Mousetail Landing State Park

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 13, 2026

Mousetail Landing State Park is a public state park in Tennessee near Linden in Perry County. Spanning 1,247 acres and established in 1979, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

Location & Getting There

Mousetail Landing State Park is located near Linden, Tennessee. The park’s coordinates are 35.6536, -88.0125.

Things to Do

Tennessee state parks stretch across three distinct regions — the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, the Cumberland Plateau’s gorges and waterfalls in the middle, and the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. Activities include hiking past some of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, swimming in lakes and park pools, fishing in world-class smallmouth bass streams, camping in forested mountain settings, kayaking scenic rivers, mountain biking at premier trail systems, golfing at park courses, horseback riding through valleys, and exploring Civil War battlefields and Native American mound sites. Fall Creek Falls (256 feet) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States.

Best Time to Visit

Tennessee parks offer true four-season appeal. Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers, peak waterfall flow, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is warm and humid — lake swimming, park pools, and mountain elevation provide relief. Fall (October–November) is the crown jewel — Tennessee’s fall color rivals New England at a fraction of the crowds, peaking mid-to-late October across the state. Winter (December–February) is mild in West Tennessee and cold in the mountains, offering quiet trails and solitude. The Great Smoky Mountains region experiences peak visitation in summer and October — plan accordingly.

Visitor Tips

Tennessee state parks are free to enter — no admission fees or vehicle passes. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms are available at many parks through tnstateparks.com. Tennessee’s park system is notable for its full-service lodges and restaurants inside parks — including Fall Creek Falls, Pickwick Landing, and Paris Landing. The state’s Unique Stays program offers treehouse rentals, yurts, and tiny homes at select parks. Firewood policy: only certified heat-treated wood or downed wood from within the park is allowed for campfires.

Explore More Tennessee State Parks

Mousetail Landing State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Tennessee. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Mousetail Landing SP — on the Tennessee River — gets its name from a tanning industry that once operated here — mice were attracted to the hides and their tails were seen in great numbers. The park’s river, forest, and Spring Creek support bald eagles, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Catfish, bass, and crappie fill the river.

Nearby Attractions

Linden — adjacent. Tennessee River — adjacent. Natchez Trace Parkway — 15 miles west. Johnsonville SHP — 15 miles north.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Natchez Trace State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Johnsonville State Historic Park (within about an hour’s drive).

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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