Tennessee to Dedicate New Angel's Hollow State Park
The 70th state park will open in Hamilton County on November 6, 2026, following a state-funded development project.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in National Parks
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Tennessee will officially dedicate Angel's Hollow State Park on November 6, 2026. The new 2,500-acre facility marks the 70th state park in the Tennessee system.
Why it matters
This expansion aims to preserve the historic McDonald Farm and increase access to outdoor recreational opportunities across the state. The project was made possible by $45.3 million in funding approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Angel's Hollow State Park spans 2,500 acres, formed by 1,305 acres transferred from McDonald Farm and additional state-owned parcels. The site’s visitor center will be located in Sale Creek, Tennessee.
The players
Tennessee General Assembly
This is the state legislative body responsible for passing laws and allocating funding for government projects in Tennessee.
Hamilton County
This is a local government administrative unit that oversees regional services and land management in the southeastern part of Tennessee.
The details
The project combines 1,305 acres of the former McDonald Farm with existing land to create the massive 2,500-acre park. While the state takes over the majority of the site, Hamilton County will continue to manage 300 acres, including the historic homestead and fairgrounds.
Timeline
Fiscal year 2027 provided the budget for the park project.
November 6, 2026 marks the official park dedication date.
Travel Outlook
The creation of Angel's Hollow aligns with the ongoing expansion of the Tennessee State Park system, which aims to preserve natural lands statewide. This addition represents the 14th new park established under current state leadership, reflecting a consistent growth in regional tourism infrastructure.
Visitors should prepare for the November 6, 2026, dedication event by checking local traffic updates near Sale Creek. Residents and tourists can look forward to new outdoor amenities and expanded park space as the facility integrates into the state’s recreational landscape.
The takeaway
The addition of Angel's Hollow reinforces the state’s long-term commitment to land preservation and public outdoor access. Residents can benefit from these new recreational assets once the park fully opens to the public following the November dedication.
What happens next
The park dedication and the opening of the Hamilton County Fair are scheduled to take place on November 6, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts in the state by visiting our Tennessee National Parks section.
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Do you support prioritizing state funding for the creation of new public parks in your area?
