Trail of Tears.
2 Red Clay, the second park visited. It was here in 1838, that the Cherokee learned they would be removed from their lands. So began the Trail of Tears.
 Harrison Bay, Third Park visited. This is the first designated state park in Tennessee, and the efforts of the CCC can still be admired throughout the park. Located on the banks of the beautiful Chickamauga Lake, its name is derived from a bay in the Tennessee River that covers the town of Harrison. Water also covers three villages once governed by the Cherokee Chief, Joe Vann.
3 Harrison Bay, Third Park visited.
This is the first designated state park in Tennessee, and the efforts of the CCC can still be admired throughout the park. Located
on the banks of the beautiful Chickamauga Lake, its name is derived from a bay in the Tennessee River that covers the town of Harrison. Water also covers three villages once governed by the Cherokee Chief, Joe Vann.
 Booker T Washington, Fourth Park visisted.
4 Booker T Washington, Fourth Park visisted.
 This park resides in the community of Panther Springs, a settlement stretching back in time to 1785. Legend says the name stems from a panther that was once shot and fell in the creek. Today, visitors enjoy the clear waters of Cherokee Lake for boating and swimming.
5 This park resides in the community of Panther Springs, a settlement stretching back in time to 1785. Legend says the name
stems from a panther that was once shot and fell in the creek. Today, visitors enjoy the clear waters of Cherokee Lake for boating and swimming.
This is one of our favorite state parks. It always seems to be peaceful and quiet when we've been here, and rarely crowded. In winter, the summit of Frozen Head Mountain is blanketed by snow even when the valley below is not, hence the name, Frozen Head. The park and natural area contain over 15,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and streams, creating a wilderness hiker’s paradise.
6 This is one of our favorite state parks. It always seems to be peaceful and quiet when we've been here, and rarely crowded.
In winter, the summit of Frozen Head Mountain is blanketed by snow even when the valley below is not, hence the name,
Frozen Head. The park and natural area contain over 15,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and streams, creating a wilderness hiker’s paradise.
 Group shot at -where else - Indian Mountain. On to lunch break in Jellico at El Dorados. The park is unique in that it was once the site of an intensive strip mining operation. Efforts to restore the area for recreational use have paid off, creating a scenic area greatly enjoyed by the local community and the resident wildlife.
7 Group shot at -where else - Indian Mountain. On to lunch break in Jellico at El Dorados.

The park is unique in that it was once the site of an intensive strip mining operation. Efforts to restore the area for recreational
use have paid off, creating a scenic area greatly enjoyed by the local community and the resident wildlife.
 Last time we camped here in about 1976. I rode in a Hare and Hound race at Royal Blue the next day.
8 Last time we camped here in about 1976. I rode in a Hare and Hound race at Royal Blue the next day.
 TVA’s first project created Norris Lake amidst the ridges and valleys of eastern Tennessee. This park offers scenic water recreation activities, as well as opportunities to learn more about Appalachian life through the park’s interpretive facilities.
9 TVA’s first project created Norris Lake amidst the ridges and valleys of eastern Tennessee. This park offers scenic water recreation activities, as well as opportunities to learn more about Appalachian life through the park’s interpretive facilities.
 This was a nice place to stop. We took a break down by the lake and out of the heat in preparation for the last leg of this trip. Highway 61 (heading east in background) proved to be one of the most interesting roads on the trip with several 10 mph switchbacks.
10 This was a nice place to stop. We took a break down by the lake and out of the heat in preparation for the last leg of this trip. Highway 61 (heading east in background) proved to be one of the most interesting roads on the trip with several 10 mph switchbacks.
This park originated as a recreation area for the Cumberland Homesteaders during the New Deal era. Enjoy the rich biodiversity protected here while observing the construction efforts of the CCC, WPA, and the AFSC* using the local Crab Orchard sandstone.
11 This park originated as a recreation area for the Cumberland Homesteaders during the New Deal era. Enjoy the rich biodiversity protected here while observing the construction efforts of the CCC, WPA, and the AFSC* using the local Crab Orchard sandstone.
 Our first time at this park. We plan to swing by here again on the upper plateau ride to visit an area of the park that we missed - the Great Falls
12 Our first time at this park. We plan to swing by here again on the upper plateau ride to visit an area of the park that we missed - the Great Falls
 This is another park where one needs their hiking boots. There are many wooded trails that meander along the Duck river. This park is right in Manchester Tn.
13 This is another park where one needs their hiking boots. There are many wooded trails that meander along the Duck river. This park is right in Manchester Tn.
