News - Tennessee State Parks Conservancy

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

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on October 15, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy, Trail Pack.

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.

Join the Trail Pack

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

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on September 22, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy, Trail Pack.

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.

Celebrate Volunteer Week at Tennessee State Parks, September 19–28

Written by Marketing on September 11, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

View looking up through tall trees in Tennessee State Park forest during Volunteer Week

What Is Volunteer Week?

Volunteer Week at Tennessee State Parks takes place September 19–28. It leads up to National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event. Each year, thousands of people join efforts across the country to restore, improve, and celebrate public lands.

Featuring the Best Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on September 2, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Group of volunteers at Friends of Warrior's Path State Park.

In 1993, state legislature authorized private, non-profit groups to organize for maintaining and enhancing the purposes, programs, and functions of the state park system. These groups, known as Friends, are concerned citizens who have banded together to assist in protecting, preserving and promoting the beauty and the splendor of their favorite state park.

The Horse Rangers of TN State Parks

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on September 2, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

The first hoursemounted raners with U.S. Park Police in 1978.

Since 1978, a group of rangers and their horses have responded to emergencies, patrolled remote areas of state parks and been friendly faces at park events. Today, there are six parks that are home to Mounted Patrol Rangers.

Falling in Love with State Parks: Our Kids in Parks Program

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on September 2, 2025. Posted in Kids In Parks, TN State Parks Conservancy.

“This was transformative. Students that were afraid of getting dirty had muddy knees and big smiles as they reclaimed their seats on the bus to head back to school. “

That’s what we want to hear after a group of kids takes a trip to one of Tennessee’s state parks. This past school year we approved school trips for 5,000 students from across the state. More than half of those kids have never been to a state park. We fund transportation grants for Title 1 schools, and the park rangers do the rest. When rangers work with these kids, they are providing natural experiences in creeks and along trails while also building on the lessons they are learning in class by giving them hands-on-experiences.

Tennessee Leaders Unite for Governor’s Conservation Summit at Montgomery Bell State Park

Written by Marketing on August 28, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Governor’s Conservation Summit at Montgomery Bell State Park with state leaders, conservationists, and community members spent time outdoors in the water.

Earlier this month, conservation leaders, state officials, and community partners gathered for the 3rd Annual Governor’s Conservation Summit at Montgomery Bell State Park. Hosted by Governor Bill Lee, this inspiring event emphasized the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.

Accessible Outdoor Classroom Opens at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on August 21, 2025. Posted in Kids In Parks, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Accessible walkway leading to new outdoor classroom at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in West Tennessee

Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in West Tennessee has opened the new accessible outdoor classroom at Bulrush Lake. We have installed the platform and walkway, creating opportunities for children and visitors to explore nature in an inclusive environment.

My TN State Park 2025 Final Results: Celebrating a Remarkable Year of Support for Tennessee’s Natural Treasures

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on July 7, 2025. Posted in My TN State Park, TN State Parks Conservancy.

The My TN State Park fundraiser brought a remarkable year of community support and park improvements.

Tennessee State Parks mean something special to each of us. From hiking trails to family picnics, these natural spaces give us room to breathe, play, and reconnect. In 2025, the My TN State Park Fundraiser gave park lovers a chance to show how much they care, and their response made it a remarkable year. Through generous donations, supporters showed appreciation, improved their favorite parks, and championed continued investment in Tennessee’s outdoor future.

A Remarkable Year of Support for Tennessee State Parks

The 2025 My TN State Park Fundraiser brought in strong support from across Tennessee, with 1,305 donors contributing $109,394. Each donation doubled as a vote, letting supporters back the parks they love in a fun and interactive way.

This engaging format helped raise essential funds while sparking friendly competition and deeper connections to Tennessee State Parks statewide. Every dollar will support meaningful projects that preserve our state’s natural beauty and enhance park experiences for future generations.

Make a Difference This World Environment Day: 5 Ways to Support Sustainability

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on June 2, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Volunteers who make a difference by planting trees during a community conservation event

World Environment Day reminds us how vital it is to protect the natural beauty surrounding us, especially right here in Tennessee. At Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, we support sustainable practices that preserve our state’s public lands, scenic trails, and water systems for future generations. Here’s how you can help make a difference: