21 Types of Frogs in Tennessee
Frogs do show up in Tennessee, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
21 types of frogs recorded in Tennessee
21 frog species have a verified observation record in Tennessee, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 21 shown is recorded as introduced to Tennessee rather than native.
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Also recorded in Tennessee
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Wood FrogLithobates sylvaticus | Lithobates sylvaticus | 538 |
| 14 | Eastern SpadefootScaphiopus holbrookii | Scaphiopus holbrookii | 202 |
| 15 | Barking Tree FrogDryophytes gratiosus | Dryophytes gratiosus | 91 |
| 16 | Bird-voiced TreefrogDryophytes avivoca | Dryophytes avivoca | 87 |
| 17 | Southern Cricket FrogAcris gryllus | Acris gryllus | 67 |
| 18 | Mountain Chorus FrogPseudacris brachyphona | Pseudacris brachyphona | 32 |
| 19 | Blanchard's Cricket FrogAcris blanchardi | Acris blanchardi | 30 |
| 20 | Squirrel Tree FrogIntroducedDryophytes squirellus | Dryophytes squirellus | 26 |
| 21 | Gray TreefrogDryophytes versicolor | Dryophytes versicolor | 23 |
Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Frogs do show up in Tennessee, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
What are the most common frogs in Tennessee?
The most widespread species include the American bullfrog, green frog, spring peeper, gray treefrog, and southern leopard frog. These vary in size and habitat. Bullfrogs can reach 8 inches, while spring peepers barely reach 1.5 inches. Lookalikes: green frogs and bullfrogs are often confused – check the dorsolateral ridges (green frogs have them, bullfrogs do not). Gray treefrogs can be gray or green depending on surroundings.
In Tennessee, frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Tennessee are frogs most often spotted?
Frogs are easiest to find in the state's many wetlands, ponds, and slow streams. The eastern region, including the Cumberland Plateau and Great Smoky Mountains, offers high diversity. West Tennessee's floodplains and oxbow lakes are prime for leopard frogs and pickerel frogs. Start atTennessee's wildlife refugesand look along edges of quiet water bodies.
When is the best time to see frogs in Tennessee?
Peak activity runs from March through July. Early spring (March-April) is best for hearing breeding choruses of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Summer nights are ideal for bullfrogs and green frogs. After heavy rains, even dry areas can attract frogs moving to breeding sites. Dusk and dawn offer the best odds for sightings.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the key identification features to look for?
Focus on three things: call (male breeding calls are species-specific), size, and skin features. For example, the northern cricket frog has a distinct cricket-like trill and a rough warty skin. The upland chorus frog has three dark stripes down its back. To separate gray treefrogs from bird-voiced treefrogs, check the inner thigh: gray treefrogs have bright yellow-orange patches. A goodfrog identification guidecan help.
Are there any rare or unusual frogs in Tennessee?
The bird-voiced treefrog is a species of special concern, found mainly in Mississippi River floodplains. The mountain chorus frog appears only in higher elevations. The ornate chorus frog is known from a few southwestern counties. These are less commonly seen but worth seeking in their specific habitats. Always listen for their unique calls.
How can you attract frogs to your yard?
Creating a small pond with shallow edges and native plants can bring frogs to your property. Avoid using pesticides. In Tennessee, common backyard visitors include gray treefrogs and green frogs. If you want to keep track of species visiting, a simplefield notebook and a good field guidecan be helpful.
What should you know about frogs and safety?
Most Tennessee frogs are harmless to humans. The pickerel frog secretes a skin toxin that can irritate eyes or wounds but is not dangerous. Never handle frogs with open cuts. Wash hands after handling. Toads (like the American toad) are also common but are not true frogs; they have dry warty skin and parotoid glands.
Where can you find frog-themed art to remember your sightings?
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
This print brings the vivid red eyes and green body of the iconic rainforest frog to your wall.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A beautiful illustration of one of the Southeast's rarest treefrogs.Check Price and Availability
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire
A whimsical frog illustration printed on fine art paper, available framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions about Tennessee frogs
**Are there poisonous frogs in Tennessee?** No native frogs are truly poisonous to humans. Pickerel frogs have a mild skin irritant. **What is the largest frog in Tennessee?** The American bullfrog is the largest, up to 8 inches and 1.5 pounds. **Do Tennessee frogs hibernate?** Yes, they overwinter in mud at the bottom of ponds or under logs. **How can I identify a frog by its call?** Listen to night sounds: spring peepers make a high-pitched 'peep', gray treefrogs give a musical trill, and bullfrogs produce a deep 'jug-o-rum'.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common frogs in Tennessee?+
The most widespread species include the American bullfrog, green frog, spring peeper, gray treefrog, and southern leopard frog. These vary in size and habitat. Bullfrogs can reach 8 inches, while spring peepers barely reach 1.5 inches. Lookalikes: green frogs and bullfrogs are often confused – check the dorsolateral ridges (green frogs have them, bullfrogs do not). Gray treefrogs can be gray or green depending on surroundings. In Tennessee, frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Tennessee are frogs most often spotted?+
Frogs are easiest to find in the state's many wetlands, ponds, and slow streams. The eastern region, including the Cumberland Plateau and Great Smoky Mountains, offers high diversity. West Tennessee's floodplains and oxbow lakes are prime for leopard frogs and pickerel frogs. Start atTennessee's wildlife refugesand look along edges of quiet water bodies.
When is the best time to see frogs in Tennessee?+
Peak activity runs from March through July. Early spring (March-April) is best for hearing breeding choruses of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Summer nights are ideal for bullfrogs and green frogs. After heavy rains, even dry areas can attract frogs moving to breeding sites. Dusk and dawn offer the best odds for sightings. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the key identification features to look for?+
Focus on three things: call (male breeding calls are species-specific), size, and skin features. For example, the northern cricket frog has a distinct cricket-like trill and a rough warty skin. The upland chorus frog has three dark stripes down its back. To separate gray treefrogs from bird-voiced treefrogs, check the inner thigh: gray treefrogs have bright yellow-orange patches. A goodfrog identification guidecan help.
Are there any rare or unusual frogs in Tennessee?+
The bird-voiced treefrog is a species of special concern, found mainly in Mississippi River floodplains. The mountain chorus frog appears only in higher elevations. The ornate chorus frog is known from a few southwestern counties. These are less commonly seen but worth seeking in their specific habitats. Always listen for their unique calls.
How can you attract frogs to your yard?+
Creating a small pond with shallow edges and native plants can bring frogs to your property. Avoid using pesticides. In Tennessee, common backyard visitors include gray treefrogs and green frogs. If you want to keep track of species visiting, a simplefield notebook and a good field guidecan be helpful.
What should you know about frogs and safety?+
Most Tennessee frogs are harmless to humans. The pickerel frog secretes a skin toxin that can irritate eyes or wounds but is not dangerous. Never handle frogs with open cuts. Wash hands after handling. Toads (like the American toad) are also common but are not true frogs; they have dry warty skin and parotoid glands.
Where can you find frog-themed art to remember your sightings?+
### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print This print brings the vivid red eyes and green body of the iconic rainforest frog to your wall.Check Price and Availability ### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print A beautiful illustration of one of the Southeast's rarest treefrogs.Check Price and Availability ### Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire A whimsical frog illustration printed on fine art paper, available framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Tennessee