Summary of Tennessee State Parks near Memphis
Tennessee is divided into three grand divisions, with West Tennessee generally stretching from the Tennessee River west to the Mississippi River. There are several Tennessee State Parks near Memphis in this region, providing great options for day trips or weekend getaways.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in Northwest Tennessee, featuring a 15,000-acre lake formed by the massive earthquakes along the New Madrid Fault in 1811-1812, which even caused the Mississippi River to flow backward. Today, this park is renowned for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including the majestic bald eagles. The flooded forest, filled with cypress trees both above and below the water, enriches the landscape. Daily bald eagle tours run in January and February when thousands of these birds take residence. The park caters to enthusiasts of boating and fishing and offers several well-maintained hiking trails for bird watching and wildlife viewing pursuits. Two campgrounds are also available for guests.
Fort Pillow State Park
Fort Pillow State Park is situated 40 miles north of Memphis. The 1,642-acre area is recognized for its preserved breastworks and reconstructed inner fort, positioned on steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, making it a strategically important site during the Civil War. Established in 1861 by Confederate troops, the fort was abandoned in 1862 due to the advancing Union Navy. The park’s museum features Civil War artifacts and exhibits related to the fort’s history, including a 12-minute historical video about the 1864 battle available upon request. The park also offers 32 campsites, six of which accommodate RVs, and a moderate five-mile hiking trail leading to backcountry camping areas.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a popular choice for cross-country runners, hikers, and mountain bikers due to its extensive trails and its proximity to Memphis. This 13,476-acre park is situated on hardwood bottomland adjacent to the Mississippi River, merely 13 miles north of Memphis. Featuring over 20 miles of trails, with the highlight being the eight-mile Chickasaw Bluff Trail, the park is rich in diverse ecosystems ranging from swamps to dense forests. Bird-watchers are likely to enjoy spotting around 200 species of various birds. The nature center, open on weekends, presents an array of engaging exhibits, including live snakes and turtles, as well as a stunning indoor live butterfly garden. Additionally, the park boasts six two-bedroom cabins and a campground featuring 49 campsites and a 36-hole disc golf course divided into two 18-hole courses.
T.O. Fuller State Park
T.O. Fuller State Park is located in the southwest corner of Memphis. Spanning 1,138 acres, the park showcases diverse terrain, from Mississippi River floodplains to high bluff ridges. Notably, it was the first state park opened for African Americans east of the Mississippi River and is named after Dr. Thomas O. Fuller, who dedicated his life to educating African Americans. Constructed beginning in 1938 as part of a Civilian Conservation Corps project, the park features the Chucalissa Indian Village, uncovered in 1940 during swimming pool excavation. This prehistoric village includes archaeological excavations and a modern museum. The park’s hiking trails include a four-mile Discovery Trail loop, which offers scenic views of the Chucalissa Indian Village and surrounding wetlands. Additionally, the park provides 35 picnic tables and four shelters for gatherings.
Big Cypress Tree State Park
Big Cypress Tree State Park, located in Greenfield just south of Martin, derives its name from the national champion bald cypress tree that stood in the park until a lightning strike claimed it in 1976. This tree was notable for being both the largest bald cypress in the U.S. and the largest of any species east of the Mississippi River, having thrived for over 1,350 years. The park is highly regarded for picnics and birdwatching. Once fully developed, it will feature a boardwalk handicapped trail leading to the Big Cypress Tree River, as well as diverse native flora such as showy evening primrose, black-eyed Susans, yellow poplar, bald cypress, and dogwood.
Pinson Mounds State Park
Pinson Mounds State Park, located in Pinson just south of Jackson, encompasses over 1,200 acres and is renowned for at least 15 Native American mounds used for burial and ceremonial purposes. Established as a Tennessee State Park in 1974, it is also recognized as a national historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The park houses the largest Native American Middle Woodland Period mound group in the U.S. Its museum, which replicates a mound, features 4,500 square feet of exhibit space, an archaeological library, theater, and a Discovery Room for engaging with the park’s rich history. Additional amenities include hiking trails for mound access and picnic facilities, along with four onsite cabins.
Big Hill Pond State Park
Big Hill Pond State Park spans 4,138 acres of lush timberland and hardwood bottomland in southwest McNairy County. Its name is derived from the 35-acre Big Hill Pond, formed in 1853 when soil from a borrow pit was used to construct a levee for railroad purposes. Cypress trees flourish in and around the lake, creating a rich natural habitat. Hiking is a favored activity in the park, highlighted by trails leading to a 70-foot observation tower overlooking the trees and Travis McNatt Lake. The park boasts approximately 30 miles of trails for both overnight and day use, complemented by four backpack trail shelters. For equestrian enthusiasts, there are 14 miles of trails shared with mountain bikers. Additionally, both fishing and camping opportunities abound.
Pickwick Landing State Park
Today, Pickwick Landing State Park is a popular destination for residents of Memphis. However, in the 1840s, it served as a riverboat stop along the Tennessee River, and in the 1930s, the Tennessee Valley Authority established a dam on the river at Pickwick Landing. The area previously known as TVA Village is now home to essential park facilities. Covering 681 acres, the park offers abundant fishing and watersports activities, including a golf course featuring eight holes that overlook the water. Visitors can enjoy three public swimming beaches, including Circle Beach and Sandy Beach in the park’s day-use area, along with another at the Bruton Branch primitive area. Pickwick State Park’s inn includes 119 rooms, both indoor and outdoor pools, with nearby cabins providing access to inn amenities. Additionally, there are 48 wooded campsites and a primitive campground on the north side of the lake.
Natchez Trace State Park
The Natchez Trace, stretching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, intersects slightly east of Natchez Trace State Park. Conveniently located on the west side of the Tennessee River, this park encompasses around 48,000 acres purchased during the New Deal. Many of the present buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration. The park features 13.5 miles of scenic hiking trails, varying from half-mile to 4.5 miles in length, alongside a 40-mile overnight trail. The park museum highlights local history and provides camping, cabins, and lodges. Additionally, visitors can explore four serene lakes – Cub Lake, Pin Oak Lake, Maple Creek Lake, and Brown’s Creek Lake, alongside 250 miles of horse riding trails in the southern section.
Paris Landing State Park
Paris Landing State Park, located near Kentucky along the Tennessee River, was established in 1945, named after a steamboat and freight landing. The 841-acre park sits on the western shore of the dammed 160,000-acre Kentucky Lake, providing numerous water sports opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and waterskiing. The park also offers amenities for golf, hiking, and camping. Visitors can enjoy a public swimming area and beach on Kentucky Lake, complete with restrooms and a picnic space. An Olympic-size swimming pool with a children’s facility is operational from Memorial Day through the first week of August.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park occupies one of the highest points in West Tennessee, Pilot Knob, offering spectacular views of the Tennessee River. The park is home to the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum and features 25 miles of hiking trails. Positioned on Kentucky Lake, it provides ample opportunities for boating and fishing, with commercial marinas and public boat docks available. Visitors can choose from eight cabins overlooking the lake and a rustic log cabin, alongside three campgrounds, two of which are primitive.
