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Big Ridge State Park |
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The heavily forested, 3,687-acre park lies on the southern shore of TVA's Norris
Reservoir approximately 25 miles north of Knoxville. Visitors to the park will
find a wealth of activities to meet any interest from guided nature tours to
backcountry camping.
History
Big Ridge State Park was one of five demonstration parks developed by the
Tennessee Valley Authority in cooperation with the National Park Service and the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as an example of public recreation development
along TVA lakeshores. The structures on the park reflect the craftsmanship and
stonework of the CCC, and along the trails you may see remnants of the homes and
farms that existed here prior to the birth of the TVA. Before the park was
created, the area was heavily populated and used for agriculture.
Other notable features of the park include: the Norton Gristmill built in 1825,
remnants of Sharp's Station Fort construction in the late 1700's, and Indian
Rock where a plaque commemorates the death of Peter Graves, a settler of Sharp's
Station who was attacked by Indians at this spot. Also, the park has several
notable structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corp.
Cabins
The park has 19 one-bedroom rustic cabins available from April 1 through October
31 capable of accommodating six persons. Bedrooms contain two double beds and a
sofa sleeper in the living room. Cabins have hardwood floors and screened-in
porches. There is no air-conditioning. Five cabins are located on the lakeside.
Fourteen sit on the ridge. Cabins are fully equipped with linens stove,
refrigerator kitchen hardware and grill. Fireplace is available and firewood is
provided seasonally. There are no televisions or phones. Please call for our pet
policy. Reservations may be made up to two years in advance and should be made
through the park office.
Camping
Big Ridge has 50 campsites on or near Norris Lake to accommodate RV's, trailers,
and tent campers. RV campsites have a soft gravel pad will accommodate a unit up
to 65 feet. Each site has water and 30-amp electrical hookups, picnic table and
grill. A dumping station is provided, as well as two bathhouses with restrooms
and hot shower facilities. Bathhouses are closed during the off season from
November 1 to March 31.
Group Camp
Accommodating up to 120 people, the group camp has 18 screened-in bunkhouses,
sleeping six to eight each. The group camp is open from April 1 through October
31 and reservations are required. The dining hall contains a commercial kitchen
facility. The group camp includes two bathhouses with hot shower facilities. No
linens are provided. No RVs or tents are allowed at the group camp.
Backcountry Camping
Overnight backcountry camping is allowed at three designated campsites.
Backcountry camping is free, but a permit is required. Pets on a leash are
allowed. Pack animals are prohibited.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop is located inside the park office/visitor's center, and is open
during office hours.
Laundry
A coin-operated laundry is open from April 1 to October 31.
Meeting Facilities/Recreation Hall
The 22-foot x 40-foot recreation hall can hold up to 70 people depending on
seating arrangement. The hall has a small kitchen with a stove/oven and a
refrigerator.
Picnic Areas
Big Ridge has three covered picnic shelters, each capable of accommodating 25 -
30 people. The shelters may be reserved for a fee. Please call the park office
for reservations. If not rented, shelters may be used free of charge, on a
first-come, first-serve basis. Each shelter is equipped with a grill and picnic
tables. Waters spigots are located conveniently nearby. Open picnic areas with
tables and grills are also available free to charge. The Recreation Hall also
provides a picnic area and accommodates 70 people and is available to rent. Each
shelter is equipped with a grill and picnic tables. Water spigots are located
conveniently nearby.
Planned Programs
Seasonal Interpretive Rangers provide free weekly activities for the entire
family during the summer months including guided hikes, movies, campfires, arts
and crafts, nature programs, and organized sports activities.
* Wildlife Presentation
* Salamander Hunt
* Creek Critters
* Backcountry Basics
* Campfire
* Owl Prowl
* Bat Watch
* Trees
* Nature Crafts
* Nature Games
* Native Plants for landscaping
* Wildflower Walks
* Tracks and Signs
* Guided Hikes
Special Events
Big Ridge State Park hosts three special events each year. On the day before
Easter big Ridge hosts the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event is free and many
prizes are available for children 10 and under. On the third Friday in august
the annual Bluegrass Music Festival is held from 7pm to midnight. Ten local
bands play bluegrass, country and old-time country music. The event is free. On
Friday and Saturday nights in October, Big Ridge park rangers conduct guided
night hikes to tell ghost stories from the park's past. For more information on
these events, call the park office.
Play Grounds and Playing Fields
The park offers sand volleyball, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball court
and softball field. A new wheelchair accessible playground is located next to
the park office and offers play experiences for children of all ages and
abilities. Big Ridge offers many activities including: badminton, basketball,
horseshoes, playground, softball, tennis Courts (2 courts, no lights),
volleyball (2 sand courts, one at the swimming beach) and board games. All
equipment may be checked out at the park office/interpretive center at no
charge.
Bicycling
Bicycles are welcome on the park's roads and parking areas, but not on the
trails. Bicycle riders under 16 years of age must wear a helmet.
Hiking Trails
Over 15 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to very rugged. Trails travel
along dry ridges, lush hollows, old roadbeds, lakeshores, and beside cemeteries
and remnants of early settlements. Hiking is the only activity allowed on trails
and restricted to horses and bicycles. Trails are open year round and overnight
camping is allowed on designated backcountry campsites by permit only.
Read descriptions of the various hiking trails at this park
Boating
The boat dock at Big Ridge Park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The
boat dock is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals
are available on the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake. Visitors may use their own electric
trolling motors on park rowboats. Gasoline outboards are not allowed on Big
Ridge Lake. Fishing boats, ski boats and wave runners can be launched at the
boat ramp on Norris Lake. No access to boat ramp at Norris Lake during winter
months.
Tennessee Boating Regulations
Fishing
Enjoy lake fishing year round anywhere from the shore of Big Ridge Lake except
the swimming beach. Expect to catch a variety of fish such as bluegill,
smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and crappie. The boat dock at Big Ridge park is
open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals
are available on the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake. Visitors may use their own electric
trolling motors on park rowboats. Gasoline outboards are not allowed on Big
Ridge Lake. Fishing boats, ski boats and wave runners can be launched at the
boat ramp on Norris Lake. No access to boat ramp at Norris Lake during winter
months.
State license required for individuals between 13 and 65 years of age.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations
Swimming
A sandy beach next to Big Ridge Lake provides swimming enjoyment from Memorial
Day through Labor Day, 8:00a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily. An enclosed,
concrete-bottomed area is provided for children. Swimming is free of charge.
There is no lifeguard on duty, swimming is at your own risk.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome and most roads are accessible. Contact the park office
for more information. |
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