Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is proposing the state spend $207 million on state parks, blueways development, farmland conservation and outdoor recreation in this year’s budget.
Lee noted in his state of the state speech that investing in state parks is a cornerstone of his conservation efforts and the budget would allow for eight new state parks including Hiwassee Scenic River, Ocoee River, Head of the Crow, Fort Southwest and Cardwell Mountain.
Read more in Lee’s budget proposal includes $207M for Tennessee parks, conservation by Jon Styf – The Center Square.

Gov. Lee’s FY24-25 agenda includes:
- $63 million to create four new Tennessee State Parks, with the goal of funding a total of eight new state parks by the time Governor Lee leaves office, tying a Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration
- $20 million to expand blueway trail access, which will drive tourism and economic activity across our rural communities
- $20 million to improve water quality at rivers, lakes and streams across the state, making them safe for future generations to enjoy and the Bill Dance Signature Lakes Fishing Trail
- $25 million to establish the Farmland Conservation Fund, partnering with farmers to place a conservation easement on their land to preserve and protect Tennessee for future generations
- $5 million to protect and enhance scenic beauty along our major highways
$3 million for Access 2030 to make Tennessee State Parks accessible to Tennesseans with disabilities
Read Governor Lee’s entire State of the State address at Chattanoogan.com.
New state parks planned for the Cumberland region include:
- North Chickamauga Creek Gorge
- Scott’s Gulf Wilderness
Learn more about these two here.
- Cardwell Mountain
The 530-acre Cardwell Mountain property, near McMinnville, was acquired in 2021 and includes a Native American earthen monument, rock art site and archaeological sites, as well as a unique upland plateau and mountainous landscape that is bounded by the Collins River. While currently not open to the public, the budget includes funding for a visitors’ center and other amenities.
- Head of the Crow
Located in Franklin County, this park would include over 4,000 acres that are currently managed as part of the South Cumberland State Park and contain the headwaters for Crow Creek. It includes the current Carter State Natural Area and the Sherwood Forest State Natural Area. The budget includes funding for infrastructure, a visitors’ center and other amenities.
Watch a Tennessee’s Wild Side video about the Sherwood Forest SNA.
A detailed trail map of the area.
