Tag Archives: State Park

Cummins Falls State Park named one of the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts by Readers Digest. Park Manager Ray Cutcher said it makes him proud that there are people who feel that way about the area. He said he believes it is the park’s trails, waterfalls, and sense of adventure that attract people to explore it. “It’s not something that ... Read More »

White County’s request to create a state park around Virgin Falls is included in Governor Bill Lee’s proposed budget. The spending plan includes $27.8 million to create Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the proposal is a promising step forward. “It’s great,” Robinson said. “It is going to affect the county in big ways, especially ... Read More »

The Fall Creek Falls Lodge has generated $5 million in revenue since opening a year ago. That is according to State Parks Hospitality Director Shannon Bowles. Bowles said over 100,000 people have visited the lodge based on bookings, dining and conferences. “We’ve exceeded what we anticipated from that lodge,” Bowles said. “I would tell you that no one anticipated it ... Read More »

The push for Virgin Falls to become a state park remains a priority for some state officials. Sparta White County Chamber of Commerce President Marvin Bullock said the effort may seem slow, but through his communications, the designation is still very much alive. “This is a pretty big undertaking to create a state park,” Bullock said. “Our’s is unique in ... Read More »

The Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park named the 2022 Excellence in Innovation Award recipients. Park Manager Nate Dodson said the park was recognized for its work to create a position for a blacksmith “Artist in Residence” this spring. He said that position allowed the park to keep their blacksmithing in operation more frequently, showcasing it to visitors. “So ... Read More »

Friends of Virgin Falls has sold some 240 acres of land to the state park system to expand three natural areas in White County. President Charles Womack said Virgin Falls, Dog Cove and Lost Creek State Natural Areas would grow from the purchase. “We’re trying to purchase also some land from Tabor City Land Company and join all that together ... Read More »

The state announced a $500,000 grant to acquire additional land for White County’s Virgin Falls State Natural Area. The land adjoins the Dog Cove area southeast of Sparta. All told, the state will purchase some 1,400 acres at a total cost of $1.83 million. The grant is part of money from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Local Parks ... Read More »

Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of the Natural Areas Act and Burgess Falls was one of the first to be dedicated. Park Manager Bill Summers said it was enacted to protect Tennessee’s most unique pieces of nature. Summers said that Burgess Falls is unique itself, out of nearly 100 natural areas, Burgess Falls is one of the few with a ... Read More »

A resolution for the Virgin Falls Natural Area to become a State Park is headed to Nashville. The White County Commission approved the the motion unanimously during Monday’s meeting. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said if the General Assembly is in favor, the over 1,000 acre area can become a destination. “Oh, absolutely some benefits,” Robinson said. “Tourism. That is ... Read More »

Cummins Falls Park officials raised the daily gorge access permit limit to 150 visitors. Park Manager Ray Cutcher said the increased access is a result from a successful launch to the program in the reopening weekend. “It went pretty smooth overall,” Cutcher said. “Obviously there were people who showed up who didn’t know about the permit system so they weren’t ... Read More »