Warren County adding a second state park

Warren County is getting a second state park.

Work is underway to add Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park to the Tennessee State Park system as its 61st state park.

An opening date has not been set, but it’s projected to be more than a year away.

Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park is located next to Cumberland Caverns, one of the largest cave systems in the nation.

When the new 534-acre state park opens, there will be a visitor center with educational exhibits. There will also be a trail system that allows visitors to view a 15-foot mound built by Native Americans approximately 1,000 years ago.

In addition to showcasing an area's natural beauty, state parks attract visitors and create jobs.

Our very own Rock Island State Park, which was deemed a state park in 1969, attracts some 700,000 visitors annually.

The entire Tennessee State Park system employs 13,587 workers, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and has an economic impact of $1.9 billion.

Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park is on C. Cardwell Road, which is off McGee Cove Road.