 The sign at the main entrance didn't have a safe place to pull off for a photo but we were lucky to find this one located at the Inn.
14 The sign at the main entrance didn't have a safe place to pull off for a photo but we were lucky to find this one located at the Inn.
 Roan and a little rain. John Muir described the landscape as a billowing sea of mountains with some of the most beautiful forests he had ever seen. Nearby, Carver’s Gap provides access for exploring grassy balds on the Appalachian Trail and the Rhododendron Gardens
15 Roan and a little rain.
John Muir described the landscape as a billowing sea of mountains with some of the most beautiful forests he had ever seen.
Nearby, Carver’s Gap provides access for exploring grassy balds on the Appalachian Trail and the Rhododendron Gardens
This important historical site was one of the earliest settlements beyond the 13 colonies, and the site of the first majority-rule system of American democratic government in 1772.
16 This important historical site was one of the earliest settlements beyond the 13 colonies, and the site of the first majority-rule system
of American democratic government in 1772.
 Named for the ancient war and trading path between the Iroquois and Cherokee nations, this park offers excellent hiking through lush east Tennessee woodlands with scenic views of Holston Lake. Water recreation, golfing, horseback riding, and biking are also popular
17 Named for the ancient war and trading path between the Iroquois and Cherokee nations, this park offers excellent hiking through lush
east Tennessee woodlands with scenic views of Holston Lake. Water recreation, golfing, horseback riding, and biking are also popular
 Crockett, a legendary frontiersman, statesman, and soldier, was born near the confluence of the Nolichucky River and Limestone Creek. The park provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn more about this internationally known figure
18 Crockett, a legendary frontiersman, statesman, and soldier, was born near the confluence of the Nolichucky River and Limestone Creek. The park provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn more about this internationally known figure
 The park covers a very large area and is split among several areas in the Hiawassee/Ocoee area. This was the closest "official" park sign that we could find. Canoeing, rafting, floating, and fishing are the highlights of these scenic white water rivers. A portion of the Ocoee was the site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Competitions. Highlights Visit the Ocoee Whitewater Center and the old river town of Reliance Hike the nearby Gee Creek Trail in the Gee Creek Wilderness and the Bluff Trail on US Forest Service land Explore a portion of the John Muir Trail that travels through the gorge Hop on the train nearby for scenic tours
19 The park covers a very large area and is split among several areas in the Hiawassee/Ocoee area. This was the closest "official" park sign that we could find.

Canoeing, rafting, floating, and fishing are
the highlights of these scenic white water
rivers. A portion of the Ocoee was the site of
the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Competitions.
Highlights
Visit the Ocoee Whitewater Center and the old river town of
Reliance
Hike the nearby Gee Creek Trail in the Gee Creek Wilderness
and the Bluff Trail on US Forest Service land
Explore a portion of the John Muir Trail that travels through the gorge
Hop on the train nearby for scenic tours
 Pickett - one of the best .
20 Pickett - one of the best .
At Alvin C. York grist mill.
21 At Alvin C. York grist mill.
 At Cordell Hull birthplace.
22 At Cordell Hull birthplace.
 Standing Stone south of Dale Hollow lake
23 Standing Stone south of Dale Hollow lake
 At the entrance to Tennessee's newest state park, Cummins Falls. Even the roads aren't paved yet.
24 At the entrance to Tennessee's newest state park, Cummins Falls. Even the roads aren't paved yet.
 Edgar Evins on Center Hill Lake
25 Edgar Evins on Center Hill Lake
Burgess Falls - off the beaten path but well worth a visit.
26 Burgess Falls - off the beaten path but well worth a visit.
 An offical SP sign for Cumberland Scenic Trail State Park
27 An offical SP sign for Cumberland Scenic Trail State Park
 Situated on the backwaters of Old Hickory Lake, this popular camping destination offers fishing and wildlife viewing in an area with rich historical significance.
28 Situated on the backwaters of Old Hickory Lake, this popular camping destination offers fishing and wildlife viewing in an area with rich historical significance.
 Situated where the Sulphur Fork Creek meets the Red River, Port Royal is the site of one of the earliest colonial communities and trading posts in middle Tennessee. It was once an important road and river junction.
29 Situated where the Sulphur Fork Creek meets the Red River, Port Royal is the site of one of the earliest colonial communities and trading
posts in middle Tennessee. It was once an important road and river junction.
 This State Natural Area is centered around a 9-mile cave. Three hiking trails take visitors through oak-hickory woods and along a lake to the cave entrance. The cave once provided shelter to Native American Indians and was the stage for Big Band and Country Music dances and shows.
30 This State Natural Area is centered around a 9-mile cave. Three hiking trails take visitors through oak-hickory woods and along a lake to the cave entrance. The cave once provided shelter to Native American Indians and was the stage for Big Band and Country Music dances and shows.
We spent the night at the Paris Landing Inn. The breakfast buffet lasted until dinner.
31 We spent the night at the Paris Landing Inn. The breakfast buffet lasted until dinner.
 Severe earthquakes in 1811-1812 created Tennessee’s largest natural lake. The 15,000 acres of open water, wetlands, and submerged forest provide excellent wildlife habitat, and its location on the “Mississippi Flyway” creates endless opportunities to view avian migrations
32 Severe earthquakes in 1811-1812 created Tennessee’s largest natural lake. The 15,000 acres of open water, wetlands, and submerged forest provide excellent wildlife habitat, and its location on the “Mississippi Flyway” creates endless opportunities to view avian migrations
 This natural area was once home to the largest bald cypress tree in the U.S.Though the tree is no longer present, visitors can still enjoy its bottomland hardwood forest habitat.
33 This natural area was once home to the largest bald cypress tree in the U.S.Though the tree is no longer present, visitors can still enjoy its bottomland hardwood forest habitat.
 This park, and the following park at Johnsonville, ended up being a civil war history lesson that lasted most of the day.
34 This park, and the following park at Johnsonville, ended up being a civil war history lesson that lasted most of the day.
 This was the site of an unusual civil war battle. Late in the war it was one of the last Confederate victories. Considered to be the "most sucessful battle that failed"
35 This was the site of an unusual civil war battle. Late in the war it was one of the last Confederate victories. Considered to be the "most sucessful battle that failed"
Perched in the rolling hills of the Western Highland Rim, this park protects oak-hickory woodlands dissected by clear streams. It is home to a number of culturally significant sites and offers over 20 miles of hiking trails.
36 Perched in the rolling hills of the Western Highland Rim, this park protects oak-hickory woodlands dissected by clear streams. It is home to a number of culturally significant sites and offers over 20 miles of hiking trails.
 There are several areas to access the Harpeth. Most of these areas are access points to canoe the river. There are Mississippian indian mounds in the area
37 There are several areas to access the Harpeth. Most of these areas are access points to canoe the river. There are Mississippian indian mounds in the area
 The Capitol Mall in downtown Nashville commemorates Tennessee’s 200thyear. Visitors enjoy impressive views of the Capitol while strolling among monuments depicting the state’s natural and cultural histories.
38 The Capitol Mall in downtown Nashville commemorates Tennessee’s 200thyear. Visitors enjoy impressive views of the Capitol while strolling among monuments depicting the state’s natural and cultural histories.
 Long Hunter covers 2,600 acres along J. Percy Priest Lake. It offers 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, boat rental, and great opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing.
39 Long Hunter covers 2,600 acres along J. Percy Priest Lake. It offers 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, boat rental, and great opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing.
 The Eastern entrance to Cedars of Lebanon.
40 The Eastern entrance to Cedars of Lebanon.
The 10 units of this park combined are the ultimate hiker’s and backpacker’s paradise. Breathtaking scenic beauty awaits with spectacular rock formations, cascading streams, beautiful waterfalls, rocky gorges, panoramic overlooks, and lush hemlock woodlands.
41 The 10 units of this park combined are the ultimate hiker’s and backpacker’s paradise. Breathtaking scenic beauty awaits with spectacular rock formations, cascading streams, beautiful waterfalls, rocky gorges, panoramic overlooks, and lush hemlock woodlands.
 Named for an early river crossing, the park is situated on the 10,700-acre Tims Ford Lake. The picturesque lake created by the TVA is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast
42 Named for an early river crossing, the park is situated on the 10,700-acre Tims Ford Lake. The picturesque lake created by the TVA is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast
 The park is located on the banks of the Duck River, one of the most biologically diverse streams on earth. It is also the longest stretch of free flowing river in the state. The park is on the former estate of the late governor
43 The park is located on the banks of the Duck River, one of the most biologically diverse streams on earth. It is also the longest stretch of free flowing river in the state. The park is on the former estate of the late governor
 This park was dedicated to one of Tennessee’s most famous native sons. Crockett built a gunpowder mill, gristmill, and a distillery here along the bank of Shoal Creek. They washed away in 1821, but the museum, built to resemble a gristmill, aids visitors in gaining a better understanding of his life and times.
