When you think about Tennessee State Parks, golf probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, you might picture black bears, rustic mountain ridges covered in dense fog and perhaps even waterfalls.
But certainly not golf, which means you have yet to hear about the Tennessee Golf Trail!
What is the Tennessee Golf Trail?
The Tennessee Golf Trail brings together the stunning natural beauty of Tennessee with the classically peaceful sport of golf. What a combination!
Nine expertly designed golf courses, each in different Tennessee State Parks, create the opportunity to relax and enjoy this beloved game with mountains, lakes, lively wildlife and old-growth forests as your backdrop.
Tennessee State Parks Along the Golf Trail
If you can’t think of anything more relaxing than teeing off at your leisure in the Volunteer State, then a trip to these Tennessee State Parks should be in your future!
Cumberland Mountain State Park
In east-central Tennessee, just two and a half hours from Nashville, you'll find Cumberland Mountain State Park—a 1,720-acre park offering lakefront recreation, camping and more.
The park's Bear Trace golf course has acquired several state and national rankings. As you traverse the 18-hole course, you'll come across easy-flowing brooks and mature pine forests.
Harrison Bay State Park
Encompassing somewhere near 40 miles of shoreline along Chickamauga Lake in southeast Tennessee, just 30 minutes from Chattanooga, sits Harrison Bay State Park.
The land that this 18-hole Bear Trace Golf Course sits on jets out into Chickamauga Lake, creating an idyllic place to both play and relax!
Tims Ford State Park
Tims Ford Lake is in south-central Tennessee, not far from the Alabama border. Known as one of the most stunning lakes in the state with some of the best bass fishing in the region, you can bet that golfing here will be just as relaxing as fishing—if not more!
The third and final Bear Trace course of the Tennessee Golf Trail traverses gentle rolling hills and densely wooded forests.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Just two hours southeast of Nashville is where you'll find this ever-popular Tennessee State Park spanning slightly less than 30,000 acres atop the Cumberland Plateau.
Everything from enchanting cascades and gorgeous waterfalls to hardwood forests and gentle streams can be found at Fall Creek Falls State Park. And this natural beauty is exactly what you'll get to experience while golfing a challenging 18-hole course!
Henry Horton State Park
A stay at Henry Horton State Park offers a little bit of everything, including camping, cabins, a retreat center and a restaurant with a classically Southern menu.
This pristine golf course was the first to be established in the Tennessee Golf Trail. It offers a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere among lush, tall Tennessee trees.
Montgomery Bell State Park
Directly west of Nashville and encompassing three smaller lakes and multiple rivers is Montgomery Bell State Park. Swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing are all popular pastimes among visitors.
And this is one of the neatest places for golfers to visit in Tennessee—even being referred to as a hidden gem among the state's golf courses.
Paris Landing State Park
A small Tennessee State Park located on the western shores of Kentucky Lake, Paris Landing offers fishing, boating, swimming and water skiing.
And the beautiful 18-hole course with dramatic lakeside views offers a unique and tranquil golfing experience that's hard to beat!
Pickwick Landing State Park
Nestled alongside the southern shores of the Tennessee River is the luxurious Pickwick Landing State Park. Stay at the rustic lodge with picturesque waterside views and dine at the inviting lodge restaurant before hitting the green.
This regal golf course sits near the Mississippi and Alabama borders and is a favorite getaway for golfers from near and far!
Warriors’ Path State Park
Warriors' Path State Park is a premier destination for its wide variety of outdoor recreation offerings. Located in the state's northeast corner, this Tennessee State Park is a boating and fishing hub. It also offers excellent hiking and internationally-renowned mountain bike trails.
Plus, the 18-hole golf course sitting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains offers a truly unique setting and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere.
A Golfing Journal to Record Your Experiences
Passionate golfers looking for a unique way to experience this classic sport must check out these Tennessee State Parks. Whether you enjoy mountain scenery or lakeside views, there is something special about each of these courses along the Tennessee Golf Trail.
But before you throw your golf clubs in the car and head for your next getaway, you'll want to grab a copy of the Tennessee State Parks Bucket Journal to help you keep track of your favorite places in Tennessee to golf and more!
There's so much to do and see, from hiking to cave exploration and waterfall chasing in Tennessee's more than 100 state parks and natural areas. And you can keep track of it all in your very own bucket journal!
Which Tennessee State Park along the Golf Trail sounds most enticing to you?
