Roan Mountain awarded Tennessee Park of the Year

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has awarded Roan Mountain State Park as Tennessee State Park of the Year. The honor was presented during TDEC's annual Awards of Excellence for Tennessee State Parks, according to a press release from TDEC. The Park of the Year Award recognizes one park for distinguished achievement across all four cornerstones of the Tennessee State Parks 10-Year Comprehensive Strategic Plan: resource stewardship, visitor experience, facilities and amenities and operational excellence. The evaluation also considers measurable progress in advancing strategic priorities, strengthening public access, supporting conservation outcomes and managing resources effectively at scale. Roan Mountain in Carter County was one of the state parks greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and has not only recovered but rebounded to great success, according to the release. "Roan Mountain State Park emerged from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene stronger than ever and is deserving of this highest honor," TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. "I am proud of this team of dedicated employees who shared a vision of what Roan Mountain could become and worked together to make it a reality." The staff at Roan Mountain have continued to excel following significant challenges created by Hurricane Helene, which caused a 10-month closure of half the campground. Since then, the park's team has transformed trials into opportunities, leading to one of the most successful 12-month periods ever, according to the release. "The Roan Mountain team has focused on a culture of excellence that continues to gain momentum," said Brian Clifford, deputy commissioner of TDEC's Bureau of Conservation. "Every improvement they have made to the park has strengthened another area, resulting in better visitor experiences and unique outdoor opportunities that have set an example across the state." Throughout fiscal year 2025 to 2026, Roan Mountain welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors while earning the Reader's Choice Award for Best State Park in East Tennessee. The interpretive team delivered more than 650 educational programs to visitors, and the park launched new recreational opportunities including the Rosebay Ridge Trail, three backcountry campsites, a 250-foot accessible boardwalk and the Benny the Hellbender Storybook Trail, an interactive attraction based on a children's book written to connect children and families to the natural life in the Doe River. The Visitor Center museum was transformed with interactive exhibits, live animal displays, accessible interpretation and new technology that encourages visitors of all ages to connect with the park's natural and cultural resources, according to the release. Roan Mountain's leadership leveraged strong community partnerships with organizations including the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Conservation Fisheries, Ford Bronco Wild Fund, Patchwork Meadows, the Tennessee Aquarium, Trout Unlimited and numerous volunteers to expand park boundaries, restore habitats, advance scientific research and improve visitor experiences.