Devil's Racetrack Property Acquired for Cumberland Trail

A state and private partnership secured 350 acres of land to expand the Tennessee trail system.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in National Parks

Bold vector editorial illustration of a layered sandstone ridge rising above a forested Appalachian slope, representing the Cumberland Trail land expansion. — Tennessee officials and conservation groups have finalized the purchase of 350 acres at the Devil's Racetrack formation to expand the Cumberland Trail system. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Officials have finalized the purchase of 350 acres at the Devil's Racetrack geologic formation in Tennessee. The site will be managed by the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park following the $2.45 million acquisition.

Why it matters

This land deal preserves a significant geologic landmark while advancing the long-term development of the Cumberland Trail system. The protected acreage provides critical habitat and recreation access along the Cumberland Plateau.

The acquisition encompasses 350 acres of land located on the Cumberland Plateau. Total costs for the property purchase reached $2.45 million, with $500,000 sourced from The Nature Conservancy and the remainder from the State Lands Acquisition Fund.

The players

The Nature Conservancy

This global environmental organization focuses on conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park

This entity manages the linear state park that follows the Cumberland Plateau across Tennessee.

The details

The project represents the culmination of years of advocacy and planning between public and private conservation groups. Beyond the purchase price, The Nature Conservancy also funded the necessary property appraisals, environmental studies, and land surveys.

September 23, 2026: The acquisition of the Devil's Racetrack property was announced.

Travel Outlook

This acquisition follows the established pattern set by the Tennessee State Lands Acquisition Fund for financing large-scale conservation projects. By securing these 350 acres, the state continues its long-term strategy of expanding the linear park system across the Cumberland Plateau.

Visitors to the Cumberland Plateau should monitor future announcements regarding trail access at the Devil's Racetrack site. While currently acquired, the land requires further development by park authorities before it becomes available for public hiking.

The takeaway

Securing the Devil's Racetrack property ensures the long-term preservation of a unique geologic landmark in Tennessee. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can look forward to expanded trail connectivity as the state integrates this new land into the broader park system.