Tennessee’s 70th State Park: Angel’s Hollow Marks a Historic Expansion

On November 6, 2026, Tennessee will dedicate Angel’s Hollow State Park, bringing our state park system to 70 parks.

The dedication marks the culmination of 14 new state parks established during Governor Bill Lee’s administration. No other single administration has established as many Tennessee state parks.

At Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, we are proud to have helped establish both Angel’s Hollow and Buffalo River state parks. We celebrate this historic expansion and the shared commitment to conservation that made it possible. Together, these efforts preserve places where generations can explore, connect with nature, and create lasting memories.

Across Tennessee, families will discover new places to spend a Saturday, explore a trail, or introduce children to the outdoors. Communities will gain new connections to the landscapes and stories that shape their identities.

We celebrate as Angel’s Hollow now joins that growing legacy.

Angel’s Hollow State Park Preserves a Tennessee Landscape

Angel’s Hollow State Park will encompass approximately 2,500 acres near the Hamilton and Rhea County border.

Hamilton County transferred approximately 1,305 acres of McDonald Farm to the state. Those acres, combined with existing state-owned parcels, will form Tennessee’s newest state park.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved $45.3 million in the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget to support the new park.

State park staff worked with county officials, local leaders, and community members throughout the planning process. Their collaboration helped shape a future for this landscape centered on conservation and outdoor experiences.

Governor Lee and First Lady Maria Lee selected the name Angel’s Hollow to reflect the landscape’s peaceful character.

Plans place the park’s visitor center in Sale Creek. Nearby, Hamilton County will retain more than 300 acres of McDonald Farm, including the historic homestead and fairgrounds.

The November 6 dedication will coincide with the opening of the Hamilton County Fair at McDonald Farm. That connection adds a statewide milestone to an existing community gathering.

Why Tennessee’s 70th State Park Matters

Reaching 70 state parks gives Tennessee a moment to reflect on the places we choose to protect.

For people who have visited our parks for decades, their value often feels deeply personal. A familiar overlook may recall a childhood trip. A favorite trail may offer time with friends or space to think.

New state parks create opportunities for others to build those same connections.

They also help preserve the natural, cultural, and historic resources that make Tennessee distinctive. Establishing a park gives those resources a lasting place in our shared public landscape.

At Angel’s Hollow, that future includes opportunities to connect visitors with southeastern Tennessee’s scenery and the history surrounding McDonald Farm.

Angel’s Hollow will connect directly with Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park, expanding its role in southeastern Tennessee’s outdoor landscape.

Plans include a visitor center, campgrounds, and trail connections that welcome people with different interests and experience levels.

For nearby families, these additions promise more opportunities to spend time outdoors close to home. For visiting hikers and campers, they offer new reasons to explore the region.

Visitors should check the official Angel’s Hollow State Park website for updates on public access and available facilities.

Fourteen New State Parks Create a Lasting Legacy

The dedication of Angel’s Hollow completes a record-setting chapter of park establishment during Governor Lee’s administration.

Behind that milestone stand public investment, local partnerships, community involvement, and the work of Tennessee State Parks professionals.

We recognize their contributions and the responsibility that comes with this expansion.

A dedication establishes a new beginning. Over time, careful planning and stewardship will help each park serve its community and welcome visitors.

Some Tennesseans will find a new favorite destination close to home. Others will travel across the state to explore somewhere unfamiliar.

Children visiting these parks today may eventually return with families of their own. The decisions Tennessee makes now will help shape the experiences available to them.

That is this moment’s lasting significance.

How Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Supports Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks Conservancy serves as the independent nonprofit partner of Tennessee State Parks.

We bring donors and partners together to support programs, projects, and resources that enhance park experiences.

Through Kids in Parks, we help students discover the outdoors through educational experiences in Tennessee’s state parks.

We also support accessibility projects that help more people visit parks. These resources include all-terrain wheelchairs, accessible kayak launches, and adult changing tables.

For a visitor or caregiver, those features can make a meaningful difference when planning a day outdoors.

As Tennessee’s state park system grows, our commitment remains rooted in people and their experiences. We want more visitors to discover these places, feel welcome, and develop their own connection to Tennessee’s outdoors.

Supporters like you help make that work possible.

Commemorate This Historic Tennessee State Parks Milestone

To celebrate 14 new state parks, Tennessee State Parks Conservancy offers a commemorative sticker honoring this historic expansion.

Donate $25 or more, and we’ll send you a sticker as our thank-you.

Your gift supports Conservancy programs and projects that make Tennessee State Parks better for everyone.

As Tennessee welcomes its 70th state park, we invite you to celebrate with us and support the work ahead.

Celebrate the expansion. Support the future of Tennessee State Parks.

Visit our campaign donation page to make your gift and request your commemorative sticker.