New Tennessee State Parks signage aimed at making it easier to get around

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - When walking through Tennessee State Parks, you might notice something different. The parks have installed new signs to help guests make the most of their outdoor experience.

“The new signage that we’ve put in is planned to go in all of the 62 Tennessee State Parks,” said Park Ranger Stephanie Mueller. “It is a way to have uniformity across all the state parks about what people can expect on the trails, because we know not all of our trails are suitable for everyone. And so we want people to be prepared and ready and choose the right trail.”

The parks team used a high-efficiency trails process to determine things like the length, slope and grade of each trail to give guests a better description than easy, difficult or moderate. Offering this type of sign allows the visitor more accessibility when it comes to their planning.

“Tennessee State Parks wants to be the most accessible trail system in state parks, or in parks in general. And so this is part of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Access 2030 initiative. And so we want all the parks to be accessible by everyone, no matter if they need a wheelchair or any other mobility assistance device. We want everyone to enjoy nature,” said Mueller.

18 parks currently have the new signage with Tennessee State Parks planning to implement them in all parks. The maintenance and signage in the parks are in part due to donations.

“A lot of times people want to know how they can help out to Tennessee state parks and trails. And Tennessee state parks does have a trail pack that people can donate specifically to building and maintaining the trails and these trail signage and things like that. So, that’s a great way and that’s available on our website as well.”

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