Big Ridge State Park in Tennessee, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Ridge State Park near Maynardville, Tennessee, combines wooded Appalachian foothills, lakeside trails, and Civilian Conservation Corps structures. Plan a walk as the core of your visit. In summer, the designated beach adds a swimming option with a specific season and no lifeguards.

Highlights around the ridges and lake

• Walk wooded routes past old settlement sites and along the lakeshore.
• See the CCC-built dam and historic structures near the entrance.
• Choose a short trail before committing to the park’s more rugged backcountry.

Know before visiting Big Ridge

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Trail and swimming safety

Stay on marked trails, and choose a route that matches your experience. The park warns of possible bear encounters on backcountry trails. Cell service is limited, so carry a map. At the beach, there are no lifeguards; wear a life jacket, supervise children, and never jump from the dam.

Respect the routes and historic places

Keep to designated routes and leave old structures and cemetery sites undisturbed. Ask staff about current burn bans before using a fire. Swimming outside the designated beach area is prohibited throughout the park.

Reservations and cabin closure

Cabin reservations depend on the construction reopening; do not treat the expected date as a confirmed booking opportunity. The park requires reservations for designated backcountry campsites. Contact staff about dates and conditions before planning an overnight trip.

Location and arrival near Maynardville

Use the park-office address: 1015 Big Ridge Park Road, Maynardville, TN 37807. GPS routes can lead onto narrow back roads with hairpin curves, so confirm a suitable approach with the office if you drive a large vehicle. Pick up a free trail map there or use the official hiking information to choose a route before arrival.

Nearby parks around Norris

Norris Dam State Park at Rocky Top and Anderson County Park at Andersonville are nearby options for a separate road stop around Norris. Compare their visitor addresses with your onward route; the lake’s shape makes a road plan more useful than judging distance across the water.

Hike first, then add the beach in season

• For a short walk, consider Fishermans Trail, listed as easy and 0.35 mile, near the back entrance.
• For a lakeside outing, consider Lake Trail, which crosses the CCC-built dam. Check its current route and distance on the map before leaving.
• For summer swimming, use only the designated beach during its operating season. Read the beach rules and hours before setting out.

Visitor center and accessible viewing

The visitor center and gift shop provide maps and park information. The gristmill has ADA access for viewing. Ask the office about a particular route or facility if you need step-free access; this does not mean that the natural hiking trails are all accessible.

About Big Ridge

CCC structures and earlier settlements

The park preserves features built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including the dam, old office gatehouse, and beach house. Trails also pass cemeteries and remnants of earlier settlements, placing the recreation landscape alongside the lives of former residents.

Wildlife along the lake and trails

Deer, frogs, herons, and wood ducks are among the animals noted along Lake Trail. Migratory birds add interest in spring and fall, while common loons sometimes visit Norris Lake in winter. Observe quietly without approaching animals.

Contact Big Ridge State Park

Call the park office at 865-992-5523. Office hours are 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Tennessee State Parks manages Big Ridge; use its official park page for the current construction alert and visitor updates.