Big Hill Pond Highlights
Notification Alert
Campground Closed for Renovations
The Big Hill Pond State Park Campground is currently closed due to renovations. At this time, a reopen date has not been set.
Backcountry sites are still available and can be utilized with a backcountry camping permit prior to stay. Additionally, for larger groups, Group Campsites 2 and 3 are available. Please note that none of these sites provides water or electricity. These sites are strictly primitive camping only!
More information will be provided for our 25/50K event and will be posted as soon as all the details are worked out!
Dismal Swamp Boardwalk is Closed due to Construction
Dismal Swamp Boardwalk was originally built and 1977 and though we have had many people including volunteers and boy scout groups help maintain this asset, it still has some of the same materials from 1977 on it! We honestly can’t say thank you to everyone who has helped keep this asset open and available to the public over the years! With that being said, we, at Big Hill Pond State Park, have exciting news to share with everyone!
Dismal Swamp Boardwalk is being replaced! Last year our park received funding for a new boardwalk which we hope to see started in Spring of 2025! At this time, Dismal Swamp Boardwalk will be closed to the public to prepare for removal of materials and for preconstruction. The new boardwalk will be more user friendly as well as environmentally friendly! If you wish to still hike to the Observation Tower, don’t fret! You can still access the tower by using the blue and red trails.
Travis McNatt Lake Closure
Due to major infrastructure improvements happening at the lake, the Travis McNatt Lake remains closed.
Visitors are welcome to bring small paddling boats to Big Hill Pond Lake during this time.
When the lake reopens, it will be a part of the multi-departmental program, the Bill Dance Signature Lakes, and visitors will find:
- A rebuilt bridge on the east side of the lake
- A new, wider boat ramp
- Two new docks: a fishing pier and kayak-friendly courtesy dock
- Spillway repairs
- Improved bank fishing areas
- Invasion vegetation removal and fish habitat installation
- Fishery rebuilding and fish restocking
If you have additional questions, please submit them here: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/ask_tn_state_parks
A Cypress Sanctuary
Venture into the heart of West Tennessee and uncover a hidden gem: Big Hill Pond State Park. This sprawling natural haven beckons with its tranquil lake, mysterious swamp, and rich tapestry of flora and fauna. From its humble beginnings as a railroad construction site to its present-day status as a beloved recreational destination, Big Hill Pond holds a unique story waiting to be explored.
Discover Big Hill Pond State Park
Big Hill Pond State Park's story is one of transformation and resilience. The park's namesake, Big Hill Pond, was born from the earth-moving efforts of the Memphis-to-Charleston Railroad in 1853. As the railroad carved its path through the region, the removal of dirt to build a levee left behind a 35-acre shallow water pond, surrounded by majestic cypress trees. Today, Big Hill Pond State Park offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences. Whether you're climbing the observation tower for panoramic views, hiking the trails through the swamp, or paddling across the lake, Big Hill Pond promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tennessee.
History
Big Hill Pond State Park officially became a state park in 1977, but the land's story stretches back much further.
Before its designation as a park, the area served as homestead, farmland, and timberland.
The park's origin is tied to the construction of the Memphis-to-Charleston Railroad in 1853. The railroad needed a levee to traverse the Cypress, Tuscumbia, and Hatchie River bottoms. The excavations carried out to build this levee created the 35-acre Big Hill Pond, which is still on site and accessible for fishing or recreation.
While information is sparse, the area also played a role in the Civil War. Dirt earthworks can be found, although they are challenging to locate. The earthworks are located on John Howell Road just above the railroad crossing and were manned by African American troops.
In 2024, efforts were made to preserve the historic chimney, ensuring it stays in good condition for many more years.
From the Rangers
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The Perfect Day
Begin your perfect day at Big Hill Pond with a hike along the Dismal Swamp boardwalk (when open), immersing yourself in the unique wetland ecosystem. Next, ascend the observation tower for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. End your day with a leisurely kayak trip on Travis McNatt Lake, soaking in the sunset over the water.
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Insider Information
For an insider's experience, head to the observation tower during sunset for stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Explore the large rock outcroppings on multiple hiking trails. Many visitors don't know that the park has a functional office and gift shop inside it, next to the aviaries.
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Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Big Hill Pond? Be aware that cell service is limited in the hunting area south of the railroad tracks, the Big Hill Pond area, and the Tuscumbia River area. The park does not offer Wi-Fi. RVs and horse trailers should be aware of the large hill on Park Entrance Lane; John Howell Road may be a better option for entering the park.
Trails
Explore over 30 miles of hiking trails at Big Hill Pond State Park, each offering a unique perspective on the park's diverse landscape. The Turkey Call Trail follows alongside our wildflower garden on the levee of Travis McNatt Lake.
Big Hill Pond State Park visitors can bring their own horses along (they are not available to rent) for the Big Hill Pond experience. The park has approximately 14 miles of horse trails that are shared with mountain bikers. The horses must stay on the red trail and fire roads; they are not allowed on hiking trails or on the back or the front of the Lake Dam. Horse riding is day use only, as there are no overnight accommodations available for horses.
Water Features
Big Hill Pond State Park boasts a variety of water features, including the namesake Big Hill Pond and Travis McNatt Lake. The Dismal Swamp boardwalk provides a great environment for bald cypress trees, knees, and sycamores to grow, creating a beautiful environment that stays submerged in water depending on weather that year. Travis McNatt Lake has more than 100 springs feeding the lake.
Plants
Discover a diverse array of flora at Big Hill Pond State Park.
The Turkey Call Trail follows alongside the wildflower garden on the levee of Travis McNatt Lake. Ask a Park Ranger to learn more about the unique plant life thriving in this region.
Plant Types
- Wild Azaleas
- Bald Cypress
- Sycamore (American Sycamore)
Birds
The park encompasses 4,498 acres of timberland and hardwood bottomland where over 150 species have been observed at the park.
Cypress Creek and Tuscumbia River border the park and are known to host nesting bald eagles. The flood plain adjacent to the river and creek contains small oxbows and swampy areas which are a desirable habitat for waterfowl, wildlife, and fish.
Bird Species
- Acadian Flycatcher
- Chimney Swift
- Eastern Whip-poor-will
- Flycatchers
- Herons
- Kinglets
- Louisiana Waterthrush
- Northern Pintail
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Rusty Blackbird
- Sparrows
- Summer Tanager
- Vireos
- Warblers
- Woodpecker
- American Goldfinch
- American Redstart
- Bald Eagle
- Baltimore Oriole
- Barred Owl
- Black Vulture
- Blue-winged Teal
- Bufflehead
- Canada Goose
- Carolina Chickadee
- Cedar Waxwing
- Common Grackle
- Common Yellowthroat
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Egrets
- Gadwall
- Great Blue Heron
- Hermit Thrush
- Indigo Bunting
- Kentucky Warbler
- Killdeer
- Lesser Scaup
- Northern Cardinal
- Northern Parula
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow
- Osprey
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Pine Siskin
- Prothonotary Warbler
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Tree Swallow
- Tufted Titmouse
- Turkey Vulture
- Wild Turkey
- Wood Duck
- Wood Thrush
Animals
Big Hill Pond State Park is a haven for wildlife.
The hiking trails along with the pond, lake, boardwalk, and observation tower provide wonderful opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and native fauna. Learn more about the unique animal life thriving in this region by connecting with a Park Ranger.
Animal Species
- Beavers
- Deer
- Feral Pigs
- Opossums
- Otters
- Raptors
- Reptiles
- Skunks
- Tuscumbia Darters
- Venomous Snakes
- Raccoon
- Songbirds
Inspiration
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Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt
Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt - Read ArticleSpring blooms brighten our hiking trails and support pollinators and wildlife. Explore 14 wildflowers and the Tennessee state parks where you can find them. -
5 Places to Spend the Night Under the Stars
5 Places to Spend the Night Under the Stars - Read ArticleA clear night sky inspires wonder, but city lights dim the view. Luckily, several Tennessee State Parks offer dark skies where you can truly enjoy the stars. -
Four Camping Destinations Near Memphis
Four Camping Destinations Near Memphis - Read ArticleFrom music to BBQ to river views, there’s plenty to love about Memphis. Even better, several Tennessee State Parks nearby offer great spots to camp or park your RV. -
A Year in Birds at TN State Parks
A Year in Birds at TN State Parks - Read ArticleIn Tennessee, at least 423 species have been recorded since 1900, and most of them have been viewed in one of our state parks at one time or another.
