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Run for the Trees Virtual 5K: Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day for Tennessee

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in Run for the Trees, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Runner on tree-lined path supporting Run for the Trees virtual 5K Tennessee

Run for the Trees Virtual 5K: Support Tennessee This Earth Day and Arbor Day

Run for something bigger this spring.
The Run for the Trees virtual 5K returns April 18–26, 2026.
This nationwide event supports tree planting and forest restoration.

When you choose Tennessee, your participation directly benefits Tennessee State Parks and natural areas.
Every step helps protect forests, trails, and wildlife habitat.

What Is the Run for the Trees Virtual 5K?

The Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K is a flexible virtual race.
You can run, walk, or roll anywhere outdoors.

The event takes place during a nine-day window.
That window includes Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24).
You choose your pace, location, and time.

The event honors Bob Ross and his love for nature.
It is a collaboration between Bob Ross – the Joy of Painting, and participating states across the country.

Choose Tennessee and Make Your Miles Matter

When you register, you select the state you want to support.
Choosing Tennessee directs funds to tree planting and forest restoration statewide.

Your registration supports:

  • Tree planting in Tennessee State Parks and natural areas
  • Forest restoration projects
  • Invasive species management
  • Pest and disease detection, including emerald ash borer and oak wilt

Your participation protects Tennessee’s natural spaces for future generations.

Race Details and What You Get

Registration costs $36 per person and includes shipping.
Spaces are limited, and the event fills quickly.

Each participant receives:

  • A Happy Little Trees T-shirt
  • A commemorative bib number
  • A finisher’s medal
  • A sticker

Race packets ship in March, ahead of the April event.

Run for the Trees 5K swag 2026

Flexible Participation for Every Runner

You can complete your 5K anytime from April 18–26, 2026.
You do not need to race on a specific day.

Results and photos are optional.
Submissions are open the weekends before and after Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Share your experience using #RunForTheTrees #BobRoss #HappyLittle5K #TSPConservancy.

This event welcomes beginners, families, and experienced runners alike.

Support Tennessee State Parks Conservation

Proceeds supporting Tennessee benefit the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy.
The Conservancy is the nonprofit partner of Tennessee State Parks.

The organization funds conservation projects across Tennessee’s state parks and natural areas.
Support strengthens parks affected by pests, disease, storms, and long-term forest stress.

Sign Up Today and Run for Tennessee

Register early to secure your spot.
Choose Tennessee at registration.
Your steps will help create a better Tennessee for generations.

Secure My Spot
Track 2026 Race Results

Run for the Trees Virtual 5K – Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Run for the Trees virtual 5K work?

You complete a 5K at your convenience within the event window.
You can run, walk, or roll anywhere outdoors.

Do I need to complete the 5K in one go?

No. You can break the distance into multiple sessions.
Move at your own pace and in your own way.

Do I need to submit results or photos?

No. Submissions are optional.
Sharing results and photos helps you connect with other participants.

Can beginners or families participate?

Yes. The Run for the Trees virtual 5K is beginner-friendly.
Families, walkers, and casual participants are welcome.

How does my registration support Tennessee?

When you select Tennessee, funds support tree planting and forest restoration.
Projects benefit Tennessee State Parks and natural areas statewide.

Why Building and Maintaining Tennessee Trails Matters

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

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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Kids in Parks: Opening Tennessee State Parks to the Next Generation

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

Students learning outdoors in front of an accessible classroom at a Tennessee State Park through the Kids in Parks program

Every child deserves the chance to experience the outdoors. At Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, the Kids in Parks program exists to make that possible.

In 2025, together, we sent more than 5,000 students to Tennessee State Parks through Kids in Parks. Many of these students had never visited a state park before.

These experiences open doors to learning, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature.

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Giving Tuesday: Three Powerful Ways to Make an Impact in Tennessee’s State Parks

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy, Ways to Give.

Visitors gazing at a Tennessee mountain and forest landscape from a trail overlook.

Giving Tuesday inspires people everywhere to embrace generosity and support the places and causes that matter most to them. Each year, millions join this global movement to celebrate community, kindness, and the power of giving. For Tennesseans, Giving Tuesday offers a meaningful chance to protect the state parks that shape our families, memories, and outdoor traditions.

Tennessee State Parks Conservancy works year-round to protect the trails, educational programs, and accessible experiences that make our parks special. Giving Tuesday fuels this mission by bringing people together to create shared impact. This blog explores ways you can participate, including giving, volunteering, or forming a giving circle to support the long-term health of Tennessee State Parks.

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Tennessee Trails: A Legacy That Still Needs You

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

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

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . 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.

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

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . 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.

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Featuring the Best Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park 

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . 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.

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