Wednesday Hike - Big Ridge State Park (History Hike)

One of five demonstration parks developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in cooperation with the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as an example of public recreation development along TVA lakeshores. The structures on the park reflect the craftsmanship and stonework of the CCC. Along the trails, you may see remnants of the homes and farms that existed here prior to the birth of the TVA. This is a 10-mile figure 8 loop around the park. We will cross the dam over an arm of Norris Lake, visit the Indian Rock Historic marker then down a STEEP drop to Sharp’s Station Historic Marker at the lake. We finish that loop with a STEEP climb back to the main trail. Then follow a different trail back to the dam.
* Total Hike Distance is 10 miles; rated Moderately Difficult due to the steep drop down to lake level and the significant climb back up.
* For more information and to register for this event, go to the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club website HERE.
* Our Difficult hikes are: 10-14+ miles and/or elevation change of 1800-2500' or more, mostly on trail, some off-trail possible. Hikers should be regularly hiking 8+ miles with continuous elevation gains of 500+ feet per mile for a sustained 2 to 5 miles (or more), at a 2.0-3.0 mph pace.