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Support Tennessee State Parks in April: Donate, Vote, and Make an Impact

Hikers walking along a Tennessee State Park trail with wildflowers in bloom

This April, you have a powerful opportunity to support Tennessee State Parks, the places that bring peace, adventure, and connection to nature.

Through the My TN State Parks campaign 2026, your donation directly funds trails, outdoor education, and conservation efforts across all 63 state parks.

Every dollar you give creates real impact.

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Why Building and Maintaining Tennessee Trails Matters

2026 Trail Pack sticker from Tennessee State Parks Conservancy supporting trail building and maintenance

You have felt it before. The moment a trail opens to a waterfall, a canyon, or a quiet forest overlook. These experiences do not happen by accident. They exist because Tennessee trails are carefully built, maintained, and protected by skilled trailbuilders and dedicated supporters.

Not every path is easy to find. Some wind through deep gorges, beside roaring waterfalls, or beneath Tennessee’s wild canopy. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is on a mission to protect these places and ensure Tennessee State Parks trails remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for generations.

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Tennessee Trails: A Legacy That Still Needs You

Scenic view of Pogue Creek State Natural Area featuring sandstone cliffs, forested canyon walls, and a winding creek beneath a clear Tennessee sky.

Trail Month may have ended, but the mission to protect Tennessee’s trails continues. Hiking remains one of the most popular outdoor adventures in Tennessee State Parks, with more than 1,300 miles of scenic paths connecting visitors to the state’s most breathtaking landscapes. Each trail faces challenges from erosion, fallen trees, and storm damage, reminding us of the vital importance of caring for the places we love to explore.

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Celebrate Trail Month: Join the Trail Pack and Keep Tennessee Trails Adventure-Ready

Scenic hiking trail surrounded by forest in South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Trail Pack campaign

Tennessee’s trails tell the story of our shared love for nature — and this October, that story needs your support. As we celebrate Trail Month in Tennessee, we remember that over 1,300 miles of trails hold a piece of our shared outdoor legacy. Nearly 80% of park visitors say hiking is their favorite way to explore. Now, you can help protect those very paths by simply joining the Trail Pack.

How the Trail Pack Supports Tennessee Trails

When you donate $35 or more, you join a dedicated community that supports trail construction, maintenance, and restoration across Tennessee’s State Parks. Your contribution keeps trails safe, sustainable, and open for everyone. In return, you’ll receive a limited-edition 2025 Trail Pack sticker — a thank-you for standing up for the trails you love.

Every Trail Pack member plays a vital role in protecting Tennessee’s outdoor legacy. From mountain ridges to quiet forest paths, your gift helps preserve the landscapes that bring peace and adventure to park visitors each year. Together, we can ensure that Tennessee’s natural beauty continues to inspire future generations.

Restoring Trails After Natural Disasters

When Hurricane Helene swept through Tennessee, parks like Roan Mountain State Park suffered devastating damage. Massive fallen trees and flooding hit the Bearwallow Loop Trail hardest, making the path unsafe for hikers. Your Trail Pack donation helps fund critical restoration projects like this one, which clear debris and rebuild trail systems.

Your support also powers other major restoration and sustainability efforts statewide. At Big Hill Pond State Park, crews are rerouting the Turkey Call Trail to improve accessibility and connect visitors with a new boardwalk through the Dismal Swamp. Meanwhile, at South Cumberland State Park, staff are repairing the Grundy Forest Day Loop — home to Blue Hole Falls and Fiery Gizzard access — to prevent erosion and improve safety.

See other trail projects made possible by Trail Pack supporters like you, here.

Training the Next Generation of Trail Builders

Trail Pack funds also help park staff gain advanced skills through the Master Trail Building Course. This four-day, 30-hour program focuses on sustainable trail design and repair. With this training, Tennessee State Parks staff can better protect and maintain the trails we all love to explore.

This investment in education creates a lasting impact. Trained staff share their expertise with volunteers and local communities. Their teamwork multiplies the impact of your donation and protects every trail.

Expanding Trail Accessibility for All

Tennessee State Parks are for everyone. Thanks to supporters, more parks now offer all-terrain wheelchairs for free public use. These specialized chairs include adjustable supports, safety straps, and caretaker controls, allowing children and adults of all abilities to experience the beauty of Tennessee’s trails.

Join the Trail Pack Today

Your support fuels trail recovery, accessibility, and training that keep Tennessee’s state parks thriving. Be a Tennessee trail hero. Join the Trail Pack today with a gift of $35 or more and receive your 2025 Trail Pack sticker as a proud badge of your commitment to the outdoors. Every dollar helps rebuild storm-damaged paths, expand access for all, and train the next generation of trail stewards. Donate now and help keep Tennessee’s trails open, safe, and adventure-ready for generations to come.

Fall Hikes in Tennessee State Parks: Color, Adventure, and Spooky Fun

Fall foliage lines a Tennessee State Park trail with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves covering the trees and pathway.

There’s nothing quite like fall in Tennessee. The air is crisp, the leaves turn fiery shades of red and gold, and the cool temperatures invite you outside. It’s the perfect season to hike in a Tennessee State Park, spend a weekend in a cozy cabin, enjoy s’mores over a crackling campfire, and snap that must-have selfie surrounded by peak fall color. Whether you crave peaceful trails or a touch of spooky storytelling, the parks have unforgettable experiences waiting for you this season.

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