Tennessee State Parks To Host Informative Meeting April 13 for Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park

Tennessee State Parks officials will hold a community meeting Monday, April 13 to inform the public about the future Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park.

The gathering will be at 5:30-7 p.m. ET at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park at 6800 Blythe Ferry Lane in Birchwood.

Parks staff will provide updates and outline the path ahead for the future state park. Officials will share information about the formal planning process and describe how community members, partners, and interested organizations can participate in future engagement opportunities.

Anyone interested in attending the meeting is asked to register online at this link.

The Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, a county park in Meigs County, is a designated site on the Trail of Tears and is being elevated to state park status. At the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers, the park has historical significance. In 1838, Blythe Ferry served as a gathering point and crossing for thousands of Cherokees forced to leave their homeland.

State parks are significant contributors to local economies, public health, and quality of life. Tennessee State Parks is committed to providing a quality state parks system, including the opportunity to grow the system and ensure increased access for Tennesseans and other visitors.

A total of 14 new Tennessee State Parks will be established under Gov. Bill Lee, setting the Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration.