Clinch River Valley: How 21 Acres Helped Create Tennessee’s 67th State Park

A remarkable stretch of Northeast Tennessee is now protected as Tennessee’s newest state park.

Clinch River Valley State Park officially became Tennessee’s 67th state park in August 2026. Located in Hancock County, the park protects land along the biologically diverse Clinch River.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy helped acquire key properties that made the new park and public river access possible.

For those who support the Conservancy, this is what protecting Tennessee’s public lands can look like.

Tennessee’s 67th State Park Protects a Remarkable River

The Clinch River winds through the mountains and valleys of Northeast Tennessee. It is one of North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater rivers.

More than 35 species of freshwater mussels live within the river, including several endangered species. Forests, rock cliffs, and Appalachian mountain landscapes surround it.

Now, this special corner of Tennessee has another layer of protection.

Clinch River Valley State Park includes 21 acres along the river at Horton Ford. Plans for the park include several access points along a recreational blueway.

Visitors can also explore the park’s visitor center at Kyles Ford. The property was formerly River Place on the Clinch and has roots as a community general store dating to the 1940s.

As the park grows, visitors will find more ways to experience the Clinch River Valley. Plans include paddling, fishing, walking, biking, and wildlife watching.

The park will also help preserve the history and traditions of the Appalachian communities that have long called this valley home.

How the Conservancy Helped Make the New Park Possible

The story behind Tennessee’s newest state park started before the dedication ceremony.

It started with land.

When properties important to the future park became available, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy helped turn opportunity into action.

With support from donors, the Conservancy helped facilitate key land acquisitions along the Clinch River.

One was the 21-acre Horton Ford property. Its location offered something essential to the park’s vision: safe public access to the river.

The Conservancy helped secure the property for its eventual transfer to the state.

The Conservancy also helped facilitate the state’s acquisition of River Place on the Clinch. That property now serves as the visitor center for Clinch River Valley State Park.

Together, these properties helped provide something every state park needs: a way for people to experience the place being protected.

Why Land Conservation Requires the Ability to Act

There is an important part of land conservation that most park visitors will never see.

The right property does not always become available on a convenient timeline.

When it does, conservation partners need the resources and flexibility to respond.

A relatively small piece of land can make a remarkable difference. It might connect a trail, protect wildlife habitat, or provide safe river access.

At Clinch River Valley, 21 acres helped create a gateway to an extraordinary river.

That is one reason donor support matters.

Gifts to the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy help provide the resources to act when opportunities arise. For those who have supported the Conservancy, Clinch River Valley State Park offers a tangible example of that impact.

Help Protect the Future of Tennessee State Parks

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is the nonprofit partner and dedicated fundraiser for Tennessee State Parks. We work to protect, enhance, and advocate for the places Tennesseans love.

That work includes land conservation, trails, accessibility, outdoor education and projects that strengthen Tennessee State Parks across the state.

Clinch River Valley State Park shows what can happen when people who care about public lands come together at the right moment.

If you have supported the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, you are part of work like this.

And if you are considering becoming a donor, your support can help ensure the Conservancy is ready when the next opportunity to protect a special Tennessee place arrives.