🌤 Weather at Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–74 °F | 59–83 °F | 34–78 °F | 24–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Pickett State Park, 2 mi away, elevation 1,625 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area protects a deep sandstone gorge on the northern Cumberland Plateau in Fentress County, Tennessee, next to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. You see it on foot.
The Nature Conservancy acquired the land in 2005 and transferred it to the State of Tennessee in 2006. It describes multicolored sandstone bluffs, mesas, arches, waterfalls and caves around the winding creek and its gorge. Pogue Creek runs through the gorge to the Wolf River, in the Cumberland River basin.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fentress County, TN (Cumberland Plateau) |
| Size | About 3,912 acres (TDEC map layer, November 2026) |
| Status | Class II Natural-Scientific State Natural Area, managed by Tennessee State Parks (TDEC) |
| Trails | Pogue Creek Canyon Overlook, Upper Canyon and Mesa Top (TDEC trail map) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for beginners?
The Cumberland River Basin guide calls the Overlook Trail an easier option and rates the longer route onto the Upper Canyon Trail as moderate. It also warns that cell service is limited and signage is sparse on some trails, so download a map before you go.
Can I climb, camp, hunt or fish here?
No. The Cumberland River Basin guide lists camping, climbing, hunting and fishing as prohibited in the natural area. It points to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Big South Fork for overnight stays.
More parks in Tennessee: Twin Arches State Natural Area (managed by the National Park Service in Big South Fork) and Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. See the full Tennessee state parks guide.
🏜️ Visit Pogue Creek Canyon SNA
Check current rules and conditions with Tennessee’s natural areas program before you go.
Trails and Parking
TDEC maps three natural-surface hiking trails here: the Pogue Creek Canyon Overlook Trail, the Upper Canyon Trail and the Mesa Top Trail. Its asset map puts Mesa Parking and the Mesa Trailhead at the park’s map point, and the Cumberland River Basin guide says that lot doubles as Pickett’s astronomy field. The same guide describes the Overlook Trail passing a giant rockhouse on its way to a plateau above the gorge, and an optional side hike to Killdeer Arch from the Mesa Top route. From Pickett, TDEC’s Moccasin Rock Trail connects the Ridge Trail to the natural area.
Wildlife & Nature
Surveys sponsored by The Nature Conservancy recorded more than 300 kinds of native plants, along with birds, aquatic animals, amphibians and cave species. It names the bald eagle, Swainson’s warbler, eastern slender glass lizard and green salamander among the rare animals in the area, and Cumberland sandwort and Lucy Braun’s white snakeroot among the rare plants.
Nearby Attractions
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park — adjacent. Twin Arches State Natural Area — about 5 miles east. Jamestown — about 10 miles southwest. Distances are straight-line.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
