We Scenic City residents are reminded of the natural beauty that lies just beyond every time we open our doors, but did you realize there are legitimate wonders of the world in our midst? This year, we'll introduce you to a few of them. The rest will be up to you.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Claim to fame: First state park in the Southeast to be listed as a certified dark sky viewing location
Location: Jamestown, Tenn.
Drive time from downtown Chattanooga: 2 1/2 hours
Star light, star bright: Winter offers prime time viewing of the heavens, and there are few places where the stars shine as brightly. Pickett State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area were named a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park in May 2015, and to this day Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is one of only three such designated spots in the Southeast. In March, Pickett is hosting a Dark Sky Celebration Weekend featuring speakers, stargazing and more.Star light, star bright: Winter offers prime time viewing of the heavens, and there are few places where the stars shine as brightly. Pickett State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area were named a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park in May 2015, and to this day Pickett-Pogue International Dark Sky Park is one of only three such designated spots in the Southeast. In March, Pickett is hosting a Dark Sky Celebration Weekend featuring speakers, stargazing and more.
Living legacy: Much of the park's amenities are thanks to the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which spent the latter half of the 1930s and early part of the '40s building rustic cabins, a lodge, ranger station, 12-acre lake and hiking trails there. On the site of the original park office built by the CCC is a more current testament to the corps. The Pickett CCC Museum offers an in-depth look at the CCC's local legacy through interpretative exhibits and artifacts, including a chance to hear former CCC workers' own takes on their time in the corps.Living legacy: Much of the park's amenities are thanks to the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which spent the latter half of the 1930s and early part of the '40s building rustic cabins, a lodge, ranger station, 12-acre lake and hiking trails there. On the site of the original park office built by the CCC is a more current testament to the corps. The Pickett CCC Museum offers an in-depth look at the CCC's local legacy through interpretative exhibits and artifacts, including a chance to hear former CCC workers' own takes on their time in the corps.
Just around the bend: While Pickett State Park's sprawling acreage of forest is nothing to sneeze at — it sits within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest — its next door neighbor eclipses that. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts 120,000 acres of whitewater, climbing spots, hiking and horseback riding trails. So take to the 58 miles of trails in Pickett State Park for views of sandstone bluffs, natural bridges, waterfalls and the various forms of life that call the area "home," or head to Big South Fork for more of the same with a lot more room to roam.
Just around the bend: While Pickett State Park's sprawling acreage of forest is nothing to sneeze at — it sits within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest — its next door neighbor eclipses that. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts 120,000 acres of whitewater, climbing spots, hiking and horseback riding trails. So take to the 58 miles of trails in Pickett State Park for views of sandstone bluffs, natural bridges, waterfalls and the various forms of life that call the area "home," or head to Big South Fork for more of the same with a lot more room to roam.Just around the bend: While Pickett State Park's sprawling acreage of forest is nothing to sneeze at - it sits within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest - its next door neighbor eclipses that. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts 120,000 acres of whitewater, climbing spots, hiking and horseback riding trails. So take to the 58 miles of trails in Pickett State Park for views of sandstone bluffs, natural bridges, waterfalls and the various forms of life that call the area "home," or head to Big South Fork for more of the same with a lot more room to roam.
Hunker down: Only accessible by foot, bike or horseback, Charit Creek Lodge offers a charming, off-the-grid experience in the heart of Big South Fork NRRA. Stay in one of the lodge's historic buildings — the oldest buildings being utilized in the National Park System — pitch your own tent or opt for the lodge's tree tent. After a family-style dinner with your fellow travelers, reflect on your day by the light of lanterns and a wood-burning stove, which set the standard. But be sure to turn in early enough that you don't miss breakfast the next morning, which is served at 8 a.m. sharp for those who opt for meal services.Hunker down: Only accessible by foot, bike or horseback, Charit Creek Lodge offers a charming, off-the-grid experience in the heart of Big South Fork NRRA. Stay in one of the lodge's historic buildings - the oldest buildings being utilized in the National Park System - pitch your own tent or opt for the lodge's tree tent. After a family-style dinner with your fellow travelers, reflect on your day by the light of lanterns and a wood-burning stove, which set the standard. But be sure to turn in early enough that you don't miss breakfast the next morning, which is served at 8 a.m. sharp for those who opt for meal services.