Did you know there are SIX newly opened or soon-to-open Tennessee state parks? This means new trails, boardwalks, and waterfalls to explore. Get ready to start planning a few road trips! Image: Valley Vista Drones
For 88 years, Tennessee State Parks has proudly protected the natural spaces that millions cherish for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Since 1937, the system has grown to encompass 60 unique state parks, each deeply intertwined with the communities it serves, while welcoming visitors worldwide. Tennessee is one of only a few states offering free admission to its state parks. By adding more parks and helping more people connect to the outdoors, it’s working toward becoming the most accessible state park system in the nation. Here are three recently opened Tennessee state parks and a few more coming soon.
PinFrom the park rangers saving lives and educating youth to the maintenance crews making Tennessee state parks shine, the people behind the Tennessee State Parks‘ mission are invaluable. Image: Tennessee Drone Services Inc.
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Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park
Opened May 9, 2025
Tennessee’s 60th state park opened last month, and it’s garnering lots of buzz. Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park encompasses popular, picturesque spots like Virgin Falls and Lost Creek State Natural Area. This stunning park near Sparta, Tennessee, protects over 9,500 acres of waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and the Caney Fork River. Visitors can hike, paddle, backpack, and chase waterfalls to their hearts’ content.
PinScott’s Gulf carves out a dramatic canyon along the Caney Fork River and Walden’s Ridge. This rugged wonder features panoramic vistas at Welch’s Point, pictured here. Image: Hannah Carroll, UCDD
The peaceful Lost Creek Falls and the must-hike 110-foot Virgin Falls are just two of the park’s water oases within sprawling old-growth forests and striking karst formations. You’ll find four primitive campgrounds (including 14 backcountry sites around Virgin Falls), access to the Caney Fork River at Mitchell Ford, and historic Dog Cove trails — all ready for use. Plus, for the adventurous: whitewater thrills (Class IV and V rapids), trout fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting in one of Tennessee’s biodiversity hotspots.
Restrooms, a visitor center perched atop Bon Air Mountain, expanded trails, overlooks, more backcountry campsites, and trailhead improvements are coming soon. On the heels of its exciting grand opening celebrations, this park is already delivering an economic boost to White County, drawing outdoor lovers and driving local business growth.
PinScott’s Gulf blends jaw-dropping scenery, rugged adventure, and deep conservation roots, perfect for explorers craving wild beauty close to Nashville. Image: Hannah Carroll, UCDD
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park
Opened on September 5, 2024North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park is a breathtaking 6,000‑acre canyon carved into the sandstone of Walden’s Ridge. It spans 10 miles of steep slopes, towering bluffs, and the wild waters of a Tennessee State Scenic River. This park has been a state natural area since 1999 and recently earned status as Tennessee’s 59th state park thanks to its prime whitewater kayaking, trout fishing, and outdoor adventure appeal.
PinSpend the day exploring over 20 miles of hiking and mountain‑bike trails, plus there are four backcountry campsites to connect with old‑growth forests, rare plant species, and diverse wildlife. Image: Valley Vista Drones
Nestled 15 miles north of Chattanooga across Hamilton and Sequatchie counties, it’s the rugged southern gateway to the famed 300‑mile Cumberland Trail. It’s a key link in Chattanooga’s growing connection to the Great Eastern Trail, a project working with the American Hiking Society and local trail partners to create America’s newest long-distance trail for hikers from Alabama to New York. The park’s new greenways in Hixson now tie the canyon into the larger network.
PinImproved parking, a visitor center, an ADA-accessible viewing platform, and new trail upgrades are coming soon to this diverse new Tennessee State Park. Image: Valley Vista Drones
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
Middle Fork Bottoms State Park
Opened on August 12, 2024Middle Fork Bottoms in Madison County is another exciting new Tennessee state park near Jackson, TN. Spanning 1,200 acres of lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairie, it’s a dream for walkers, bikers, and paddlers alike. Born from a 2018 floodplain restoration project, the park has blossomed into a thriving ecosystem, with 250,000 newly planted hardwood trees, over 200 acres of wetlands, and two miles of restored stream.
PinA visitor center, more boardwalks, and boat launches are all in the works. Middle Fork Bottoms is quickly becoming a must-stop for both locals and road-trippers. Image: Facebook
Four fishing spots, five miles of trails, and paddle access to the Middle Fork Forked Deer River make it an outdoor playground for nature lovers and a hot spot for birders. More than 170 bird species (herons, egrets, red-winged blackbirds, and more), white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and a few freshwater mussel species can be found here. It’s also home to endangered species like the Indiana bat and whorled sunflower.
PinOnce intensely farmed (sod, row crops, hogs), the land was prone to repeated flooding. In 2018, the West Tennessee River Basin Authority spearheaded its transformation into a multi-use nature area, designed to flood naturally and support wildlife while protecting downstream communities. Image: Tennessee Drone Services Inc.
MORE TENNESSEE STATE PARKS TO COME
Ocoee River State Park
Hiwassee Scenic River State Park and Ocoee River State Park were managed jointly as Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, but they will soon be two separate state parks, adding one to the list. You may remember when the Ocoee River hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom events, making it the only natural river in the U.S. to host an Olympic event. The 2.5-mile Olympic whitewater course is still a massive draw for thrill-seekers worldwide.
The two-park change highlights each river’s unique character and ecosystems. It also means that resources and staff can specialize, whether that’s overseeing Hiwassee’s conservation efforts or coordinating Whitewater programs on the Ocoee.
PinKeep an eye out! Within the next year or so, signage and websites should start featuring Hiwassee State Scenic River State Park and Ocoee River State Park as standalone destinations. Image: Tennessee State Parks
Devil’s Backbone State Park
Devil’s Backbone State Park is set to emerge from the existing 950-acre Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area, nestled alongside the Natchez Trace Parkway in Lewis County. This rugged slice of the Western Highland Rim showcases rare and high-quality second- and third-growth forests filled with oaks, hickories, beeches, tulip poplars, and even shortleaf pines, making it ecologically significant and scenically stunning.
Head of the Crow State Park
Spanning 4,258 acres across Franklin County, this new park has been carved out of South Cumberland State Park and joins together four state natural areas to provide additional and improved outdoor recreation opportunities for park goers.
The four areas are: Sherwood Forest State Natural Area (which protects endangered and threatened plant and animal species), the Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee Carter State Natural Area (with its significant cave system), Natural Bridge State Natural Area (and its 25-foot high natural sandstone arch spanning 50 feet), and Hawkins Cove State Natural Area (which protects the Cumberland rosinweed, a type of sunflower found only on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau).
Plan a trip to explore the Volunteer State’s new and accessible state parks! Sign up for emails from Tennessee State Parks for all the up-to-date info on future park openings.
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint freelance writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant since 2012. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.
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