Pickett State Park
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is a wilderness wonderland in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Plateau where mysterious caves harbor bioluminescent glow worms, massive natural bridges span forested gorges, and the night sky blazes with stars visible nowhere else in the state. As Tennessee’s first state park – built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1942 – Pickett preserves both natural splendor and Depression-era history.
With over 58 miles of trails winding through sandstone bluffs and rock shelters, connections to the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation, Pickett offers some of the most unique outdoor experiences in the Southeast.
Park Highlights
Bioluminescent Glow Worms
Hazard Cave hosts rare glow worms that emit an eerie blue light – best viewed in early June after dark.
Natural Bridges & Arches
Explore an 86-foot natural sandstone bridge and numerous rock formations carved over millennia.
Dark Sky Park
Silver-tier International Dark Sky designation – one of the best stargazing locations in Tennessee.
CCC Heritage
Tennessee’s first state park with historic CCC-built structures from the 1930s still in use today.
Hiking Trails
Pickett boasts over 58 miles of trails through wilderness terrain – from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes:
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Natural Bridge Trail | 1.0 mi | Easy | 86-ft long, 35-ft high sandstone bridge |
| ✨ Hazard Cave Trail | 1.6 mi loop | Moderate | Massive rock shelter with bioluminescent glow worms |
| 🌊 Hidden Passage Trail | 7.8 mi | Moderate | Sandstone bluffs, rock shelters, natural arch, Crystal Falls |
| 🏔️ Indian Rockhouse Trail | 0.2 mi | Easy | Historic Native American rock shelter |
| 🌉 Island Trail | 0.3 mi loop | Easy | Crosses natural sandstone bridge over Arch Lake |
| 💧 Double Falls Trail | 2.5 mi | Moderate | Two seasonal waterfalls, rock formations |
| 🚂 Tunnel Trail | 1.2 mi | Easy | Historic railroad tunnel, unique photo opportunity |
🔦 Glow Worm Viewing Tip
Hazard Cave’s glow worms are best viewed in early June after dark. Bring a red-filter flashlight (or cover with red cellophane) to preserve your night vision. The blue bioluminescence is faint – give your eyes time to adjust!
Camping Options
| Campground Type | Sites | Hookups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Electric/Water Sites | 20 sites | Electric + Water | Picnic table, grill, modern bathhouse |
| 💧 Water-Only Sites | 11 sites | Water only | More secluded, wooded setting |
| 🎒 Backcountry Camping | Various | None | Permit required, 58+ miles of trails |
| 🏡 Cabins | Multiple | Full | Historic CCC & premium cabins, sleeps 2-8 |
Campground Amenities
- 🚿 Bathhouse: Modern with free hot showers
- 🧺 Laundry: Coin-operated available
- 🗑️ Dump Station: Available for RVs
- ♻️ Pack It Out: Trash can free park – bring bags!
- 📅 Open: Year-round
Caves & Rock Formations
| Feature | What to See |
|---|---|
| ✨ Hazard Cave | Massive rock shelter with rare bioluminescent glow worms and endangered Cumberland Sandwort |
| 🌉 Natural Bridge | 86-foot long, 35-foot high sandstone arch – one of Tennessee’s largest |
| 🏔️ Indian Rockhouses | Large overhangs that sheltered Native Americans for millennia |
| 🕳️ Rock Tunnels | Natural and historic railroad tunnels carved through sandstone |
Dark Sky Stargazing
Pickett holds Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation – meaning minimal light pollution and exceptional stargazing:
- 🌌 Milky Way: Clearly visible on moonless nights
- ⭐ Best Viewing: New moon periods, year-round
- 📍 Best Locations: Arch Lake area, Thompson Overlook
- 📅 Programs: Park hosts stargazing events – check schedule
🌌 Astrophotography Tip
Combine the Natural Bridge with Milky Way shots for an iconic image. Best conditions are April-September on new moon nights.
Recreation Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎣 Fishing | Arch Lake stocked with trout – Tennessee license + trout stamp required |
| 🛶 Boating | Canoe, kayak, paddleboard rentals (mid-April–October) |
| 🏊 Swimming | Sandstone-lined swimming area on Arch Lake (swim at own risk) |
| 🎯 Hunting | Allowed in Pickett State Forest during season (safety zones near park) |
| 🎾 Recreation | Tennis, horseshoes, volleyball, playground |
Park Fees & Information
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Park Entry | FREE |
| Campsite (Electric/Water) | $20-30/night |
| Cabins | $80-200/night |
| Boat Rental | ~$10-15/hour |
Getting There
Pickett State Park is located in rural Fentress County, near the Kentucky border:
- 📍 From Nashville: ~2.5 hours east via I-40 and US-127
- 📍 From Knoxville: ~2 hours northwest via I-40 and US-127
- 📍 Nearby: Adjacent to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the glow worms and when can I see them?
Hazard Cave hosts rare bioluminescent glow worms (Orfelia fultoni larvae) that emit a faint blue light to attract prey. Best viewing is in early June after dark – bring a red-filter light and give your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust.
Is the Natural Bridge still accessible?
The bridge is accessible, though storm damage in 2024 affected the main trail. Check with the park office for current conditions and alternate access from Highway 154.
What makes this a Dark Sky Park?
Pickett’s remote location and lack of nearby light pollution earned it Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park status. On clear, moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye.
Can I hike to Big South Fork from here?
Yes! Trails connect Pickett to the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, allowing multi-day backpacking adventures.
Do I need a permit for backcountry camping?
Yes, a backcountry camping permit is required for overnight stays in the forest. Register at the park office.
🌌 Explore Tennessee’s First State Park
From glow worms to stargazing, natural bridges to CCC history, Pickett offers experiences found nowhere else in Tennessee. Camp beneath dark skies, hike through ancient rock formations, and discover why this wilderness park has captivated visitors since 1934.
📍 Address: 4605 Pickett Park Hwy, Jamestown, TN 38556
📞 Phone: (931) 879-5821
🏕️ Reservations: reserve.tnstateparks.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Georgia ParkPass cost?
A daily ParkPass costs $5 per vehicle. An annual ParkPass costs $50 and covers unlimited visits to all Georgia state parks and historic sites. The pass can be purchased at any park entrance or online.
What are the best state parks in north Georgia?
Top north Georgia parks include Amicalola Falls (tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast), Cloudland Canyon (dramatic gorge), Tallulah Gorge (one of the deepest canyons in the eastern US), and Vogel (alpine lake setting).
Can I hike to the start of the Appalachian Trail from a Georgia state park?
Yes, Amicalola Falls State Park is the official southern approach to the Appalachian Trail. The 8.5-mile Approach Trail connects the park to Springer Mountain, the trail’s southern terminus.
Are there yurts at Georgia state parks?
Yes, several Georgia state parks offer yurt and glamping accommodations, including Cloudland Canyon, Sweetwater Creek, and Red Top Mountain. These are popular alternatives to traditional tent camping and should be reserved well in advance.
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Pickett State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Georgia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
