Hamilton County’s New State Park to Be Named ‘Angel’s Hollow’

In The Know with Gino…

Tennessee’s newest state park will be called Angel’s Hollow State Park, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced. The park will cover about 2,500 acres in the northern part of Hamilton County, including land at McDonald Farm, and is scheduled to be dedicated on November 6, 2026.

Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee selected the name to evoke the valley’s quiet landscapes and the chance for visitors to connect with nature. The park is expected to welcome a range of visitors, from families exploring the outdoors for the first time to hikers seeking longer trails and backcountry routes.

The state’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $45.3 million for the project. Hamilton County has transferred approximately 1,305 acres of McDonald Farm to Tennessee. Combined with land already owned by the state, the park will span roughly 2,500 acres.

A visitor center is planned for Sale Creek. It will sit beside more than 300 acres that the county will retain, including the historic homestead and fairgrounds. The state and county have worked with local leaders and community members on the park’s planning.

Local officials say the project will preserve open space while bringing new outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities to the area. The park is also intended to connect visitors with Tennessee’s wider network of parks and trails.

The dedication will take place alongside the opening of the Hamilton County Fair. Angel’s Hollow will be the 14th state park established during Gov. Lee’s administration, a record number for a single Tennessee administration.

SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse