Jaunts & Journeys of a Visionary Voyager: Dunbar Cave State Park, Clarksville, Tennessee

Today has been a beautiful day! The afternoon weather peaked at 67 degrees, the sun was out, the sky was clear, and we set out on our first excursion, ten minutes from where we're currently staying. Our destination? Dunbar Cave State Park.

At first I didn't know what to expect, driving down a residential street filled with single family homes and duplexes. Then I got a little discouraged when the parking lot for the national park shared a lakeside view to a golf course. How could there possibly be caves and trails in what seemed so anti-secluded? But I'll tell you, about three minutes down the concealed, leaf-laden path, I finally saw what I couldn't fathom from the parking lot.

The mouth of the cave and all around the outer walls is open and welcoming to the public. There are informational boards set up with black and white pictures showing an amphitheater-like setting where people would gather and listen to music and "party". It's because even in the hottest summer months the mouth of the cave expels cool air. At least they were taking advantage of nature's natural air conditioning!

I discovered, however, the cave entrance to the tunnels was actually closed. A locked gate and a warning sign intact, I later found out, upon researching the national park itself, the cave is closed indefinitely. And the reason behind it's closure is a sad story indeed, but something that I feel everyone should be made aware of, so please see the following post The Reason Behind The Closing Of Dunbar Caves.

But, for someone who has spent twenty-five years on flat land and beaches, I think I have a pretty good excuse for being excited about some rocks, some trails, and some mountains; those of you that have grown up among this lush landscape are probably rolling your eyes, but I know you would be amazed at the sight and sound of the ocean! I will tell you this though, this park is definitely worth the trip if you plan to come here or find yourself in the area. We hiked Recovery Trail, the longer of the two trails mapped out along the park. The trees overhead provided us with shade that made for even cooler weather, and the flux in elevations made for some great exercise. An informational post marked before the trail states that it takes about forty minutes to hike, but it all depends on your walking pace. Since I stop to take photos, listen to the many bird calls and the wind through the trees, and keep an eye out for deer, my pace is a little slower. The park closes at sunset, so it's just a disclaimer that if you don't get your car out before the gate closes, plan on spending the night (and I didn't see any place to set up camp).

If you feel as if you didn't see all of the wildlife you thought you would, stop by the park's informational area in the white building to the right of the parking area. Austin Peay State University students have cataloged all known species in the area, and they have a taxidermy display that showcases their findings. Also, a tip to the reader: the earlier in the day you visit the park, the better the weather, and the quieter it is (meaning the less people there are tromping through the trails) the more likely you are to see some deer, a fox, etc. Since we visited on a Tuesday, the weather was a little nippy, and we went early enough that other human presences weren't scaring things off, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a white-tailed doe.

You'll have to see the beauty for yourself, but I did take some pictures that encompass the overall feel of the area; here are my four favorites: