Frogs in Tennessee: identification guide and best places to start

1. Where are you most likely to notice frogs in Tennessee?

Frogs in Tennessee stick close to water. You'll find them in ponds, marshes, streams, and flooded fields. The most reliable spots are Reelfoot Lake in the northwest, the wetlands of the Cumberland Plateau, and the small ponds scattered across the Highland Rim. Backyard gardens with a water feature or even a rain-filled ditch can turn into frog central after a storm. I remember walking the trails at Warner Park in Nashville after a spring shower and hearing a chorus of spring peepers before I ever saw one.

2. What season or weather patterns help you find frogs?

Late March through June is prime time. Warm, wet nights bring out the most activity. Frogs call and mate after rains, so head out right as a shower ends or during a light drizzle. Temperatures above 50°F get them moving. I’ve had my best luck on humid evenings in April and May, when the air is thick and the ground is still damp. Winter is quiet, but a few species like the spring peeper can start calling in February if it's warm.

3. Simple ID cues that separate Tennessee frogs from lookalikes?

Focus on size, color, and call. The most common species are the green frog (medium, greenish with ridges down its back) and the bullfrog (large, smooth back, deep jug-o-rum call). Gray tree frogs are smaller with sticky toe pads and a musical trill. Cope's gray tree frog is nearly identical but has a faster call. Check the belly: leopard frogs have light bellies, while pickerel frogs show yellow or orange. For more details, see ourfrog identification hub.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. What are the best beginner spots for frog watching in Tennessee?

Start at your nearest state park with a lake or pond. Radnor Lake State Park near Nashville offers easy boardwalks and plenty of green frogs. Reelfoot Lake is a top destination for its sheer number of species. The Tennessee River floodplains also hold good populations. Bring a flashlight with a red filter to avoid spooking them. If you want to plan a trip, use this tool to find nearby wetlands:

5. Where can I find frog art and prints to remember my sightings?

Once you've spotted a few species, you might want to bring a bit of that experience home. Easy Street Markets offers a selection of frog artwork ideal for a field study wall or a wildlife-themed room. These prints capture the details that make frog watching so rewarding.

### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print

This print shows one of the most recognizable frogs in the world. While not native to Tennessee, its bold colors make a striking addition to any collection.Check Price and Availability

### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print

This species is found in the southeastern US, including parts of Tennessee. The print highlights its green and purple tones.Check Price and Availability

### Frog by Eimear Maguire – Wall Art Print

A whimsical illustration style that works well in a study or child's room. It captures the charm of a common frog.Check Price and Availability

For more wildlife shirts and gifts, check ourwildlife t-shirt collection.

6. What should I do if I find a frog in my backyard?

First, snap a photo for ID. Note the size, color, and any markings. Frogs are harmless and good for your garden because they eat insects. Leave it be or gently relocate it to a damp shady spot. If you want to attract more, consider building a small pond. See ourTennessee wildlife pagefor more local species tips.

7. When is the best time of day to look for frogs?

Dusk and after dark are prime. Many Tennessee frogs are nocturnal. Use a flashlight and listen for calls. Early morning can also work, especially on cloudy days. I’ve found that the hour after sunset in May is when the chorus is loudest.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.