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Pickett State Park

4605 Pickett Park Hwy, Jamestown, TN 38556

Closes at 6pm

$$

hikes, local-highlights, outdoor-adventures, water-activities

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park lies within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest, and is adjacent to the massive 120,000 acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Though it's small compared to its towering neighbor, it's worth a visit.

There are tons of hiking trails (more than 58 miles!) from day-use to longer multi-day backpacking trails (note: a backcountry camping permit is required through the park office).  My family did the short "Natural Bridge and Hazard Cave Loop" and it was well worth it and only 2.4 miles- diverse with sandstone bluffs, natural bridges, and diverse plant life.

Beyond the hiking trails, there are five rustic cabins, a recreation lodge, a ranger station and a 12-acre lake where there is a designated swimming area and beach.

We weren't there at night, but apparently Pickett is a certified dark sky viewing location!  According to the website, "In 2015, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area earned Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation. It became the first state park in the Southeast to gain this prestigious recognition. Visitors can enjoy sweeping, rich views of the night sky similar to those found in many of the Western states."

Features

Good for young kids Hiking Swimming Nature Scenic Walk
Thoughtfully captured by:
The happyly team

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