Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) have announced that the 70th state park will be named Angel’s Hollow State Park. The new state park, which will encompass a significant portion of McDonald Farm in Hamilton County, will be dedicated on November 6, 2026. That’s also the opening date of the Hamilton County Fair.
The Tennessee General Assembly approved $45.3 million in the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget to provide the resources for the new state park.
Hamilton County transferred approximately 1,305 acres of McDonald Farm to the state. Combined with existing state-owned parcels, Angel’s Hollow will total approximately 2,500 acres.
The new park’s visitor center will be based in Sale Creek, Tennessee and will border more than 300 acres of McDonald Farm being retained by Hamilton County, including the historic homestead and fairgrounds.
Angel’s Hollow will provide a new entry point into Tennessee’s park and trail system and offer a range of experiences for visitors, from families who are new to the outdoors to those looking for longer trail connections and backcountry opportunities.
The park will be the final of 14 state parks established under Gov. Lee, setting a Tennessee record for the most state parks created during a single administration.