Big Ridge State Park
1015 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville
865-992-5523 | Trail Map
Located on the shorelines of Norris Lake and on the footprint of the historic Sharp’s Fort, Big Ridge State Park offers a wide array of recreational activities for all ages. The park’s 16.5-mile trail system will take you to where the fort stood, the historical site where settler Peter Graves was attacked and killed by the local Cherokee Indians in 1794 and the Norton Gristmill that was built in 1825. Be sure to check out the Ghost Trail. There are guided hikes led by rangers or you can explore on your own. In addition to having access to Norris Lake, the park has a 49-acre lake that is great for paddling and fishing.
Trails are open year round and overnight camping is allowed on designated backcountry campsites located on Indian Rock Trail and Dark Hollow Trail. Backcountry campsites are by reservation only.
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Park Amenities
- 15 miles of hiking trails
- 1.5 multi-use trail
- campground with electrical and water hookups
- cabins
- swimming area
- picnic area
- kayak and SUP rentals
- boat ramp
- Programs conducted by park rangers
In 2025, Big Ridge State Park opened the Lyon’s Loop Trail, a 1.5 Miles Multi-Use Trail.
This 1.5-mile multi-use trail is the park’s first mountain biking trail. The trail contains some twists and turns as well as inclines and declines through the hardwood forest. The trail is named for its proximity to Lyon’s Spring Branch, and it runs along property that was owned by Mrs. Calvin Lyons before TVA acquired the land. The trail is wide enough to be used by both bikers and hikers, but hikers should always yield to the bikers while on this trail. The parking lot for the trail is located approximately .5 miles east of the main park entrance, off State Highway 61 W. The gate opens at 9:00 AM daily (weather permitting) and closes 30 minutes before sunset.