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Our State Park System is Growing!

It’s an exciting time for Tennessee State Parks as our state park system is growing! During Gov. Lee’s State of the State address in February, he announced plans to open four new state parks, with a goal to fund an additional eight. This fall, two new parks opened, bringing the total number of state parks in Tennessee to 59.

In August, Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in Madison County was dedicated. Conservation of this 1,000-acre tract had begun since the Conservancy’s Executive Director, Alex Wyss, toured the property in 2015 with TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. At the time, Commissioner Salyers was the head of the West TN River Basin Authority. The vision was to take flood-prone marginal farmland, restore more natural flows, and demonstrate the multiple benefits wetlands provide. It is nothing short of amazing to see how the community has worked together to create a unique state park that is already highly popular for fishing, biking, kayaking, and walking. 

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park was dedicated in September. It spans nearly 6,000 acres in north Hamilton and Sequatchie counties and is home to miles of trails, kayaking, and the popular Blue Hole swimming spot. Previously, the state managed the natural area as part of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. It is Tennessee’s 59th designated state park.

Additional future parks include:

  • Devil’s Backbone State Park in Lewis County
  • Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park in Roane County
  • Head of the Crow State Park in Franklin County
  • Hiwassee Scenic River State Park & Ocoee River State Park — Currently managed jointly as Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park (Polk County)
  • Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park. 

Enriching Youth Lives Through the Power of Parks

This summer, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy launched a program to benefit youth mental health while expanding its year-round engagement with Tennessee’s youth. By increasing involvement, the Conservancy aims to help youth and families from historically marginalized communities access the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor public spaces.

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Connecting Chattanooga Youth with Nature: An Interview with Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Executive Director Alex Wyss

There’s something magical about the great outdoors, and a new program in Chattanooga is helping kids discover it firsthand. The program, spearheaded by the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, is connecting Chattanooga Youth with nature. As well as fostering a love for the environment and an appreciation for the natural beauty around them.

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North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Becomes Tennessee’s 59th State Park

It’s an exciting time for conservation in Tennessee! North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, formerly a state natural area, has been officially designated as Tennessee’s 59th state park. Located 15 miles north of Chattanooga, this stunning park safeguards nearly 6,000 acres of dramatic sandstone bluffs and North Chickamauga Creek—a Tennessee State Scenic River.

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Explore Tennessee State Parks Conservancy: Preserving Nature for Future Generations

Tennessee has 59 breathtaking state parks featuring everything from cascading waterfalls to serene lakes and lush forests. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (TSPC) strives to enhance these natural wonders by helping ensure they remain pristine and accessible for future generations. Their mission is to safeguard the long-term health of our lands and communities while making Tennessee’s state park experiences available to everyone. Explore Tennessee State Parks Conservancy and help preserve our natural heritage for the future.

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Alex Wyss New Executive Director

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy proudly announces the appointment of Alex Wyss as its new Executive Director, effective May 1, 2024. With over 30 years’ experience in conservation and fundraising, Wyss brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, where he will lead the Conservancy’s fundraising and preservation efforts to inspire the next generation and expand access to the natural wonders of Tennessee State Parks.

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Exploring Nature’s Classroom: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Remember those awe-inspiring childhood field trips where your textbook science lesson came to life right in front of you? That is what the Kids in Parks Program is all about – creating unforgettable moments for the next generation through investments in educational adventures at Tennessee State Parks. This program supports what we know: allowing kids to explore nature’s classroom is crucial to inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

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Parks of Possibility: Creating New Memories at Radnor Lake State Park

Will and Candie Ferrell Discuss the Transformative Power of Community at Radnor Lake State Park’s All-Terrain Wheelchair Unveiling Event


Candie Ferrell and her son Will both foster a deep connection with nature, engaging in recreational opportunities and serving as stewards of their community. Their shared love for the Tennessee state parks system is not unique. The Ferrells are like any other family with a passion for the outdoors, except that their experiences differ from most.

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