Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

06/05/2026

It's another Feature Friday! This week, we're featuring Pickwick Landing State Park out of Counce, TN in Hardin county.

Pickwick Landing State Park is steeped in history that dates back to the transformative era of the 1930s New Deal. Built alongside Pickwick Dam by the TVA between 1935 and 1938, the park began as a demonstration area featuring work by CCC Company 3459—including trails, cabins, picnic shelters, and rustic stone-and-timber structures—alongside the construction of the dam and Pickwick Lake reservoir.

Tennessee purchased the former Pickwick Village after a period serving as a private resort and formally established Pickwick Landing State Park in 1972. Spanning over 1,400 acres, the park now offers a lodge with 119 riverside rooms, cabins, a marina, an 18 hole golf course, and multiple beaches and campgrounds. Visitors can also explore CCC-built heritage structures, recreational trails like the Island Loop, and enjoy amenities ranging from disc golf and picnicking to boating and birdwatching along the Tennessee River.

Recent years have seen significant investment and modernization across the park. In 2021, the lodge underwent an $11.7 million renovation—refreshing guest rooms, public areas, the conference center, and introducing a new dog park, completely revamping the guest experience. More recently, both the main campground and the Bruton Branch area have been undergoing upgrades with enhanced RV sites and new utility hookups as part of a strategic improvement plan extending through 2033. Though the main campground is currently closed for repairs, the park remains committed to quality enhancements, including improved infrastructure and accessibility projects supported by the Friends of Pickwick Landing group.

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

Happy birthday, Tennessee! From Memphis to Mountain City, we are a state blessed with beautiful natural resources and an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Today and every day, we celebrate this great state we call home.

📸: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

05/31/2026

The public restrooms across from the BCMSP Visitor Center will be temporarily closed Monday and Tuesday of this week for maintenance repairs and upgrades. The closest public restrooms can be found at the Farmers Market parallel to the park.

05/29/2026

It's time for another Feature Friday, where we feature a Tennessee state park that you may have never seen before!

Big Ridge State Park is one of Tennessee’s hidden gems, tucked into the rolling Appalachian ridges of Union County. With its beautiful 45‑acre lake, wooded hills, and miles of scenic trails, it’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.

The park has a rich history dating back to the 1930s as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Norris Project, constructed through the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the National Park Service. Beginning in 1934, CCC crews built essential infrastructure including lodges, cabins, dams and trail systems using local stone and timber craftmanship, while also maintaining erosion and planting trees around the new reservoir. There are many noteworthy historical features around the park, including the Norton Grist Mill (circa 1825) and remnants of early settler homesteads and cemeteries.

The park has blossomed over the years to offer an array of recreational opportunities suitable for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. There are almost 16 miles of hiking trails of different difficulties, all weaving through historic landscapes and scenic viewpoints. The lake supports swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, with seasonal equipment rentals available. Visitors wanting to stay overnight can utilize the 50 campground sites (RV and tent), 19 rustic cabins or backcountry campsites.

Check out the link to Big Ridge's events page to see all the fun things going on this weekend!

05/28/2026

Join us to celebrate our 30th year! As part of Tennessee's Statehood Day, we're hosting a park tour at 9:00 am to share more about our state's legacy.

Our rangers will also be at the Tennessee State Museum at 12:00 pm, handing out cupcakes for the state's birthday! The State Museum and the Tennessee State Library and Archives will also be hosting family-friendly events throughout the day.

05/13/2026

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park might be in the middle of downtown Nashville, but that’s not stopping park manager Mallory England from bringing outdoor adventures to park visitors.

“I grew up doing outdoor recreation in Jasper, Tennessee,” she says. “I have connected with people who grew up in an urban or suburban environment, and they don’t know how to recreate in the outdoors—who to contact, or where to start. I think it’s really cool to provide that opportunity for them.”

Mallory has cooked up the Outdoor Experiences Program, a new series for Tennessee State Parks. Participants learn new outdoor skills on a weekday at Bicentennial, and on the following weekend, travel to another state park to practice their newly learned skills.

Paddling, climbing, backpacking—they’ve done it all!

Learn more about Mallory and how to connect with your wild side through this program at https://tnconservationist.info/TSPManagerProfileEngland

Tennessee State Park ranger profiles are brought to you by Jackson Gibson, park ranger at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

05/08/2026

Want to get out on the water and try your hand at paddling? Join us for a guided 5.4-mile kayaking journey along the beautiful Harpeth River. This program is for anyone new to kayaking and wanting to take a Ranger-led trip to learn more!
To read about this trip and to register, visit: https://tnstateparks.com/events/kayaking-outdoor-experiences-series

05/06/2026

Harpeth River State Park and Friends of Harpeth River State Park recently updated their pollinator garden with custom plant markers thanks to Bicentennial Capitol Mall's maintenance supervisor Scott Rodeffer. Next time you visit, please stop by their garden and enjoy their beautiful work!

04/03/2026

The Outdoor Experiences Spring Backpacking trip is here! Join us for a beginner-level backpacking info session and trip to Savage Gulf State Park. All food will be provided, and some gear may be available. Learn more and register for the program here: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/bicentennial-mall/ #/?event=backpacking-outdoor-experiences-series-2026