As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is brimming with activities to celebrate the season. From guided history tours and living history programs to spooky candlelight events and family-friendly fun, October is packed with opportunities to step back in time, learn, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Here’s what’s happening this month:
Guided Tours of Historic Homes
- Carter Mansion Tours – October 4, 10, 12, 16, 24, 26, & 30 at 1:30 PM
Step into Tennessee’s oldest frame house and learn about the Carter family’s pivotal role in early settlement. Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors/veterans, $5 ages 17 & under. - Sabine Hill Tours – October 3, 5, 9, 11, 19, 23, & 25 at 1:30 PM
Discover one of Tennessee’s finest examples of Federal architecture and the legacy of the Taylor family. Cost: same as above.
Nature & Outdoor Fun
- Bird Walks – Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, & 25 at 8:00 AM
Join local birders for a morning stroll during peak migratory season. Free! - Games of the 18th Century – Saturday, October 4 at 11:00 AM
Play frontier favorites like Hoop & Stick and Graces—fun for all ages. Free! - S’mores & Stories – Saturday, October 11 at 7:00 PM
Enjoy campfire tales with Ranger Taylor while roasting your own sweet treat. Cost: $20 adults, $10 ages 10–17. - Sycamore Stewards Workday – Sunday, October 19, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Help preserve the park with hands-on volunteer projects. Free, registration required. - Tomahawk Throwing – Sunday, October 26, 3:00–4:00 PM
Try your hand at this 18th-century skill with Ranger Jason Davis. Cost: $10. Ages 12+. - Lanterns of Liberty Night Hike – Wednesday, October 29, 7:00 PM
Take a lantern-lit stroll through the historic grounds and learn the stories of Sycamore Shoals. Cost: $10.
Music & Dance
- English Country Dancing – Sunday, October 12, 1:30–4:00 PM
Step back in time with early 19th-century dances. No partner or experience needed! Free. - Old Time Music Jam – Sunday, October 26, 1:30–4:00 PM
Bring your instrument—or just enjoy the sounds of traditional Appalachian music. Free.
Living History & Spooky Seasonal Events
- Death Comes to Sabine Hill – Friday & Saturday, October 17 & 18, 6:00–8:30 PM
A candlelit tour exploring 18th- and 19th-century funeral customs. Cost: $14. (Parental discretion advised.) - 18th Century Firearms – Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 PM
Learn about Revolutionary War weaponry and witness a live flintlock demonstration. Cost: $5. - Sleeping with Death at Sabine Hill – Friday, October 24, 9:00 PM – Saturday, October 25, 9:00 AM
Spend the night in a historic mansion transformed into a traditional funeral wake. Cost: $500 (group experience). - Scary Stories at Fort Watauga – Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 PM
A family-friendly evening of eerie tales and songs to celebrate Halloween. Free.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, music, or spooky seasonal fun, October at Sycamore Shoals has something for everyone. Many programs require advance registration at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals, so be sure to save your spot.
Grab your friends, family, and a cozy sweater—October is the perfect month to make memories at Sycamore Shoals! For more details, visit our event page:https://friendsofsycamoreshoals.org/events/