We Love Our National Parks, But This Tennessee Park Is Just As Amazing

Tennessee offers a plethora of national parks to enjoy. Of course, landmarks like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area are all bucket list-worthy destinations in their own right. But I’m here to put the spotlight on some of the many beautiful state parks in Tennessee, like Big Ridge State Park in Maynardville. Tucked on the banks of Norris Reservoir, visitors can enjoy a seasonal beach, hiking trails, fishing, paddling, boating, and camping, all at the base of the tranquil Appalachian Mountains. 

Located just 26 miles north of Knoxville, Big Ridge State Park is an easy destination to escape to when you need a little respite from city life. Conveniently located near the underrated Norris Dam State Park, you could actually knock out both state parks in a weekend (but we will focus on Big Ridge today). 

Big Ridge State Park boasts 3,687 acres to explore, making it a nature lover’s playground. Its location in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range offers plenty of scenic beauty and several historic sites, too. Excavations in the 1930s revealed over 20 prehistoric Native American sites.

Nestled along the southern shore of the Norris Reservoir, the clearest lake in Tennessee, many of the park’s attractions center around Big Ridge Lake. Visitors can bring a kayak or a canoe to explore the lake on their own, or rent one from the park. It’s not limited to just kayaks and canoes—rowboats, fishing boats, and wave runners are all welcome to join in on the fun. If you’ve got a fishing license, feel free to drop a line! The 49-acre lake offers excellent bass and bream fishing year-round. 

Of course, the sandy beach at Big Ridge Lake is a very popular spot in the summer months. The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but note that there are no lifeguards on duty. The kids will especially enjoy the calm lake waters, and when they're not making a splash, they can play along the sandy shoreline.

With over 15 miles of hiking trails at Big Ridge State Park, you can be certain you’ll find one that suits your skill set. From lakeshores to remnants of early settlements and historic cemeteries, each hiking trail offers something different. As you wander through the trails of this beautiful state park in Tennessee, you'll find several historic hidden gems. The Norton Gristmill (pictured below) is one of the park’s most prominent historical features—it was built in 1825!

While hiking, keep an eye out for birds—this park is fabulous for migratory birds in the spring and fall. Over 110 species of birds have been observed here. The Lake Trail, Big Valley Trail, and the Fisherman's Trail are three of the best trails at Big Ridge State Park for birdwatching.

If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, there are plenty of cabins at Big Ridge State Park as well as primitive campsites and RV slots. Visit the official website to reserve your spot in advance. 

If you've already explored Big Ridge State Park and are inspired for more outdoor adventures, read on to discover some of my favorite state parks in Tennessee. Or visit the Tennessee Vacation tourism site to find more places that locals like to visit.