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Tennessee’s newest State Park is on top of one of the world’s largest cave systems.Tennessee’s newest State Park is on top of one of the world’s largest cave systems The dedication will protect the massive cave system and the remains of a 1,000-year-old Native American earthen monument.MCMINNVILLE, Tenn.(WSMV) - Caldwell Mountain has been officially dedicated as Tennessee’s newest state park.Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park was named the state’s 64th park on May 8, a move that “preserves and protects 5,000 years of Tennessee history.” The newest state park sits on Cumberland Caverns, one of the largest cave systems in the nation.The Midstate park spans 534 acres in Warren County and “includes evidence of Native American life and settlements from the Late Archaic to Mississippian periods, including a 15-foot earthen monument built approximately 1,000 years ago.” The park will also cover the history of the Cardwell family, who established a homestead at the mountain after settling in Warren County in 1826, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.“This is an extraordinary location for our newest state park,” said Brian Clifford, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.“It combines a sense of history with the love of outdoor recreation, and we know Tennesseans will enjoy and appreciate all of what the park offers.” Tourists can’t visit the park just yet, though.It’s closed for the upcoming construction.Once open, the site will feature trails and an educational visitor center with exhibits honoring the region’s archaeology and history.It will also offer views of where the Eastern Highland Rim meets the Cumberland Plateau.“Park staff, along with the Division of Archaeology in the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, are carefully working to help protect this irreplaceable archaeological site,” the state said.“The park will be fully open when all staff, trails, and facilities are in place.” Tennessee State Parks (TSP) says Cardwell Mountain is “one of the most prominent landmarks in the region.” It sits atop the Cumberland Caverns, which the U.S.Park Service recognizes as a National Natural Landmark.Spans of limestone outcrops and tall sandstone are among the protected geological features of the newly dedicated park.Friday’s dedication was the result of collaboration between TSP, TennGreen, The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy.The state reports that Gov.Bill Lee is aiming to set the record for the most state parks dedicated by one administration.He is on track to establish 14, according to TSP.Copyright 2026 WSMV.All rights reserved.Join The Conversation We want to hear what you think.Create a free account to share your thoughts.Read our community guidelines here.