Big Ridge State Park

Big Ridge State Park is a heavily forested, 3,687-acre park located on the southern shore of Norris Reservoir in Union County, Tennessee, approximately 25 miles north of the city of Knoxville.

Big Ridge was first developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with assistance from the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It was established as a demonstration park on the shore of the Norris Reservoir, which had been impounded by TVA's Norris Dam. The recreational facilities opened in May 1934. [ [http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/S?ammem/fsaall:@FILREQ(@field(SUBJ+@od1(Tennessee--Hamilton+County--Big+Ridge+Lake+))+@FIELD(COLLID+fsa)) America from the Great Depression to World War II: Black-and-White Photographs from the FSA-OWI, 1935-1945, LC-USW33- 015718-C] ] The park is now operated as a state park under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Prior to the park's development, the land was primarily inhabited by resident farmers. Hiking trails in the park provide the occasional glimpse of remaining farm and residential structures. Built in 1825, the Norton Gristmill still stands in the park, as well as what remains of a 1700s-built fort and a plaque honoring an area settler who was killed in an Indian attack from the fort's active days.

Visitors who plan on staying overnight can rent cabins at the park from April 1 to October 31, or take advantage of the park's sizeable camping area. The park welcomes folks interested in fishing, boating, and bicycling. Annual events include an Easter egg hunt held the day before Easter; a Bluegrass music festival held the third Friday in August; and night hikes and ghost storytelling sessions led by park rangers on Friday and Saturday nights in October.

A man-made beach on Big Ridge Lake serves as a swimming area from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and is free of charge. Meeting facilities are available for special events (reserve in advance).

References

External links

* http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/BigRidge/