Overton Park wilderness guide
Urban Park · TN

Overton Park

Overton Park is a 342-acre public park located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, offering rich cultural sites and natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

Urban Park3422+ Trails
DesignationUrban Park
Total Wilderness Area342
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Overton Park

Overton Park is a 342-acre public park located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, offering rich cultural sites and natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Overton Park stands as a cornerstone of recreation and culture in Memphis, Tennessee. The park encompasses 342 acres, providing a diverse array of environments, from old-growth forests to manicured gardens. Central to the park is the Old Forest State Natural Area, a remnant of ancient woodland that invites visitors for self-guided nature walks and rich wildlife experiences. Steeped in history, Overton Park was established in 1901 and has since become an urban oasis that combines nature with cultural attractions such as the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis College of Art. Additionally, the Levitt Shell and the Memphis Zoo offer entertainment and educational opportunities. With numerous recreational paths and open spaces, Overton Park is perfect for picnics, jogging, cycling, and family outings. This urban escape is frequented by locals and tourists alike, who come to appreciate its natural beauty, cultural significance, and scheduled community events.

Field Guide · Urban Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Overton Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Old Forest State Natural Area✦ Memphis Brooks Museum of Art✦ Levitt Shell✦ Memphis Zoo
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Overton Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Overton Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Overton Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Overton Park
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Overton Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Overton Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Overton Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Overton Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Memphis, Tennessee
⌖ 3.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, known for its music and BBQ, is also a gateway to unique outdoor adventures. Explore trails and parks, paddle the Mississippi, or fish on local lakes. A vibrant outdoor scene awaits.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Bartlett, Tennessee
⌖ 7.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bartlett, Tennessee

Bartlett, Tennessee offers a quiet suburban setting with well-maintained parks, walking and biking trails, and nearby paddling spots. Ideal for nature lovers and families seeking easy outdoor fun close to Memphis.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Augher, Tennessee
⌖ 8.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Augher, Tennessee

Augher, Tennessee is a peaceful rural town perfect for outdoor lovers looking to explore quiet hiking trails, calm kayaking routes, and birdwatching spots along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway and Tennessee River.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Germantown, Tennessee
⌖ 11.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Germantown, Tennessee

Germantown offers gentle hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities along the scenic Wolf River Greenway. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers, enjoy peaceful trails, picnic spots, and community parks from spring through fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Millington, Tennessee
⌖ 14.04 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Millington, Tennessee

Millington, TN, is a quaint town that offers easy access to nature adventures near Memphis. Enjoy hiking, paddling, and bird watching in nearby Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for a relaxing retreat.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Olive Branch, Mississippi
⌖ 15.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Olive Branch, Mississippi

Olive Branch offers peaceful lakeside paddling, casual hiking, and birdwatching amid quiet parks just outside Memphis. It’s a perfect spot for families and outdoor beginners seeking nature without the crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Overton Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Premium Elvis + Graceland Day
ADVEXPEDITION
Memphis, Tennessee
PrivateADV Bookable

Premium Elvis + Graceland Day

Ride with a Beale Street insider for a private, 6–7 hour Elvis-focused drive through Memphis neighborhoods and end with your pre-handled Elvis Experience tickets to explore Graceland at your own pace.

PrivateUp to 4 guests · Approx. 6–7 hours total · Graceland tickets includedCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Memphis Hop
ADVEXPEDITION
Memphis, Tennessee
City TourADV Bookable

Memphis Hop

See Memphis like never before with Blues City Tours’ Memphis Hop—a 90-minute guided journey hitting landmarks from Graceland to the National Civil Rights Museum. Hop on or off to tailor your adventure through the city’s vibrant history and music scene.

City TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
SMASH and Throw
ADVEXPEDITION
Memphis, Tennessee
Axe ThrowingADV Bookable

SMASH and Throw

Looking for a high-energy way to relieve stress in Memphis? CRAZE's SMASH and Throw activity combines destructive fun with skill-building axe throwing—perfect for a memorable day of adrenaline and release. Keep reading to discover how this unique experience fits into your adventure itinerary.

Axe ThrowingCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip