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.
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.
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. Reservations may be made up to two years in advance and should be made through the park office.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Directions: Take I-75 exit 122, take Hwy. 61 east for approximately 12 miles. Park entrance is on the left. The park is located between the cities of Andersonville and Maynardville. For specific directions, see http://www.mapquest.com