Wolf River becomes newest Tennessee State Forest

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry has announced the creation of the new 5,477-acre Wolf River State Forest, the 16th state forest in Tennessee. Opening to visitors in 2025, the land is a portion of the historical Ames Plantation that is now home to the Hobart Ames Foundation and benefits the University of Tennessee’s (UT) scientific research programs and the National Championship for Bird Dogs. Located north of LaGrange and Grand Junction and south of Somerville, the new state forest includes one of the finest examples of bottomland hardwood forests in the state, including white oak stands that provide significant aid to white oak restoration and sustainability efforts. TDF will also conserve more than 30 miles of streams and riparian habitat and 1,560 acres of wetlands in the new state forest, helping to ensure water quality for Memphis drinking water, fisheries, and others downstream.