Tennessee Excludes Equestrian Trails from State Park

The state government plans for Angel's Hollow State Park do not include trails for horse riders.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Large Animals

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden hitching post in a lush, forested Tennessee landscape, representing missing recreational trails. — Tennessee state planners have omitted equestrian trails from the new Angel's Hollow State Park development, despite significant public demand from local riders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local state parks be required to accommodate shared trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians?

Officials designing the new Angel's Hollow State Park have omitted equestrian trails from current development plans. The decision comes despite survey findings from the McDonald Farm Advisory Committee demonstrating significant public demand.

Why it matters

The exclusion highlights a disconnect between state planning and the preferences of local riders, who view these facilities as essential for community recreation.

The proposed site for the project is Angel's Hollow State Park, which currently lacks designated equestrian infrastructure. The regional equestrian community is anchored in Hamilton County, which maintains the highest density of horse riders in the state.

The players

McDonald Farm Advisory Committee

This group represents local interests and conducts research regarding desired amenities at state park developments.

The details

The McDonald Farm Advisory Committee has formally requested that the state incorporate horse trails as part of the facility's long-term development. These stakeholders emphasize that the inclusion of such amenities would better serve the area's active riding population.

The proposed inclusion of equestrian trails is currently tied to a 30-year development plan.

Culture Shift

The disagreement reflects a growing tension regarding how legacy public lands are adapted to meet modern recreational needs like equestrian access. It highlights the friction between standardized state development goals and the specific desires of local interest groups.

Local riders will need to continue utilizing alternative facilities as the current plan offers no accommodation for equestrian activities at the park site. This status quo remains in place unless the state government chooses to modify the existing layout in response to committee requests.

The takeaway

The committee intends for equestrian trails to coexist with other amenities as part of the long-term vision for the site. Advocates for the project suggest that continued public engagement is necessary to influence the final design phase.