New State Parks Coming: Conservancy & TN State Parks Team Up

When Tennessee Governor Bill Lee unveiled his bold vision to grow our state park system to 70 parks, we knew this was our moment to make a lasting impact.

Now, that vision is becoming reality. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (TSPC) is thrilled to partner with Tennessee State Parks in creating two new state parks by the end of 2026—expanding access to the natural beauty that defines our state.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and the support of the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, we’ve already secured 472 acres along the Buffalo River and key tracts on the scenic Clinch River. And we’re not stopping there—TSPC is currently leading the effort to acquire an additional property on the Clinch River in Hancock County, preserving even more of Tennessee’s wild and wonderful landscapes for generations to come.

As of October 2025, the Lee administration has funded the formation of 13 new parks, bringing the current total of 62 State. Some of these are brand new parks and others will be created from existing state lands.

Protecting 451 Acres Along the Buffalo River

As the nonprofit partner for state parks, we are working hard to support the goal of building the park system to 70 by the end of 2026. You can support these efforts by making a donation.

In February 2025, TN State Park officials alerted us that a tract on Buffalo River was on the market and asked if we could step in to help with the acquisition. TSPC acted quickly to obtain a purchase agreement with the landowner.

The Buffalo River is a remarkable natural treasure—home to dozens of rare plant and animal species, including unique fish and mussels. Stretching 125 miles, it holds the distinction of being the longest free-flowing tributary of the Tennessee.

The stunning 451-acre tract located in Wayne County, near the Perry County line, has forested bluffs, gravel beaches and grassy meadows. The Buffalo River is the star of the show, surrounding the land with a 2 mile “horseshoe bend”, the longest such bend in the entire river. Oh, it also has the darkest night sky in Tennessee, according to Dark Sky data.  A couple months later, the Conservancy began assisting with another future park, Clinch River Valley State Park in Hancock County. To launch the park, the state needed kayaking and canoe access points and visitor facilities. With gifts from generous donors, the Conservancy quickly mobilized to facilitate acquisition of two tracts. Last December, the Conservancy closed on the 21-acre future access point at Horton Ford, which we will transfer to the state this spring. Then we facilitated the State’s acquisition of the River Place on the Clinch.

Expanding Access on the Clinch River

The Clinch River is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the country. The rolling hills, high rock cliffs, bottomland forest, and mountainous terrain provide a perfect landscape for a park anchored by a Blueway– a designated water trail that supports paddling, fishing, and other river recreation – highlighting one of the state’s most distinctive assets: its abundance of water. Located roughly 70 miles northwest of Knoxville and 50 miles west of Kingsport, Clinch River Valley State Park will provide residents and visitors with notable outdoor recreation opportunities.

Connecting the Cumberland Trail

The Conservancy is also deeply invested in helping connect the iconic 300-mile Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. This fall, with support from a generous donor, we helped secure 110 acres that are critical to connect the southern portion of the trail. 

These projects reflect our commitment to conserving Tennessee’s most extraordinary landscapes, ensuring they can be enjoyed and remain protected for generations to come.

One Mighty Acre

In December 2025, we partnered with the Friends of South Cumberland State Parks to purchase a critical inholding, which is a parcel of privately owned land within a publicly manager area. This tract is located within the Grundy Lakes area of Fiery Gizzard State Park. This tract will be transferred to Tennessee State Parks soon. 

Although small – only about an acre – protecting the property has large implications. Particularly because it is surrounded by the park, potential private use and development could have disrupted visitors and park management alike. The property has significant recreational, ecological, cultural, and historical value. It contains portions of an important archaeological site (Lone Rock Stockade); a park trail crosses the property; and it is in plain view of Grundy Lake and the beach.

Building Stronger Communities Through Parks

The Conservancy’s investment in these new parks underscores a broader mission: connecting people to the outdoors while safeguarding Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources. The newly acquired lands will support conservation projects, outdoor education for youth, and community engagement through volunteer programs and events. State parks serve not only as important venues for outdoor recreation, but also as significant contributors to local economies. Local communities near Buffalo River and Clinch River Valley State Park are expected to see economic benefits from increased tourism and outdoor activities, further highlighting the positive impact of these acquisitions.

Conserving Tennessee’s Extraordinary Landscapes

These projects reflect our commitment to conserving Tennessee’s most extraordinary landscapes. They ensure these lands can be enjoyed and remain protected for generations to come.