Tennessee State Parks

Red Clay

Red Clay State Historic Park encompasses 263-acres of narrow valleys formerly used as cotton and pasture land. The park site was the last seat of Cherokee national government before the 1838 enforcement of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 by the U.S. military, which resulted in most of the Cherokee people in the area being forced to emigrate west. Eleven general councils were held between 1832 and 1837. Red Clay is where the Trail of Tears really began, for it was at the Red Clay Council Grounds that the Cherokee learned that they had lost their mountains, streams and valleys forever. A Cherokee farm and council house of the period have been replicated to offer visitors a glimpse of how the area might have looked 150 years ago. Blue Hole Spring, a natural landmark and sacred council spring, produces over 400,000 gallons of sapphire-blue water a day. The spring was used by the Cherokee during their council meeting. The James F. Corn Interpretive Facility contains exhibits on the 19th century Cherokee, the Trail of Tears, Cherokee art, a video theater, gift shop and small library. Red Clay features a 500-seat amphitheater which can be reserved and is often used for musical and theatrical performances. The parks picnic pavilion can hold up to 100 people, is equipped with a grill, water fountain and restroom and can be reserved up to one year in advance. There are 18 individual picnic tables each with a grill and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also a two-mile loop trail with a beautiful limestone overlook tower and is perfect for beginners and for hikers with small children. Limited handicap accessibility. The park is open 8 a.m.-sunset, March to November; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., December-February, Closed December 22 to January 1. Call 423-478-0339 for more info. or visit the website. Click for more info

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River

The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park was the first river managed in the State Scenic River program. A 23-river mile stretch of river offers many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts from rafting along the Ocoee, canoeing and fishing for trout in the Hiwasssee River to hiking and nature photography. A scenic portion of the John Muir trail winds through the river gorge. Numerous public access sites provide boat launch ramps. The park is also a popular fishing stream and anglers of all ages enjoy fine catches of large-mouth bass, yellow perch, catfish and brown and rainbow trout. The latter two species are stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The Gee Creek primitive tent campground has 47 campsites, each with a table, fire ring and grill. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest. For more information, please contact Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park directly at 423-263-0050. Click for more info

Public Parks

Kenneth Tinsley Recreation Center

4301 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN (423) 559-3356

This 44 acre park is packed with recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy.  It includes 4 softball fields, playground, skate park, dog park, walking trail, and Olympic size swimming pool.  Tinsley’s newest addition is the Tony Cavett Tennis Center that features 7 tennis courts, restrooms, pavilion, and 7 pickleball courts. 

Cleveland Community Center

1334 Church Street SE, Cleveland, TN (423) 559-3322
Public Swimming Pool, Softball Field and gymnasium.

Northeast Recreation Center

264 Berry Street, Cleveland, TN (423) 479-6370
Public Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts and gymnasium.

Fletcher Park

Tennessee Nursery Road, 423-479-4129
A 720 acre passive, nature-oriented park.  Five-mile walking trail, 100+ year old springhouse, fishing pond and picnic area.  Other features are a boardwalk, observation walkway and amphitheater.

Cleveland TN Area ParksPublic Playgrounds

Deer Park

17th Street, Cleveland, TN
Playground and Picnic Tables

Cleveland Civitan Inclusive Playground at Stuart Park

Keith and 20th Streets, Cleveland, TN
The playground offers ramps throughout the play system so that children in mobility devices can explore the play space alongside their peers. There are ground level and accessible activities including interactive panels and musical instruments that encourage cooperative play. It is open to children of all abilities. 

Greenway Park

775 Raider Drive, Cleveland, TN

Tinsley Park

4301 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN (423) 559-3356

This 44 acre park is packed with recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy.  It includes 4 softball fields, playground, skate park, dog park, walking trail, and Olympic size swimming pool.  Tinsley’s newest addition is the Tony Cavett Tennis Center that features 7 tennis courts, restrooms, pavilion, and 7 pickleball courts.