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Tag: Tennessee State Parks

My TN State Park 2025 Final Results: Celebrating a Remarkable Year of Support for Tennessee’s Natural Treasures

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

The My TN State Park fundraiser brought a remarkable year of community support and park improvements.

Tennessee State Parks mean something special to each of us. From hiking trails to family picnics, these natural spaces give us room to breathe, play, and reconnect. In 2025, the My TN State Park Fundraiser gave park lovers a chance to show how much they care, and their response made it a remarkable year. Through generous donations, supporters showed appreciation, improved their favorite parks, and championed continued investment in Tennessee’s outdoor future.

A Remarkable Year of Support for Tennessee State Parks

The 2025 My TN State Park Fundraiser brought in strong support from across Tennessee, with 1,305 donors contributing $109,394. Each donation doubled as a vote, letting supporters back the parks they love in a fun and interactive way.

This engaging format helped raise essential funds while sparking friendly competition and deeper connections to Tennessee State Parks statewide. Every dollar will support meaningful projects that preserve our state’s natural beauty and enhance park experiences for future generations.

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Make a Difference This World Environment Day: 5 Ways to Support Sustainability

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Volunteers who make a difference by planting trees during a community conservation event

World Environment Day reminds us how vital it is to protect the natural beauty surrounding us, especially right here in Tennessee. At Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, we support sustainable practices that preserve our state’s public lands, scenic trails, and water systems for future generations. Here’s how you can help make a difference:

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Why We Love Running in Nature

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Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Board Chair Supporting Run for the Trees, the Bob Ross 5K

Running in nature offers more than physical benefits; it reconnects us with the natural world. The biophilia hypothesis suggests humans have an innate desire to connect with nature, and trail running satisfies this urge. Unlike treadmill workouts, trail running engages our senses with the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and the scent of flowers, trees, and nature.

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Expanding Accessibility with Adult-Sized Changing Tables

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Inspires Giving to Ensure Everyone Can Enjoy the Outdoors

In December 2024, Tennessee State Parks proudly announced the expanding of accessibility by installing adult-sized changing tables at four additional state parks. These vital additions bring the total number of parks equipped with the tables to 10, enhancing accessibility for individuals of all abilities and their caregivers.

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59 Parks, 12 Months: A Journey Through Tennessee’s Natural Wonders

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Ron Hees sitting on an overlook viewing one of Tennessee's natural wonders

In 2024, Ron Hees visited all 59 Tennessee State Parks, facing challenges, enjoying stunning landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories. He noticed young students on field trips, reconnected with childhood experiences, and discovered pieces of Tennessee’s rich history. Montgomery Bell’s visit revealed the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s roots, while ArcheoFest at Pinson Mounds showcased vibrant energy. Each park offered unique experiences, deepening his appreciation for Tennessee’s natural wonders.

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Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Gratitude at Tennessee State Parks Conservancy

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

image of four male officials at Red Clay State Historic Park at the ribbon cutting for the new Augmented Reality Exhibit about the Cherokee people.

As the year draws to a close, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all we’ve achieved together in 2024. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you and the dedication of our incredible Tennessee State Parks team, we’ve celebrated monumental milestones. For this, we have been gratefully reflecting on a year of progress and gratitude.

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Giving Tuesday: The Power of Collective Giving

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Giving Tuesday for Tennessee State Parks Conservancy

Giving Tuesday, held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a global movement celebrating the spirit of generosity and community. Launched in 2012 as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to support causes they care about, whether through donations, volunteer work, or acts of kindness. Its impact is profound. Last year alone, over $3 billion was donated in just one day, demonstrating the power of collective giving.

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Our State Park System is Growing!

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on . Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

North Chickamauga CreekGorge becomes Tennesse's 59th State Park

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. 
More About Future State Parks