Everyone In The Family Will Like Pickett State Park Because It Has Something For Everyone
Canoe, Swim, Hike, Camp, Fish, Stay In A Rustic Cabin, And Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery
As a Knoxville native, most of my outdoor experiences, especially growing up, involved the lakes around my house and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It wasn’t until fairly recently that I finally decided to start exploring some of our nearby state parks that people have been telling me about for years. And it has been a revelation to see what I have been missing all this time.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is one of those state parks that I can’t believe I haven’t taken my family to before now-- everything about it makes it a perfect place for kids.
WHY FAMILIES WILL LIKE PICKETT
Family-friendly hikes, nice campground, beautiful scenery, cosy historic cabins
The park has lots of short hikes to cool features such as rock arches or caves, longer trails for the more serious hikers, a lovely 12 acre lake to explore by canoe, a swimming area, a swinging bridge, playground, picnic areas, and an astronomy field that is a certified dark sky viewing location (one of the 1st in the southeast to be certified so).
If you want to explore over a few days, you will find a nice campground with moderns bathrooms with free showers (always a highlight in my book), historic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) cabins built in 1941, one bedroom chalets, and deluxe 3 BR cabins for families that need lots of space.
If you want to head even further afield, Pickett can be a great base from which to visit nearby sites. The always excellent Big South Fork National Recreation Area is adjacent to the park as is Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area, one of Tennessee’s newest parks. Alvin York Historic Park is 17 miles away from Pickett State Park and Historic Rugby is 30 miles away.
Whether you come for the day or stay for a week, you and the kids will find plenty to do at Pickett State Park. It is a fantastic place that shows off some of the best East Tennessee has to offer.
What To Do In Pickett
Start any visit to Pickett State Park at the Park Office/Visitor Center which is right by the turn off for the main areas of the park (campground, cabins, and the picnic area by the lake). If you are checking in for a campsite or cabin, you will need to stop here anyway but it is a good idea for day trippers to check in on trail conditions, lake levels for canoeing, or pick up some maps.
Hiking
There are 10 trails in the park. Nine of these are 2.5 miles long or less while Hidden Passage is the only long trail in the park at 7.8 miles. Most of them have a feature at the end or along the way to keep the kid’s interest which makes it particularly great for those with younger kids.
Do one trail in the morning and another in the afternoon, interspersing it with lunch at a picnic table by the lake, and you have a pretty great day out.
The park has color coded all of the trails and put matching blazes on trees and signs to make it easy to follow the trail you are on. This is nice because often these trails criss-cross each other so you could get off on the wrong trail if you weren’t following your handy dandy color.
Some of My Favorite Trails
THE LAKE TRAIL + THE ISLAND TRAIL
1.85 mile combined loop, Easy
Starting from the parking area by the swinging bridge over Arch Lake, walk over the bridge and turn right. This starts this super scenic and easy Lake Trail (Blue Blazes) around the lake. You will get some great views over the lake as you head north into a more wooded area. At about the halfway point, you cross Thompson Creek on a small bridge and then you loop back to the lake and to the swimming area near the swinging bridge.
Do take the short detour over to Island Trail as you get back towards the cabins and swimming area. That trail leads across a natural rock arch to a 0.3 mile loop around a peninsula with more great views of the lake and the dam that the CCC built to create the lake.
We were lucky enough to have the trail to ourselves and it felt like we were discovering our own hidden island. Super fun. ** There are some steep drop-offs at some sections of this trail so hang on to little kids!
As you get near the Arch, you will see signs asking you to stay on the trail so you don’t trample the endangered Cumberland Sandwort, a plant only found in this immediate area.
HAZARD CAVE TRAIL
1.6 mile loop, Moderate (only because there are some stairs)
Starting from the far end of the picnic area parking lot, the Hazard Cave Trail (white blazes) leads to a spectacular rock shelter. It is worth a much longer hike than the paltry 0.8 miles you have to walk to see this super cool geologic formation, even considering the few stairs you have to navigate.
The rock shelter is home to the endangered Cumberland Sandwort as well as a rare kind of glow worm. So do mind the fences and stay on the trail when you get to the “cave” in order to avoid accidentally trampling this fragile environment.
You can shorten this hike even more by driving to the parking area off Hwy 154 that is only 0.25 miles from the rock shelter. However, this route will exchange mileage for even more stairs so this may not work out well for little kids.
You can also combine the trip to Hazard Cave with the Natural Bridge Trail to make an approximately 2 mile hike to see both of these nifty geologic formations.
NATURAL BRIDGE TRAIL
1 mile loop, Easy
Head to the Recreation Lodge near the lake, then cross the street to the woods opposite to find the trailhead for this fun and easy hike. The Natural Bridge Trail (brown blazes) takes you in just half a mile to a pretty cool stone arch that is 86 feet long and 35 feet high. You can even climb up to the top of the arch and walk across it.
