| Dry Branch State Natural Area | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) [1] | |
  Map of Tennessee | |
| Location | Hickman County, Tennessee, Lewis County, Tennessee, Perry County, Tennessee |
| Nearest city | Hohenwald, Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 35°35′49″N87°37′43″W / 35.59694°N 87.62861°W |
| Area | 2,169 acres (8.78 km2) |
| Established | 2006 |
| Governing body | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
| Website | Dry Branch State Natural Area |
Dry Branch State Natural Area is a small nature preserve located in Lewis, Hickman, and Perry counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee. The land was first designated as a natural area of interest in 1997 when it was owned by International Paper. The Nature Conservancy purchased the land from International Paper in 2006. It was turned over to the state in 2007 and designated as a State Natural Area. The area is protected due to the presence of rare ecosystems supporting the growth of endangered plants, including Tennessee yellow-eyed grass, which is found only in five other locations in the state. [2] [3] [4]
June 2025, the state announced plans to be re-designate the natural area as a State Park and open it to the public. Picnic and camping areas, hiking trails, and educational facilities are planned. [4] In October 2025, the Tennessee State Building Commission approved $16.5 million for construction of a ranger station, maintenance facilities, and infrastructure to support the new park. [5]