Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park lies within the 20,887-acres Pickett State Forest and is adjacent to the massive 125,000 acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. In 1933, the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company donated nearly 12,000 acres of land to the State of Tennessee to be developed as a forest recreational area. Initial development of the area by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) occurred between 1934 through 1942. The CCC constructed hiking trails, five rustic cabins, a recreation lodge, a ranger station, and a 12-acre lake. The park memorializes and preserves the unique work of the CCC who first developed the park.

In 2015, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area earned Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation. It became the first state park in the Southeast to gain this prestigious recognition. Visitors can enjoy sweeping, rich views of the night sky similar to those found in many of the Western states.

The Pickett CCC Museum features interpretative exhibits and artifacts, depicting the Civilian Conservation Corps' contributions to Tennessee's parks and natural areas, while recognizing the CCC's extensive efforts across the country. An interactive touch-screen exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to hear directly from former CCC workers, sharing their stories about their time working to construct Pickett State Park. Developed by Tennessee State Parks, the museum is in the same location of the former park office, constructed by the CCC in the 1930s. Approximately 70,000 Tennesseans served in the CCC in various locations around the country. There were 77 CCC camps located throughout Tennessee.

'Pickett State Park has cabins and campsites available for rent. The park has 15 rental cabins, with three styles to accommodate different size families. There are five rustic CCC cabins that can accommodate two to four people, five standard cabins that can accommodate four to six people, and five deluxe cabins that can accommodate up to eight people. Each type of cabin is completely equipped for housekeeping with modern bathrooms, kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, linens and towels, and fireplaces. There are 26 campsites at the park, some of which provide electric, and all provide water hookups, picnic tables, and grills.

More than 58 miles of hiking trails meander through the wilderness of Pickett State Park and the surrounding forest. They vary in length and difficulty, from short day-use trails suitable for families to longer multi-day backpacking trails. A backcountry camping permit is required through the park office. The trails afford views of sandstone bluffs, natural bridges, waterfalls, and diverse plant life.

Pickett State Park is adjacent to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a federally managed extension of the National Park Service. Learn more about this popular 125,000-acre nature preserve.

Also nearby, but off the beaten path, is the Charit Creek Lodge. Charit Creek Lodge is a rustic wilderness lodge located in a valley in the heart of Big South Fork. The lodge offers a unique way to experience the beauty and serenity of the area. The lodge is only accessible by hiking, biking, or horseback. Learn more about this unique location.

Did you know? Pickett was the first state park in the southeast to be listed as a certified dark sky viewing location!

On May 12, 2015, Pickett State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area were named a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park for their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky. The combined property will be known as Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park.

To receive this designation, Pickett-Pogue met stringent criteria set forth by the IDA, worked in partnership with local communities and governments, and performed modifications to facilities including installing night sky-friendly lighting.

Park Trail Maps

Looking for a trail map? Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. The page includes all the trail maps we have available, organized by park. We have free and paid options that provide you the details you need to have your next great adventure in Tennessee.

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