The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia

Displaying items by tag: lost creek state natural area

Monday, 24 August 2026 20:37

By Lost Creek, Scott's Gulf grows

Lost Creek headwaters Forest Drone photo HeadwatersAs this drone photo illustrates, sandstone bluffs, hidden waterfalls, and winding streams make Lost Creek State Natural Area a treasured destination in Tennessee. Jon D. Bumpus

Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park grows by 413 acres through collaborative conservation

SPARTA — TennGreen Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and The Conservation Fund transferred 413 acres of ecologically significant land to the state of Tennessee, expanding Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park and permanently protecting another remarkable piece of the Cumberland Plateau.

Just beyond the towering sandstone bluffs, hidden waterfalls, and winding streams that make nearby Lost Creek State Natural Area a treasured destination, expansive hardwood forests blanket the landscape. They shelter headwater streams, expansive cave systems, and diverse wildlife. By adding this additional acreage to Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park, conservation partners have ensured that one of Tennessee's most ecologically rich landscapes will remain intact, preserving sensitive habitats for generations to come.

“Tennessee State Parks is grateful for the continued leadership and expertise of our NGO partners. Their commitment plays a vital role in the development of Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park and ensuring these exceptional natural resources are protected for the benefit of future generations,” said Chris Padgett, director of Tennessee State Parks.

“This newly protected property encompasses a remarkable, diverse mosaic of mature forest, farmland, and critical waterways abutting Lost Creek and Dry Creek,” added Alice Hudson Pell, executive director of TennGreen. “These waterways contribute to the broader hydrological system of the Cumberland Plateau while flowing through one of Tennessee's most remarkable karst landscapes.” 

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