A remarkable stretch of Northeast Tennessee is now protected as Tennessee’s newest state park.
Clinch River Valley State Park officially became Tennessee’s 67th state park in August 2026. Located in Hancock County, the park protects land along the biologically diverse Clinch River.
The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy helped acquire key properties that made the new park and public river access possible.
For those who support the Conservancy, this is what protecting Tennessee’s public lands can look like.
Located in Limestone, Tennessee, David Crockett Birthplace State Park encompasses 105 acres along the scenic Nolichucky River. Established in 1973, the park preserves the birthplace and legacy of one of Tennessee’s most celebrated frontiersmen.
While the Friends of David Crockett Birthplace State Park formally established the organization in 2021, community efforts to honor and protect Crockett’s birthplace date back to the 1880s. According to Friends Group President Will Vogt, generations of local residents have worked to preserve this important piece of Tennessee history for future generations.
The first light of morning breaks quietly over the ridgeline. It’s the kind of moment most visitors might pass by. But not Ron and Jeanne Zucker. For them, this is the reason to arrive early, wait patiently, and return again and again to Tennessee’s state parks with cameras in hand and curiosity intact.
“Photography has changed the way we experience the outdoors. Rather than taking a glance and walking by on a trail, we really linger and study the place. We go back to those parks again because we know they are going to change,” said Ron.
Looking for the best hiking trails in Tennessee? From family-friendly waterfall walks to rugged backcountry adventures, Tennessee’s parks offer some of the most scenic and rewarding hiking experiences in the Southeast.
With 65 parks and more than 1,300 miles of trails, outdoor enthusiasts have endless opportunities to explore waterfalls, forests, mountain overlooks, rivers, and diverse wildlife habitats. Whether you’re searching for easy hikes near Nashville, scenic waterfall trails, or challenging wilderness treks, you’ll find a trail suited to every skill level and interest.
The state’s park network continues to grow while preserving places that showcase Tennessee’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. In June 2026, Tennessee welcomed its newest addition, Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park in Meigs County, creating even more opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and historical interpretation.
Whether you’re planning your first hike or searching for your next outdoor challenge, these trails deserve a spot on your Tennessee adventure list.
What if a single day outside could change how a child learns, thinks, and sees the world? Do you remember the first time you spotted wildlife, followed a trail, or stepped into a creek? Today, we know that outdoor education benefits kids in powerful, lasting ways, yet too many children never get the chance to experience it.
These lasting childhood memories don’t come from screens—they come from adventure, from exploring the outdoors. They come from muddy knees, shared laughter on a trail, and teachers turning nature into a living classroom. These moments don’t just create memories; they shape how children see the world.
Today, ensuring kids have access to those moments matters more than ever.
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.
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.
“As a teacher, this is the type of field trip I have been waiting for.”
This year, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy supported a field trip design that incorporates STEM learning and habitat improvement for declining Bobwhite quail. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It represents an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for future careers and connects kids to conservation.
Field trips are crucial for middle school STEM lessons because they provide hands-on experiences. As a result, students bring theoretical concepts to life. They also interact directly with STEM concepts, which deepens understanding and sparks curiosity.
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.
David Crockett Birthplace State Park is rising again.
After catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, this historic Tennessee landmark now stands at a defining moment. The park, located near Limestone in Greene County, marks the 1786 birthplace of David Crockett — frontiersman, congressman, and Alamo defender.
Today, the Tennessee State Park Conservancy is playing a key role in the bold restoration effort to rebuild the park stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.
