Tennessee State Parks Conservancy

05/30/2026

Featured Park: Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park 🌲

Tucked away near Sparta, Tennessee, Scott’s Gulf is one of the state’s newest and most breathtaking natural spaces—officially becoming Tennessee’s 60th State Park in May 2025.

This rugged landscape offers something truly special for those who love to explore.
From the 40-foot Lost Creek Falls to sweeping views at Welch’s Point Overlook and Yellow Bluffs, every trail showcases Tennessee’s natural beauty.

For those seeking a challenge, the 8.6-mile hike to Virgin Falls is a rewarding journey through dramatic terrain, unique geology, and rich history, including the Beacher Wallace Homestead.

You’ll also find:
🥾 Scenic trails through Dog Cove
💧 Waterfall views and hidden cascades
🚣 Opportunities to float the crisp Caney Fork River
🏕️ Backcountry campsites for experienced hikers

And for added convenience, a shuttle service is available to help complete a one-way hike to Virgin Falls (registration required).

As we celebrate National Trails Day on June 8, it’s the perfect time to explore places like Scott’s Gulf—and reflect on the importance of protecting them.

📍 Have you explored Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park yet?

📸Lost Creek Falls

05/28/2026

Experience one of Appalachia’s most breathtaking landscapes alongside retired Ranger Naturalist, historian, and author Jennifer Bauer.

On June 27, journey through the beauty, history, and rare ecology of Roan Mountain State Park during this exclusive guided experience presented by Tennessee State Parks Conservancy.

From the world-famous rhododendron gardens to the historic Cloudland Hotel site and the scenic Roan High Bluff, guests will explore one of the Southeast’s most treasured mountain landscapes while discovering the stories and rare species that make Roan truly unforgettable.

Space is limited for this special Appalachian experience.

The event is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today!
📲https://bit.ly/4vmiz3H

Guided tour of Roan Mountain with author Jennifer Bauer, exploring its gardens, history, rare plants, and sweeping TN–NC views.

05/28/2026

If you’ve ever stood at the top of a Tennessee trail and taken in the view…you know the feeling.

The peace.
The quiet.
That connection to something bigger.

With over 1,300 miles of trails across Tennessee State Parks, these spaces require constant care—especially after storms, erosion, and heavy use.

That’s why the Trail Pack was created. 💚

A community of people just like you who love these places and want to protect them for generations.
Your support helps:

✔ Build and maintain trails
✔ Keep paths safe and accessible
✔ Train future trail builders

Donate $35+ and receive an exclusive 2026 Trail Pack sticker to show your support wherever you go.

📍 Give back to the trails that have given so much. Join the Trail Pack today!
https://tnstateparksconservancy.org/tennessee-state-parks-trails/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s a day rooted in reflection. A day to slow down and appreciate the moments we often take for granted.

Across Tennessee, many families will gather outdoors—walking trails, sitting by the water, sharing time together in places that bring a sense of peace.

These moments matter.

However you choose to spend the day, we hope it’s filled with gratitude, connection, and time well spent with those who matter most.

🌲 Looking to get outside this holiday? Explore Memorial Day events across Tennessee State Parks: 🔗 tnstateparks.com

📷Tennessee Photographs Pickwick Landing State Park

05/23/2026

Tucked inside Johnsonville State Historic Park is something truly special…

The Waggoner Letters.

This collection of personal letters, photographs, and writings offers a rare, firsthand look at everyday life in Johnsonville in the 1920s.

These aren’t just documents—they’re real stories. Moments in time. A connection to the people who came before us.

From January through March, conservation work continued to carefully clean, preserve, and digitize these fragile materials, ensuring they are protected for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

This work is made possible through donations to the My TN State Park Fundraiser. 🌳Because when you support our parks, you’re also helping preserve Tennessee’s history.

📍 If you’d like to learn more or view the collection, visit Johnsonville State Historic Park

05/14/2026

Your support in action!

Park staff at Cumberland Mountain State Park recently installed new pedestrian bridges to help visitors cross safely while exploring the park's trails.

Funding from the My TN State Parks Fundraiser helped purchase a winch that staff used to pull bridge materials into place during construction — making projects like this possible.

We love sharing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into caring for Tennessee State Parks and improving visitor experience. 💚

Throughout the year, we’ll continue to highlight projects made possible by your generous support.

05/12/2026

“What are you going to do with it?”

That question came up more than once over the years when people talked about Cardwell Mountain.

Now there’s an answer.

Cardwell Mountain has officially been named a Tennessee State Archaeological Park — becoming just the third park of its kind in the state system.

This land holds over 5,000 years of Tennessee history. Long before roads and towns, Indigenous communities lived here, leaving behind stories and sacred spaces that still matter today. The mountain also carries more recent history tied to farming, orchards, and the families who made a life here.

The landscape itself is incredible, too, sitting above Cumberland Caverns where the Eastern Highland Rim meets the Cumberland Plateau.

The park is not open to the public yet. Right now, the focus is on protecting the archaeological sites and preparing it for future visitors.

Representatives from the Conservancy attended the dedication and captured the video and photos from this important day in Tennessee history and conservation.

Some things are worth slowing down to protect. This is one of them.

Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park

05/08/2026

There’s something special about exploring a place alongside the people who know its stories best. 🌿

Conservancy supporters recently gathered at Cummins Falls State Park for an exclusive hike led by retired and current park staff, who shared the history, natural beauty, and hidden details that make this park meaningful.

Along peaceful woodland trails, hikers discovered native plants such as brown jug and rattlesnake ferns as they enjoyed a spring morning amid Tennessee’s remarkable landscape. Conversations, stories, and shared appreciation for the outdoors made the experience even more memorable. 💚

Support from Conservancy members helps create opportunities like this while protecting and preserving Tennessee State Parks for future generations.

Learn more about future hikes and events, https://tnstateparksconservancy.org/exclusive-tennessee-state-parks-events-final-days-to-support-your-favorite-tn-state-park/

05/06/2026

What does it really take to lead a search-and-rescue mission in the wild?

On May 16, you can have the chance to step into the role of a park ranger alongside retired Chief Ranger Shane Petty — working through a real 426-day SAR case from Tennessee State Parks.

You’ll make the calls, coordinate the response, and experience the kind of pressure rangers face when every decision matters.

It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to protect people and our parks.

Register now for this exclusive May 16 experience. This Nashville event is free; spots are limited. Eventbrite at https://go.bear.agency/ExclusiveHike-Ranger

Become a ranger for a day and tackle a real 426‑day search‑and‑rescue case guided by retired Chief Ranger Shane Petty.