Tag: Support Tennessee State Parks

What It Takes to Create a Tennessee State Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on October 8, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Tennessee State Parks staff gather at the site of a future state park/Ryan Jenkins

During Governor Bill Lee’s second term, Tennesseans have witnessed unprecedented growth in the state park system.

Through legislative support and a bold vision for state parks, Lee’s administration has funded a record-setting 15 new state parks. This marks the greatest number of new state parks established under a single administration in Tennessee State Parks history.

These new parks are located across the state.

How did officials select the new state park locations? How do they establish a plan for opening them? And what will each park highlight about Tennessee’s landscape or important historical events?

We asked Chris Padgett, Director of Tennessee State Parks, and Ryan Jenkins, Deputy Director of Park Operations, to walk us through the journey.

Conservancy’s Donors Help Make Tennessee’s 67th State Park Possible

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on October 8, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

The State of Tennessee are granted a non-exclusive license to use the photos in any marketing or promotional context, including but not limited to: social media, websites, printed materials, email campaigns, presentations, signage, and releases to media outlets in perpetuity. This does not include use on items intended for sale (e.g., t-shirts, prints, or other merchandise) without additional permission. Credit: Matt Morrison

Clinch River Valley State Park at Horton Ford/Matt Morrison

This August marked the culmination of a dream for the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. We joined state and local leaders to dedicate Clinch River Valley State Park in Kyles Ford, TN.

Through the support of donors like you, the Conservancy was able to help secure two key properties along the Clinch River in Hancock County. These properties are helping make Tennessee’s newest state park a reality.

5 Tennessee State Parks Where Fall and Donor Impact Meet

Written by Marketing on September 25, 2026. Posted in Tennessee State Parks, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Fall leaves surrounding a wooded trail in a Tennessee State Park

The first day of fall usually sends our thoughts toward cooler hikes, changing leaves, and weekends outside.

Tennessee offers plenty of places to enjoy the season. Some of these places also show how donor support improves the parks and public lands we visit.

These projects are not always obvious. Visitors may cross a repaired bridge or follow a restored trail without noticing the work.

That quiet progress deserves attention.

Here are five places where fall scenery comes with a meaningful story about conservation, preservation, and access.

Exclusive Tennessee State Parks Events + Final Days to Support Your Favorite TN State Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on April 27, 2026. Posted in My TN State Park, Tennessee State Parks Events, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Roan Moutnain State Park with veiws of Tennessee and North Carolina

Spring is one of the most extraordinary times to experience Tennessee State Parks, and this year, it comes with some rare opportunities.

The Conservancy is introducing immersive experiences that connect supporters to the landscapes they help protect. These events begin a more intentional approach, offering curated, insider access for those who support Tennessee State Parks.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty in a deeper, more meaningful way, this is your moment.

Support Tennessee State Parks in April: Donate, Vote, and Make an Impact

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on March 30, 2026. Posted in Kids In Parks, My TN State Park, TN State Parks Conservancy, Trail Pack.

Hikers walking along a Tennessee State Park trail with wildflowers in bloom

This April, you have a powerful opportunity to support Tennessee State Parks, the places that bring peace, adventure, and connection to nature.

Through the My TN State Parks campaign 2026, your donation directly funds trails, outdoor education, and conservation efforts across all 63 state parks.

Every dollar you give creates real impact.

Friends of Harrison Bay State Park: Tennessee’s Oldest State Park and a Dedicated Friends Group

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

There people stand in front of bench at state park.

Tennessee’s oldest state park has a strong, vibrant Friends group. Harrison Bay State Park spans 1,200 acres and includes nearly 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline. TVA originally developed it as a recreation area in the 1930s.

The park’s name comes from a large bay along the Tennessee River’s main channel. That bay covers the old town of Harrison and the last Cherokee Campground. The Cherokee Campground included three villages ruled by one of the last great Cherokee chieftains.

Harrison Bay became Tennessee’s first state park in 1937. Today, it sits in Hamilton County near Chattanooga.

World War I History Comes Alive at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Historical Reenactors stand on battle field.

This state park honors its namesake, Alvin Cullum York, one of the most decorated U.S. Army soldiers of World War I. Located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, the state established Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in 1967 after York’s wife, Gracie, donated their farm. The park also preserves York’s two-story house, general store, and post office.

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

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Aerial image of Horse Shoe Bend, a horse shoe shaped river.

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.

How Donor Support Transformed Tennessee State Parks in 2025

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 18, 2026. Posted in My TN State Park, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Roan Mountain State Park staff at Storybook Trail ribbon cutting for ‘Benny the Hellbender’ giant storybook

The My TN State Parks Annual Fundraiser continues to transform parks across Tennessee. In 2025, donor support created measurable impact statewide. Your gifts strengthened conservation, improved public safety, enhanced wildlife care, and expanded family-friendly education. If you want to support Tennessee State Parks, your donation funds projects like these. As we prepare for the April 1, 2026, campaign kickoff, we celebrate what your generosity made possible.

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

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on November 24, 2025. 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.

Tag: Support Tennessee State Parks

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