Union Grove

Union Grove is a 58‑acre State Natural Area located in Hamblen County within the Ridge and Valley region of East Tennessee. This site protects a rich spring ephemeral community occurring along the small creek. The gently sloping floodplain supports a diversity of spring wildflowers, including the globally imperiled and state endangered Tennessee trillium (Trillium tennesseense). This rare species is known only from a few locations in East Tennessee, making Union Grove an important site for its continued survival.

The natural area features upland hardwood forests on the surrounding slopes, and a diverse bottomland where spring wildflowers bloom in abundance. Portions of the hillside support typical ridge and valley forest communities, while the lower slopes host the mesic soils that sustain the trillium population. The creek and its associated drainages provide cool, shaded habitat that contributes to the high botanical diversity found here.

Union Grove was acquired to protect the Tennessee trillium and associated spring flora, as well as to preserve an intact example of a forested East Tennessee creekshed. It provides an important refuge for rare species and offers opportunities for research, monitoring, and guided educational activities.

Site Management

Public Access

Closed to the Public – Limited Access

No formal access or trails have been developed. Public access is currently limited to staff‑led spring wildflower events.

Parking: No
Trail: No
Dogs on Leash: No
Hunting: No
Fishing: No
Camping: No

Directions

Union Grove State Natural Area is located in Hamblen County near the community of Whitesburg. Parking for the natural area is at approximately: Latitude 36.222411°, Longitude -83.116773°. Follow local roads to the signed entrance and proceed to the end of the driveway.

Map and Driving Directions to Union Grove State Natural Area

Details

• Owned by the State of Tennessee
• Ridge and Valley Physiographic Province
• Designated in 2025