Tennessee State Parks offers engaging, relevant, and interactive educational experiences. Discover more about learning with a Ranger -- in a park or in your classroom!

Big Ridge Lake is a great place to explore by canoe or kayak or just enjoy a relaxing paddle. Bring your own or rent one of ours. SUPs and tandem kayaks are also available. The boat dock is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Rowboat rentals are available on the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake. Fishing boats, ski boats, and wave runners can be launched at the boat ramp on Norris Lake just outside the park entrance drive.

A sandy beach next to Big Ridge Lake provides swimming enjoyment from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. An enclosed, concrete-bottomed area is provided for children. Swimming is free of charge. There are no lifeguards on duty, therefore swimming is at your own risk.

Over 15 miles of hiking trails travel along dry ridges, lush hollows, old roadbeds, lakeshores and beside cemeteries and remnants of early settlements. Trails range from easy to very rugged. Free trail maps are available at the park office. Trails are open year round and overnight camping is allowed on designated backcountry campsites. Reservations are required.

Big Ridge Lake (49-acre) provides good fishing year round for bass and bream. 

Common loons sometimes visit during the winter and can be seen on Norris Lake. The trails are good places to see migratory birds in the spring and fall. Over 110 species of birds have been observed here throughout the year but the autumn months are the best.