Like Hazard Cave, this trail is another large bang for a ridiculously low buck. You can combine the two trails together to make a roughly 2 mile loop walk that is easy enough for even young kids to do at a slow speed.
The fact that you can see an arch and a cave in a fairly easy 2 mile hike is one of the many reasons I really like Pickett State Park.
STORY BOOK TRAIL
The trail is not listed on the website but my guess is around 0.25 miles
Just behind the playground at the picnic area, you will the super short but fun Story Book Trail, a great activity for younger kids. If you haven’t seen one of these types of trails yet, basically they take a short kids book and print one page at a time on a sign, interspersing them about 10 or so yards apart along the trail. Kids love to run from one sign to the next to read the next part of the story (or wait for you to read it to them).
* HIDDEN PASSAGE TRAIL- Not Hiked Yet
7.8 mile loop, Moderate
I haven’t done this trail yet because of weather issues on previous visits but it is on the top of my list for my next visit. The kids are a little older as well so longer trails are more feasible for us nowadays. This trail has waterfalls, overlooks, and a scramble through a passageway in a rock shelter (hence the name “Hidden Passage”). The blog Cloudhiking Trails has an excellent post about hiking Hidden Passage Trail with lots of pictures and mileage info. It looks like a great hike with a lot to see.
Boating
The CCC built a dam on Thompson Lake to create Arch Lake, so named because of the large sandstone arch over the lake near the dam. It isn’t a huge lake but it is scenic, especially if you manage to catch it in the offseason or early/late in the day after the day trippers have left.
You can bring your own kayak or canoe to launch or you can rent from the boat dock from mid-April thru October. Canoes and paddleboards are $5 per hour while 4 person rowboats are $4 per hour. *Everybody must wear a lifejacket on the lake, even if you bring your own boat/board.
Swimming
Pickett has made a little swimming area roped off from the rest of the lake, and it even has a little sandy “beach.” The water is a little brownish because it has a lot of sediment which may put some people off, but it is clean. There is no lifeguard and children must have an adult keeper.
The swimming area is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 am-530 pm. On hot summer afternoons, the swimming area is the best place to be in the park.
Fishing
Arch Lake is stocked with trout in the summer and all you need is a stamp and a fishing license from the park office to go catch your dinner. You can fish from a boat or shore, just not near the swimming area (obviously they have seen me try to cast).
Picnic Area and Playground
Pickett has a large picnic area with lots of tables to choose from, many with a lovely lakeside setting. And you will find a small playground (better for younger kids) around the picnic area as well as the swinging bridge and a tennis court.
*Pro Tip- I will warn you that it can get a little buggy in the park in the summer. Bring plenty of bug spray and citronella candles.
Museums
CCC MUSEUM
If history or archaeology is your thing, then you are in luck because Pickett State Park has not one but two museums on site. One is the tiny but interesting Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum located near the park office in a building actually constructed by the CCC in the 1930s.
The park itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because so much of it is a legacy of this Great Depression project- the dam, lake, telephone lines, fire tower, roads, trails, plus several of the cabins, the boathouse, and the beach were all built by CCC workers.
The CCC Museum is only 2 rooms and you have to get a key from the park office to enter, but it is pretty interesting for its small size and worth the effort. Good pictures and exhibits tell the story of the men who enlisted in this peacetime army.
They were taught practical skills (such as masonry and carpentry) while working to improve the lives of the people around them with fire prevention, erosion control, and building parks for recreation. The men also had classes in the evenings to improve their literacy or take more advanced subjects. 17 state parks in Tennessee trace their origins back to the hard work of the CCC.
ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM
The other museum on the property is the Archaeology Museum, located just north of the park office near the Group Camp area. Opened in 2017, the museum is a collaboration between TN State Parks and ETSU to show the history and geology of the area while also highlighting Native American history.
The nearby Rock Creek Mortar Shelter is an active archaeological dig that shows signs of inhabitance from 11,000 years ago to 1,000 years ago and the museum has pottery, stone tools, and fossils from the area that teach us how people lived in the area.
The Archaeology Museum is open from 8-4:30 Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Fall and spring schedules will be posted on the park’s website a few weeks in advance. Check out the park’s website for more information.
I haven’t had a chance to see the Archaeology Museum yet as I have managed to visit only on days it is closed, but I think it would make an interesting stop. If you do any hiking at all in the area, you will pass so many of these rock shelters that seem like obvious places for people to live and the kids will spend their time imagining just that. It would be interesting to see how our imaginings match up with how people really did live.
Astronomy & Star Gazing
Pickett State Park was certified as a Dark Sky Viewing Location in 2015, the first in the southeast. The astronomy field is actually is 2.5 miles south of the park on Hwy 154 at the parking area for Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. The field is available year-round and star gazing events are often held, so be sure to check the website.
