Programs

We support projects and programs that span multiple parks. We help fill in the gaps for parks that don’t have a Friends group, and work in alliance with those that do. We host programs and raise money to support educational opportunities, health initiatives and special park projects that preserve, protect and enhance the 57 state parks across Tennessee.

Learn more about Tennessee State Park Conservancy programs:

Parks Accessibility

Tennessee State Parks is actively working towards providing more accessible facilities, amenities, and programs to accommodate visitors with various needs and reducing barriers to outdoor recreation.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is dedicated to supporting Tennessee State Parks fulfill this commitment by providing funding for various initiatives and projects aimed at improving accessibility within the parks. Examples of this funding include:

Trail-Ready Wheelchairs

The all-terrain wheelchairs at Tennessee State Parks are free to the public and will allow children and adults to access trails that traditional wheelchairs might not reach.

Support for Henry Horton State Park’s wheelchair provided by Hays Foundation:

Support for Tims Ford State Parks and Radnor Lake State Park’s wheelchairs provided by Tennessee Valley Authority.

Accessible Kayak And Canoe Launches

Tennessee State Parks is installing accessible kayak/canoe launches in several state parks to help make paddling more accessible for people with disabilities.

Support for David Crockett State Park’s kayak and canoe launch provided by Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction for this launch will begin this fall.

Trail Assessments:

Tennessee State Parks aims to undergo trail assessment using assessment tools, enabling one individual to collect detailed and accurate trail and feature data at an average of one mile per hour. The assessment will help trail users know the challenges to trails, which would be appropriate for their skill level and the ones that can be accessed by all-terrain wheelchairs. Tennessee State Parks Conservancy acquired one of these tools this summer for parks’ use. We are hoping to raise the funds for a second assessment tool.

Your donation can help increase access to outdoor recreation so that all individuals can enjoy the natural wonders and recreational opportunities that state parks offer. Make a difference today!

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Kids in Parks

Kids in Parks encourages more opportunities for children to visit our TN State Parks and explore the outdoors. It provides support to eliminate barriers that children from underserved communities may face, such as transportation, supervision and/or supplies.

We work with public school systems across the state to make immersive and educational field trips happen by covering transportation costs.

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Of the students from metropolitan areas who have been on these trips, 75% of them had never been on a hiking trail.

We are also supporting those parks programs that are tied to state academic requirements.

Please support our efforts to provide transportation, materials and staff support for these students.

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Storybook Trails

Tennessee State Parks Storybook Trails tell a nature-themed story with signs placed at a child’s height on a short trail at a park. In addition to promoting literacy, and parent/guardian engagement, Storybook Trails encourage us to connect with nature and engage in a healthy, outdoor activity.

The first Storybook Trail in a Tennessee State Park was developed and executed by Leslie Anne Rawlings, Ranger at Long Hunter State Park. With her guidance, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy was able to expand the program to other parks. Funding and implementation have varied, but largely funded by the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. We currently have 19 trails in and want to expand across the state of Tennessee! Want to see a map of our Storybook Trails?