Tennessee State Parks Celebrates New Ocoee River State Park

Tennessee State Parks celebrated the opening of the new Ocoee River State Park today with a dedication ceremony in the morning, followed by a public event in the afternoon.

The Ocoee River State Park is now a standalone park. It was formerly part of the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park. As its own park, Ocoee River State Park will be better positioned to focus on protecting natural resources, expanding services, and serving the community and park visitors.

“From Mountain City to Memphis, our state is blessed with natural beauty and rich natural resources,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “The Ocoee brings unique value to Tennesseans and visitors, and we look forward ensuring the park continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The opening of Ocoee River State Park brings the number of Tennessee State Parks to 61. The Lee administration is establishing 14 new Tennessee State Parks, setting the Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration. The new parks are part of the governor’s conservation strategy, which combines protection of the state’s natural resources with robust economic growth.

Ocoee River State Park reflects a collaboration between Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the U.S. Forest Service. The park provides access to over 17 miles of river, encompassing a variety of experiences for paddlers of all skills levels, from whitewater rapids to serene stretches perfect for first-time paddlers.

Saturday’s public celebration included live music, storytelling and food vendors. The celebration event represented a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, and Four Rivers Events.