Future Tennessee State Parks
Future Tennessee State Parks
The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation proudly preserves and protects the state's natural and cultural resources.
Across Tennessee, these regions encompass dense forests, rolling hills, serene water bodies, and unique ecosystems, while highlighting the state's rich history and heritage.
State parks serve not only as important venues for outdoor recreation but also as significant contributors to local economies, public health, and quality of life. Tennessee State Parks is committed to providing a quality state parks system, including the opportunity to grow the state parks system and ensure increased access for both residents of Tennessee and visitors to our state.
Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park
Located in Roane County, Fort Southwest Point will become the newest state historic park in Tennessee. This 39.7-acre site is currently open and accessible to the public to experience the deep history of this location. Operation will continue under Kingston City Parks as initial activities are conducted to develop as a state park.
Fort Southwest Point was constructed in 1797 by federal troops to replace an earlier blockhouse in what was then the “Southwest Territory” of the nation. The garrison housed federal infantry, artillery, and other units. From 1801 to 1807, it served as the headquarters for the Cherokee Indian agent, Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs who also served as military agent for the federal troops in Tennessee. The fort was used as a supply depot until it was abandoned in 1811. Fort Southwest Point was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 for its historical and archaeological significance.
Clinch River Valley State Park
The Clinch River is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the country and is deemed one of “The Last Great Places” by The Nature Conservancy in the 1990s. The rolling hills, high rock cliffs, bottomland forest, and mountainous terrain provide a perfect landscape for a park anchored by a blueway, allowing Tennessee State Parks to showcase one of Tennessee’s most unique features: its abundance of water.
Located roughly 70 miles northeast of Knoxville and 50 miles west of Kingsport, Clinch River Valley State Park will provide residents and visitors with notable outdoor recreation opportunities.
Buffalo River State Park
Located in the rolling hills and river bends of Wayne County near the Perry County line, the proposed Buffalo River State Park offers visitors a place to reconnect with the land. Spanning 448 acres, this remarkable property weaves together open pastures, wooded hillsides, and more than two miles of pristine river frontage—including the largest horseshoe bend on the Buffalo River.
At least 48 rare plant and animal species have been documented in the area, and with this permanent protection, the state will ensure future generations can experience and explore this wildlife haven.
Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park
Currently co-managed by Rock Island State Park, Division of Archaeology, and Division of Natural Areas, Cardwell Mountain is a 530-acre property in Warren County known for its archaeological and historical significance.
Cardwell Mountain sits atop Cumberland Caverns, one of the largest cave systems in North America, and is bounded to the south by the Collins River. It is one of the highest landforms in Warren County at 1883 feet.
Dry Branch State Park
Dry Branch is a 2,169-acre natural area in Lewis County on the Western Highland Rim acquired from The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee in 2007. Dry Branch contains several rare plants, including the largest and least disturbed population of the federally endangered Tennessee yellow-eyed grass known in Tennessee.
Dry Branch is located at the intersection of Hickman, Lewis, and Perry Counties.
Cherokee Trail of Tears Memorial State Park
The future Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park builds on an existing place of reflection, learning, and connection, where visitors gather to honor those who suffered and those who persevered along what has become known as the “Trail of Tears.” Located in Meigs County at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers near the historic Blythe Ferry crossing, the park represents a site of deep cultural and historical significance.
Tennessee State Parks is honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and protecting this important place. As a recognized interpretive site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, the park will expand opportunities to share the story of the Cherokee people’s forced removal while conserving significant lands and providing access to the Tennessee River for recreation. Through continued interpretation and stewardship, the park will further educate visitors about this defining chapter in Tennessee’s history while highlighting the region’s natural resources.
State Parks That Have Recently Opened
Devil's Backbone State Park
Devil’s Backbone State Park, located in Lewis County, Tennessee, is an exceptional destination for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Situated adjacent to the National Park Service’s Natchez Trace Parkway, the park includes the existing Devil's Backbone State Natural Area. This 950-acre natural area is currently open to the public and offers a moderately strenuous three-mile trail that showcases the area’s impressive natural beauty.
Distinguished by its rich biodiversity, Devil’s Backbone features diverse ecological communities representative of the Western Highland Rim. The park is positioned along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway and is an ideal stop for visitors on cycling trips or leisurely scenic drives.
Building on the remarkable features of the state's natural area, Devil’s Backbone State Park is set to become a premier destination in Tennessee, offering unique opportunities for recreation and education in a stunning natural setting.
Head of the Crow State Park
Currently managed as part of South Cumberland State Park, Head of the Crow State Park is 4,258 acres located in Franklin County, containing the headwaters of Crow Creek. This park joins together the following four state natural areas to provide more and better outdoor recreation opportunities:
