Public Feedback Session on New State Park is September 18th

“Located in the rolling hills and river bends of Wayne County near the Perry County line, the proposed Buffalo River State Park offers visitors a place to reconnect with the land,” says the Tennessee State Parks webpage. “Spanning 448 acres, this remarkable property weaves together open pastures, wooded hillsides, and more than two miles of pristine river frontage - including the largest horseshoe bend on the Buffalo River.”

The rumors are true – a new Tennessee State Park will soon be established in Wayne County. Located along Horseshoe Bend Road at the Wayne/Perry County line, the Buffalo River State Park will feature over two miles of Buffalo River frontage, along with protected woodlands and open pastures. It is an initiative aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and preserving Tennessee’s natural landscape.

The project is part of a larger, ongoing state effort to add new, sustainable parks to the Tennessee State Parks system. Tennessee has 62 designated state parks operated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). These parks are free to enter and span a variety of landscapes. As people in Wayne County know, our county offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and the new state park will certainly attract many visitors who want to enjoy our landscapes and recreational activities too.

When finished, the park will have a Visitor Center, campground area(s), a maintenance facility, roadways, river access, amenities, and infrastructure.

Everyone is invited to attend a public feedback session on Monday, September 28th, which will share the initial 30-year master plan for Buffalo River State Park, including trails, visitor facilities, river use, and recreation opportunities. The public feedback session, which will be held in Room 400 at the Wayne County Administrative Building (former courthouse) on the square, will begin at 4:30 PM with a presentation of the planning process and methodology. Beginning at 5:00 PM, breakout discussion groups will be encouraged for more questions and answers.

For anyone who can’t make it to the feedback session, or for those wanting to share more input afterward, comment cards and a QR code survey will be available to provide additional feedback.

Your voice matters in shaping this park for generations to come. Hopefully, once the Buffalo River State Park becomes a reality, our county will experience an economic boost along with delivering on the promise of 450 acres that are perfect for camping, river recreation, and just enjoying a fraction of the serene environment and natural beauty that man has yet to destroy.