Lodging Options In Pickett State Park
You have several choices of lodgings in the park, from camping to historic CCC built cabins to more modern deluxe cabins. There are also private vacation rentals in the area.
Camping
There is only one campground in Pickett State Park with 27 moderately spaced campsites. 20 of those have electricity and all have water hook ups. Each site also has a picnic table and a charcoal grill.
As with almost all campsites, the ones on the outer loop have the most privacy. The campground is open year round and you can reserve online. Nightly rates range from $15-$55 depending on time of year and whether the site has electric.
My favorite sites are A21 and A1 for the most space although they are at the entrance to the campground loop so you will get all the cars passing by. Other good ones were A7, A8, A10, A13, A15 for the most privacy.
*Pro-Tip- Pickett can get kinda buggy, especially around dusk, so bring plenty of bug spray and citronella candles for your campsite.
Side Note- There are about 4 campsites that I saw in person that are not listed on the website for reservations but are still on some of the brochures for the park. They are B1, B3, B5, and B7 which are located on the bottom loop across from reservable sites B2, B4, and B6. I don’t know if those unlisted sites are walk-in only or are being renovated and aren’t available anymore. They looked like great sites so I would keep an eye out for them if you go. You can always ask at the camp office when you check in.
Cabins
You have 4 choices for cabins at Pickett State Park. There are 5 of each type of cabin so there are 20 cabins total in the park. You must rent for a 2 night minimum (longer on big holiday weekends). The cabins are very popular so reserve online far in advance of your dates.
You can also call last minute and see if they have any cancellations. They will waive the 2 night minimum sometimes if you call and book last minute.
All cabins have 1 bathroom (except the deluxe cabins which have 2), full kitchen appliances, modern bathrooms, linens are provided, no washer/dryer, and working wood fireplaces (except the Deluxe Cabins which have gas fireplaces).
The rustic CCC cabins do not have central heat/air but they will give you a space heater in the winter and you always have the fireplace. All of the other cabins have central heat/air.
There are two ADA cabins- 1 Standard and 1 Deluxe Cabin and they are noted on the map when you reserve.
One cabin of each group is a designated pet cabin so Fido can come as well.
Rustic CCC cabins - 1 BR- 4 people max- cabins #1-5 on maps
There are actually two types of CCC Cabins: 2 wooden ones (#1 and #4 that are only open April 1- Nov 30) and three stone ones (#2, #3, #5) that are open year round.
The wooden cabins have 2 double beds in the living/ bedroom area while the stone cabins have 1 double bed in the bedroom and 1 double bed in the living room.
The dining area is on the screened porch (the only cabin types that have a screened porch) and there is no central heat/air for these cabins. Regardless, there are the cabins I would pick first. There is a charm to their rustic nature and I like the history. They are perfectly situated near the lake and the price is right ($60- $140 per night) depending on wooden versus stone cabin as well as time of year. #3 is my cabin of choice because of its privacy.
*The CCC Cabins are closed until July 2020 for a major renovation so keep an eye on the website for updates.
Chalets/ Suites- 1 BR- 2 people max- cabins #11-15 on maps
Alternatively called Chalets in some descriptions and Suites in others, these 5 lodgings are adjoining with interconnecting doors if you rent more than one. They are pretty simple inside, 1 loft bedroom and bathroom at the upstairs entry, then down a spiral staircase to the kitchen and living room. The large deck out back has a picnic table and you can kinda see the lake from the decks.
Prices range from $60- $180 per night depending on time of year.
All of the decks connect so you if you want privacy, these are not the lodgings for you. They also only sleep 2 people which rules out a lot of families. But you could look for 2 adjoining Suites and really give those teenagers their space!
Standard Cabins - 2 or 3 BR- 4 to 6 people max- cabins #6-10 on maps
Grouped adjacent to the Rustic CCC Cabins grouping, the standard cabins also have a great location in the park near the swimming hole and boat dock. These are my next favorite places to rent after the CCC Cabins, although I really wish they had a screened porch. The cabins are fairly new and nicely done.
The 2 bedroom cabins have a double bed in each bedroom, while the 3 bedroom cabins have a king bed, and a double bed, and a bunk bed— except for the 3 bedroom ADA cabin which has a king bed in one bedroom and a double in each of the other 2 bedrooms.
Deluxe Cabins- 3 BR- 8 people max- cabins #16-20 on maps
The fanciest of the cabins, the Deluxe Cabins are in a group together across Hwy 154 from the park office. That does make them a little quieter than the other lodgings but a long walk to the trailheads and swimming area.
