Angel's Hollow State Park Plan Excludes Horse Trails

The current state design leaves out equestrian paths, impacting horse owners across Hamilton County.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Large Animals

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden fence marking the end of a forest trail, representing limited access to public land. — Tennessee's current master plan for Angel's Hollow State Park excludes equestrian trails, limiting recreational access for horse owners in Hamilton County. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local state parks be required to accommodate shared trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians?

The Tennessee state government has omitted equestrian trails from its current master plan for Angel's Hollow State Park. This decision impacts local horse riders, as Hamilton County currently maintains the state's highest concentration of equestrian enthusiasts.

Why it matters

The exclusion of horse-friendly paths limits recreational access for a significant portion of the local community that relies on specialized trails for family activity and exercise. The omission arrives despite documented public support for these facilities gathered by the McDonald Farm Advisory Committee.

While the current development plan for Angel's Hollow State Park lacks equestrian trails, the McDonald Farm Advisory Committee is advocating for their integration as part of a 30-year development roadmap.

The players

McDonald Farm Advisory Committee

An advocacy group that conducts community surveys to influence the inclusion of specific recreational amenities in public land development.

Tennessee state government

The administrative body responsible for the planning, design, and land-use management of state parks.

The details

The state's current blueprint for the park focuses on other amenities, bypassing the requests for horse-specific paths despite community input. The McDonald Farm Advisory Committee had previously engaged the public through surveys to demonstrate demand for trails that can accommodate equestrian use. These committees typically function to advocate for specific local recreational needs during the design phase of state land projects.

The development roadmap for the park spans a 30-year timeframe.

The Home Front

This dispute at Angel's Hollow State Park reflects a broader tension between local recreational needs and statewide land-management priorities. It highlights how community-led planning efforts must navigate multi-decade development frameworks to secure specialized infrastructure.

If you are part of the equestrian community in Hamilton County, consider attending upcoming committee meetings to stay informed on the 30-year development plan's progress. Tracking these long-term park designs is the best way to advocate for trail access before final land-use decisions are set.

The takeaway

Advocacy efforts for equestrian amenities are often long-term endeavors within the state's 30-year development cycle. Interested residents should remain engaged with the McDonald Farm Advisory Committee to track potential future amendments to the park blueprint.