Skip to Content.
Link back to Home. Phil Bredesen, Governor Department of Environment & Conservation
Main content begins below.
Link to State Parks main page.
East River

Plan Your Visit

  Park Brochure
  Park Area Map

  Directions
Take I-40 to Exit 143. Take Highway 13 North for 13 miles. Take Highway 70 West to New Johnsonville, then follow the signs to the park.

  Hours of Operation
Day-Use Area: 8 a.m. - sundown

Park Activities

Fishing Hiking Trails Picnic Facilities

Points of Interest

Grand Opening of the New Visitor Center

Join us for the Grand Opening Celebration for park's new Visitor Center on Friday, May 11 at 11 a.m. CT. Learn more.

Located off U.S. Hwy. 70, the park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This 600-acre park on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville. Interpretive tours are available.

Fishing

Visitors can enjoy fishing from the banks of the Tennessee River. Catches may include catfish, bream, crappie and bass. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Hiking Trails

A six mile hiking trail leads the visitors throughout the park area. Hikers will pass by the historical portions of Johnsonville and the Union encampment including well-preserved redoubts, rifle pits, cemeteries, railroad turn-around, and home locations.

Contact the park for more information.

Historic Park

Johnsonville State Historic Park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This 600-acre park on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville.

On November 4, 1864, at Johnsonville, Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry took up artillery positions on the west bank of the Tennessee River. Calvary forces under Forrest sank four Federal gunboats downstream and destroyed a Union Army supply depot on the east bank at Johnsonville.

Four of the original breastworks (rifle pits) are beautifully preserved. Two large forts in the park are open to visitors. Interpretive tours are available.

Picnic Facilities

Johnsonville OverlookThe park has two small picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 25 people. Each shelter is equipped with a grill. Picnic shelters are available on a first come, first-serve basis.

In addition, there are twenty-five individual picnic areas, each equipped with a grill.

Programs

A variety of planned programs and activities including guided tours, slide shows and wildlife presentations are available. The Wildlife Presentation, History of Tennessee and Battle of Johnsonville programs are offered year-round and travel to schools. Tours of the park and museum are done by reservation.

Other Activities

Some of the activities include playgrounds, volleyball, badminton, basketball and horseshoes. You will need to bring your own recreational equipment.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome.