Big Hill Pond Paddling

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.

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