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 park’s 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
Bradley County Recreational Park on Urbane Road features six lighted baseball fields, four softball fields, one youth and T-ball field, batting cages, pickleball and tennis courts, picnic pavilion and two concession stands. Bradley BMX operates one of only four active USA BMX approved tracks in Tennessee.
Bradley North Park on Eureka Road features four lighted youth baseball fields and concession stand.
Blue Springs Park is located at 4854 Blue Springs Road.
Elrod Park Ballfields is located at 443 Minnis Road.
Mike Burke Park features two lighted softball fields and is located on Eighth Street SW.
Avery Johnson Park features a playground, soccer fields, pavilion and dog park. It is located at 260 Foster Lane.
Blythe-Oldfield Park is located at 1075 Blythe Ave.
Civitan All-Inclusive Park and Playground is next to Stuart School on Kyker-Bonner Drive and features an award winning design accommodating children of all abilities.
Deer Park on 17th Street is a neighborhood green space featuring a large updated playground, creek and picnic pavilion.
First Street Square is a green space hosting Friday Festivals and a Farmer’s Market. It is located at 220 1st Street.
Fletcher Park on Tennessee Nursery Road is a 720-acre nature oriented park. It features an award winning disc golf course, a five-mile walking trail, 100+ year old springhouse, fishing pond, picnic area, boardwalk, observation walkway and amphitheater.
Greenway Park at 775 Raider Drive is a green space and playground that features a playground, stage and picnic area. It is also host to may festivals throughout the year.
Mosby Park and Pavilion is located at 150 Shepard Street.
Kenneth Tinsley Recreational Park is located at 4031 Keith Street and features four lighted softball fields, concession stand, fitness/jogging trail, picnic area, seven lighted tennis courts, covered pickleball courts, dog park, playground and public swimming pool.
Greater Cleveland Soccer Complex is located on Mouse Creek Road and features a pavilion, 15 soccer fields, concession and restrooms.
Hoyt Berry Municipal Park is on the corners of Worth, Market and Wool Streets in Charleston, TN.