The 3 bedrooms have a king in two of the bedrooms, then two double beds in the third bedroom to sleep 8 max. These are the only cabins with two bathrooms and they have a nice covered deck. They have gas fireplaces instead of the wood burning fireplaces that are found at the other cabins in the park.
Vacation Rentals Outside Pickett State Park
This is a wonderful area for the outdoors with Big South Fork and Pogue Creek Canyon also in the immediate vicinity. For this reason, you will find a fair number of cabins and lodges for rent on sites such as VRBO.
I generally like to camp at Pickett or in Big South Fork but these are some places I have thought about for the off season when it is too cold to camp with the kiddos.
Heads Up: We do participate in affiliate marketing with some of the companies that we personally use (Booking.com, VRBO.com). They don’t pay us to write, we simply get a commission if you enter those sites through our “gate” as opposed to say a Google search. But we also recommend lodging where we don’t receive any commission, such as Airbnb or private rental agencies. If it’s good; it’s good. We don’t change our recommendations based on vendor. *All pictures courtesy of owners from their websites.
Beautiful and Serene getaway- trail ride or hike directly into Big South Fork
A lovely 2 Br/ 2 BA cabin in Spruce Creek Acres has lots of charm and relaxing views of the woods from its deck. The bedrooms each have queens and the loft has 2 twins plus the house has a queen sleeper sofa to sleep 8 people max. Has WiFi and a washer/dryer. The hot tub on the back deck will be a kid favorite I am sure. It even has 4 horse stalls so bring them too (if you have some). Averages $140 a night with a $75 cleaning fee. 2 night minimum. You can bring a pet for $25. Lots of very happy reviews.
Pickett State Park is 3.7 miles away.
If you have a large family or maybe two families hanging together one weekend, then this is the house for you. With 4 bedrooms (king, queen, queen, twins) and a sleeper sofa, this house can sleep 10 people.
With a nice deck and a fantastic fire pit, you will look forward to coming back here after a day of hiking. Has a washer/ dryer and WiFi as well as 4 stalls and a turn-out area for your horses. Averages $200 a night plus an $80 cleaning fee. $25 pet fee. 3 night minimum.
Pickett State Park is 2 miles away.
Cozy Cabin, Big South Fork, Horse property/ hiking/ kayaking
If you are looking for something a bit smaller (and cheaper) check out this cute little cottage with 1 bedroom (full) and loft with queen mattress. 1 bathroom and a nice deck overlooking the woods plus a kitchen and living room round out this cute and cozy place. No Wifi or cable so this is truly a getting back to nature kinda of place. Averages $85 a night and $45 cleaning fee. 2 night minimun stay. No pets.
Pickett State Park is 6 miles away.
This family-owned cabin rental place has 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom cabins (plus one large 7 bedroom lodge) and all look really nice. Many of their cabins have hot tubs, WiFi, and stables for horses.
Laurel Fork is 7.4 miles from Pickett State Park.
Nearby Attractions
Big South Fork
This is one of my favorite places in East Tennessee with hiking, paddling, and mountain biking adventures all found in this large and gorgeous national recreation area. Read my blog about Big South Fork for more information. “Big South Fork National Recreation Area With Kids- A General Introduction And Why You’ll Love It”
Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
Just 2 miles down the road from Pickett is this pretty park that I bet you have never heard of before- Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. Which is reasonable because it was only sold by The Nature Conservancy to the state in 2006. Since then, several trails have been blazed to some fantastic overlooks, rock shelters, and waterfalls.
The trailhead is in a field off Highway 154 that also doubles as Pickett State Park’s astronomy field. You can take a fairly easy 1.8 mile Overlook Trail that loops past some huge rock shelters and to an overlook of the canyon from the trailhead here.
If you want a longer hike, you can connect to the Upper Canyon Trail from the Overlook Trail to explore more for a 6-7 mile hike, depending on how far you go. Read Independent Herald Oneida’s article about it or see AllTrails for good descriptions and pictures of the trails.
I haven’t visited this park yet but it looks gorgeous. TN State Parks has posted a YouTube video about the new trails.
Alvin York State Historic Park
One of the most decorated soldiers in WWI, Alvin York is famous for his capture of 128 German soldiers in the Argonne Forest. The Alvin York State Historic Park includes a Visitor Center modeled after his general store, a grist mill, the York home, and a recreated WWI trench. You can hike 0.5 miles to York’s burial site by way of a neat swinging bridge over the Wolf River.
The park is free to visit but the 45 min guided tour of the York home costs $5 for adults (free for 12 or younger). You can book a spot online.
The park is 19 miles away from Pickett CCC Memorial State Park.
Want to take a trip to the Smokies and camp in the woods but not sure what to expect? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Elkmont Campground in exhaustive detail- what campsites are the best, how to reserve, and all the little things that will help you plan your trip. This family friendly campground is one of our favorites in the Smokies and we return to it again and again.