Description: Program Schedule for September 12 through 13 Fort Pillow SHP
Location: Fort Pillow State Park
Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:00 pm: Welcome Campers! Be on the lookout for Seasonal Ranger Chris as he will be delivering goodies to our campers and informing them of the upcoming events that will be held over the weekend.
3:00 pm: Tree Identification Hike: Meet at the campground Volleyball court for a short hike around the campground, to identify hardwoods and discuss forest change.
5:00 pm: Flat Water Paddling -- Kayak Fort Pillow Lake: In Flat Water Paddling 101, you will learn how to properly fit and wear a life jacket, safely enter/exit a kayak or canoe, practice paddling strokes, and more! At the end of this program, participants may use their kayak to continue on a self-guided paddling experience and lake clean-up. Meet seasonal ranger at the dock at Fort Pillow Lake. All equipment is provided. Please bring water and any needed sun protection.
7:00 pm: Twilight Critters: Meet seasonal ranger at the overlook to learn about Crepuscular Creatures. When we think of fireflies lighting up our yards in the evening or being awoken by an early morning chorus of birds, we’re calling crepuscular events to mind – that is, animal activity that occurs in twilight.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
7:00 am Birds!!! Join Seasonal Ranger at the Butterfly Garden for an early morning birding adventure. Listen and identify birds by their calls and get your own Guide to Birding in Tennessee program booklet.
9:00 am Trash and Litter Scavenger Hunt: Meet seasonal ranger at the campground for a final "micro-trash" sweep of the entire campground. Turning in a bag of collected trash will earn children a park sticker or other prize!
12:00 pm: Hike to the Restored Fortification: Meet the seasonal ranger at the museum for a short, informative round-trip hike up to the newly restored fortification where most of the battle at Fort Pillow took place. Along the way, hikers will cross the newly installed 120-yard-long suspension bridge, which is the longest in the TN State Parks. Ask about All-terrain wheelchairs that can be driven all the way to the Fort.
1:00 pm: Museum Tour and Video: Meet seasonal ranger at the museum for an informative tour through the exhibits, insight into what a soldier would have carried in his pack, and to view the film on the Civil War battle Fort Pillow.