44 This park was dedicated to one of Tennessee’s most famous native sons. Crockett built a gunpowder mill, gristmill, and a distillery here along the bank of Shoal Creek. They washed away in 1821, but the museum, built to resemble a gristmill, aids visitors in gaining a better understanding of his life and times.
 The park takes its name from the tale of a great exodus of mice fleeing from a burning tannery in the Civil War period. Situated on the Tennessee River, the park offers beautiful moss-covered trails in the hollows and ridges of the Western Highland Rim.
45 The park takes its name from the tale of a great exodus of mice fleeing from a burning tannery in the Civil War period. Situated on the Tennessee River, the park offers beautiful moss-covered trails in the hollows and ridges of the Western Highland Rim.
Huge park. We rode for miles in the park, all the way up to Interstate 40. A western spur of the early 18th-century “Natchez to Nashville” wilderness road onceran through here. Today, over 48,000 acres of woodlands are protected by state agencies in the area, providing visitors with access to over 50 miles of hiking and 250 miles of riding trails.
46 Huge park. We rode for miles in the park, all the way up to Interstate 40.
A western spur of the early 18th-century “Natchez to Nashville” wilderness road onceran through here. Today, over 48,000 acres of woodlands are protected by state agencies in the area, providing visitors with access to over 50 miles of hiking and 250 miles of riding trails.
 This park contains the largest Native American Middle Woodland Period mound center of North America. At least 15 earthen mounds are located within the park, including Saul’s Mound, the tallest mound in the Southeast.
47 This park contains the largest Native American Middle Woodland Period mound center of North America. At least 15 earthen mounds are located within the park, including Saul’s Mound, the tallest mound in the Southeast.
 Named after the Chickasaw Indian tribe that once claimed western Tennessee as its hunting grounds, this early WPA/CCCconstructed park boasts some of the highest elevations and plant diversity in western Tennessee.
48 Named after the Chickasaw Indian tribe that once claimed western Tennessee as its hunting grounds, this early WPA/CCCconstructed park boasts some of the highest elevations and plant diversity in western Tennessee.
 A very important battle was fought here. While it didn't involve a lot of deaths it did create a lot of controversy and led to changes in the treatment of prisoners of war. Steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River made this area a strategic location during the Civil War. The Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here, but it was under Union control for most of the war. Nathan Bedford Forrest recaptured the fort in 1864.
49 A very important battle was fought here. While it didn't involve a lot of deaths it did create a lot of controversy and led to changes in the treatment of prisoners of war.
Steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River made this area a strategic location during the Civil War. The Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here, but it was under Union control for most of the war. Nathan Bedford Forrest recaptured the fort in 1864.
 Located just north of Memphis, this park of bluffs, hardwood forests, and swamps is named for Edward Meeman, a dedicated conservationist who worked to establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A boulder in the park from the Smokies commemorates his efforts on both sides of the state.
50 Located just north of Memphis, this park of bluffs, hardwood forests, and swamps is named for Edward Meeman, a dedicated conservationist who worked to establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A boulder in the park from the Smokies commemorates his efforts on both sides of the state.
Just about as far as you can get west in Tennessee. This park was the first state park east of the Mississippi River open to African Americans and only the second in the nation. It is named in honor of Memphis clergyman and educator, Dr. Thomas O. Fuller.
51 Just about as far as you can get west in Tennessee.
This park was the first state park east of the Mississippi River open to African Americans and only the second in the nation. It is named in honor of Memphis clergyman and educator, Dr. Thomas O. Fuller.
 This 5,000-acre park is a place of contrasts with wetlands interspersed between tall rocky hills. The namesake pond was created when soil was removed to build a levee for the Memphis to Charleston Railroad in 1853.
52 This 5,000-acre park is a place of contrasts with wetlands interspersed between tall rocky hills. The namesake pond was created when soil was removed to build a levee for the Memphis to Charleston Railroad in 1853.
 During the Great Depression, TVA crews and their families lived on this site while building a dam on the Tennessee River. Today, this former riverboat stop is known forits water recreation and golf.
53 During the Great Depression, TVA crews and their families lived on this site while building a dam on the Tennessee River. Today, this former riverboat stop is known forits water recreation and golf.
 The L & N Railroad Co. created the lake in 1914 to provide water for their steam engines. With strong public support, it became the first state-designated natural area. It is a very popular hiking and birding location, especially among Nashville residents.
54 The L & N Railroad Co. created the lake in 1914 to provide water for their steam engines. With strong public support, it became the first
state-designated natural area. It is a very popular hiking and birding location, especially among Nashville residents.