Tennessee State Parks on Wednesday dedicated Dry Branch State Park, celebrating a major milestone in one of the state’s most significant conservation success stories. The dedication welcomes the Dry Branch State Natural Area into the Tennessee State Parks system as its 68th state park while ensuring the land retains all protections associated with its State Natural Area designation.

“By welcoming Dry Branch as Tennessee’s 68th state park, we’re ensuring that this extraordinary landscape is not only protected but opened for future generations of Tennesseans,” said David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “I am grateful to Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for providing the resources to turn the natural beauty of Dry Branch into an outdoor space for all to explore, appreciate, and enjoy.”