Pickwick Landing State Park is located in Counce, Tennessee, on the shores of Pickwick Lake and covers 1,407 acres. The options described here range from trails through hardwood forest to water activities and nature observation. There are also specific historical connections. This means the area cannot be reduced to just one type of visit: trail length, scenery, and subject matter vary by activity.
Trails with Different Highlights
The Island Loop is 2.25 miles long, has a natural surface, and passes through hardwood forest and along Pickwick Lake. Two scenic viewpoints offer views of the lake; interpretive signs highlight nature and history. Pickwick Dam is also visible from the Island Loop Trail. Visitors looking to combine trail distance, scenic views, and information will find all these elements on the same route.
The Storybook Loop has a different focus: a children's story is told on several signs. At 0.25 miles, this trail is considerably shorter than the Island Loop. The two routes therefore differ both in length and content—here, the story on the signs takes center stage, while the other trail focuses on forest, lake views, and nature and history topics.
Water, Fishing, and Birdwatching
Pickwick Landing State Park has three public swimming beaches. Swimming conditions may change, so check the latest status before your visit. Fishing is another option on the water: it is possible from the shore or by boat in the backwaters of the Tennessee River at Pickwick Landing. Species and regulations may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information and rules before fishing.
The park's aviary offers another opportunity to observe nature. Visitors can watch a variety of bird species in a natural setting. Alongside time spent by the water, the selection also includes animals and birdwatching—a different focus from the two trails.
Golf, Disc Golf, and Historical Connections
The Pickwick Landing Disc Golf Course begins next to the inn and ends with a view of Pickwick Lake. The address for the Pickwick Landing Golf Course is 60 Winfield Dunn Lane, Counce, Tennessee 38326. The golf course hosts dozens of charity and fundraising tournaments, as well as similar events, each season. If a particular tournament is important to your travel plans, check its date in advance.
Counce also has a documented historical connection: the Pickwick Landing Hydroelectric Project, located at 850 Carolina Ln., was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 11, 2017. Pickwick Landing Marina is at river mile 208 on the south bank of the Tennessee River, near Pickwick Dam. These location details help distinguish the various names and landmarks around Counce.
Planning Tips
A kayak and canoe launch, which is ADA accessible, is located near the tennis court. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit. Taken together, these details offer different points of reference for choosing what to do locally: shorter or longer trails, views and information, water activities, as well as golf and birdwatching. Which options matter for your stay depends on which of these activities you plan to include.
Discover more destinations: Crump, Pickwick.
See the full travel guide: Hardin County.
