IN THIS ISSUE · SPRING 2026 — Read the cover story
For Mark Houston, Cumberland Mountain State Park is much more than a workplace. It is part of his family’s story, his professional journey, and one of the reasons Crossville continues to feel like home.
While many people simply work at a location, Houston has spent nearly his entire adult life growing alongside one of Tennessee’s most treasured state parks.
A lifelong Cumberland County resident and the current park manager of Cumberland Mountain State Park, Houston has devoted almost 30 years to serving the park and the community that surrounds it.
Houston’s story began in 1995 shortly after graduating from high school when he accepted a position at the park’s boat dock.
Originally, he imagined a very different future. His goal was to become an educator and basketball coach.
That changed once he began working inside the park.
Watching park rangers perform their daily responsibilities opened his eyes to a career that blended outdoor recreation, conservation, leadership, and community service.
Every day brought something new.
“This is what I want to do,” Houston remembers thinking.
He shifted his educational path, earned a business degree, later completed an MBA, and built a career with Tennessee State Parks that has now spanned nearly three decades.
Many visitors see beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and peaceful lakes.
Houston sees an organization that requires careful planning, budgeting, operations management, customer service, and long-term stewardship.
His business background has become one of his greatest assets as park manager.
Equally important are the relationships he builds with visitors.
Houston believes the park exists first and foremost for the people who enjoy it.
Houston’s passion extends beyond the natural beauty of the park.
He enjoys sharing its rich history, including the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Homestead community, and the generations of people who helped shape the park into what it is today.
One landmark holds particular significance.
The iconic stone bridge remains one of Cumberland Mountain State Park’s most recognizable features and serves as a lasting symbol of the area’s history.
For Houston, preserving these stories is just as important as maintaining the park itself.
Ask Houston what makes Cumberland Mountain State Park special, and his answer quickly turns to the people.
He sees the park as a place where families can spend quality time together without financial barriers.
Children can ride bicycles.
Parents can push strollers along walking paths.
Friends can gather around picnic tables.
Visitors can enjoy miles of trails and community events.
“It has a calming effect,” Houston says.
One aspect he values most is that Tennessee State Parks remain free to enter, giving every family the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors regardless of income.
That accessibility is something he hopes will never change.
Houston believes visitors should always feel welcome.
While park staff are responsible for safety and preservation, he views their role as educators, hosts, and ambassadors for the community.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere is every bit as important as maintaining trails or facilities.
That philosophy has guided his leadership throughout his career.
The connection between Houston and Cumberland Mountain State Park extends well beyond work.
For years, he and his wife, Angela, lived in the caretaker’s home inside the park while raising their children.
Their sons grew up exploring trails, riding bikes, and experiencing the park as part of everyday life.
Today, the park continues to be a place where family memories are made.
It is not simply where Houston works.
It is where much of his life has unfolded.
Houston is excited about improvements already underway throughout the park.
Recent and ongoing projects include renovated bathhouses, updated cabins, improvements to the boat dock, and efforts to better connect visitors with the history of the nearby Homestead Tower.
While he welcomes thoughtful improvements, he is equally committed to preserving the character that has made the park special for generations.
Growth should never come at the expense of history or community.
Houston hopes every visitor understands one important truth.
Cumberland Mountain State Park belongs to the community.
It belongs to every child learning to ride a bicycle, every family sharing a picnic, every angler on Byrd Lake, and every visitor seeking a quiet place to recharge.
His role is not simply managing public land.
It is protecting a place that has served generations of Cumberland County families while ensuring it continues to inspire those who will visit in the years ahead.
That commitment to stewardship is why Mark Houston’s story is ultimately about much more than a career.
It is about preserving one of Crossville’s greatest treasures for everyone who calls this community home.
Written by Melissa Ellis
Photography by Olivia Merritt
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