10/20/2026
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There is A LOT of false information spreading and very quickly about who, what, why, etc, regarding the information in this post.
As some of may you have noticed, there has been a disturbance in the force in the Ed Carter unit of the North Cumberland WMA, a.k.a. "Tackett Creek". Yesterday, Monday, October 19, barricades have begun being erected to block OHV access to a few of the most popular trail landmarks in East Tennessee. Included are McLean overlook and the Sand Cave. The good news is that you can still visit these areas if you park outside of the gates and traverse by foot only. Even better news, Wolfpen trail (our favorite) will remain open.
To preface the next paragraph, please understand that has NOTHING to do with TWRA or their decision making process and this is where I keep seeing incorrect information spreading quickly.
FYI: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and The JPW Cumberland Trail State Park organized this project, not TWRA, and not in conjunction with TWRA. TWRA is a completely separate agency and does not enforce regulations or police properties managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
A grant has been issued to fund reverting back to their original āFoot traffic onlyā program for the JPW Cumberland Trail State Park. These landmarks are now off-limits to OHV usage. We recorded the coordinates for each gate today and they will be released in our November update. We simply wanted to educate you on what is going on so you can plan your adventures accordingly in the near future.
Donāt let this deter you from visiting the area. There are still a ton of great trails and scenic points of interest in the Ed Carter unit.