Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Strategic Management Plan

Park Purpose, History and Description

In 1933, the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company of Michigan donated 10,050 acres to the State of Tennessee. All the land was administered by the Tennessee State Forester in the Department of Agriculture until 1937, when it was transferred to the newly established Division of Forestry. In 1934, the National Park Service began work on developing a 2,000-acre recreation area and park. In 1949, about 1,000 acres of the park was transferred to the Division of State Parks. In May 1934, Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1471, S-65 moved to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. They constructed a twelve-acre lake and dam, and thirty miles of roads and trails. Civilian Conservation Corps Company 447, SP-3 also occupied Pickett State Park in November 1934, where the present-day Group Camp is located. This camp was responsible for constructing rustic cabins #1-5, campground, nature center, boathouse, beach and swimming area, water tower, recreation lodge, 18 miles of hiking trails, and numerous low stone walls.

The building and structures constructed by the CCC at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park were made of natural sandstone quarried locally. Large chestnut timber logs were also used in the construction of trail benches, cabins and other structures that are still in use today. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is dedicated to preserving the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps through the preservation and protection of CCC structures. The park also has unique geological features such as natural sandstone arches and sandstone rock shelters. Park amenities include 20 cabins in four styles to accommodate different-sized families, a 12-acre Arch Lake stocked with trout during the spring and summer months, several miles of trails that meander through the forest, canoe and boat rentals, a campground with a bathhouse, and a Group Camp that can accommodate 144 people.

Goals, Objectives, and Action Plans

Resources

Visitor

Amenities

Operations

THE RESOURCES: Exemplary Natural and Cultural Stewardship

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be nationally recognized for exemplary stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

Objective: More and better stewards: Increase internal and external stewards who share Tennessee State Parks core values and can contribute to the State Parks mission to preserve, protect, and share Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources.

• Expand partnerships with Fentress County schools to provide interpretive opportunities in the school and at the park. Examples include:

1. Career Day Programs at Fentress and Pickett County Schools
2. Participate in STEM events
3. Ranger visits to schools and field trips in the park.

• Meet with leadership from Fentress, Pickett, and/or other relevant counties annually.

1.  Attend at least one County Commission meeting.
2. Attend a scheduled meeting with local chamber of commerce.
3. Meet with Solid Waste for Recycling and other Go Green related efforts.
4. Pursue presence on Joint Economic Community Development Board.
5. Meet with local planning commission to consult on Dark Sky related issues.

• Establish quarterly volunteer events.

1. Trail building and trail maintaining (Trail Adopters)
2. Invasive plant removal
3. Utilize volunteers to assist with archival work.

• Promote the growth of Friends of Pickett State Park.

1. Designate a park staff member to attend monthly Friends Group meetings.
2. Better visibility of Friends at park special events.
3. Utilize Friends Group Members for leading interpretive hikes and other programs.

Objective: Better resource management practices: Identify, manage, and restore unique natural and cultural resources for generations to come.

• Ensure Park resource management plans adequately promote preservation, active protection and restoration of degraded habitats or historic structures.

• Utilize employee job plans to address resource stewardship including education/training.

• Provide training and educational opportunities for park staff to ensure they are educated and experienced with up-to-date resource management techniques.

• Provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public to promote a greater appreciation of resource preservation.

• Partner with other state agencies such as Natural Areas, Archaeology, Division of Forestry, and TN Historic Commission to implement best practices for natural and cultural resource management efforts.

Objective: Better data and technology: Leverage data and technology to help inform and guide decisions on natural and cultural resources stewardship.

• Utilize GIS tools and databases such as ArcGIS, Field Maps, etc. to inventory existing and future natural and cultural assets.

• Utilize GIS tools to identify and inventory unprotected natural and cultural assets.

• Create an archive/database of CCC artifacts stored at Pickett.

• Work with TSP GIS team to assist with efforts.  

THE VISITOR: Welcoming and Inviting to All

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be the most accessible, welcoming, and inviting system of parks that enriches Tennesseans and visitors through excellent interpretation, education, and resource-based recreation.

Objective: accessible, welcoming, and inviting to all: create quality and varied programs of interpretation, recreation, and outreach so that all audiences feel welcome and invited.

• Focus on varied types of programs of interpretation, recreation, and outreach to connect people to the resources of Tennessee State Parks

1. Telling Full Stories
2. Implement measures to ensure park users of all backgrounds and abilities are provided with opportunities to participate.

• Utilize tools such as AR/VR to connect people to the resources through technology. Virtually.

• Provide virtual tours of the park.

• Develop virtual interpretive programs for schools to access.  

Objective: high-quality programming: develop and support mission-based and resource-relevant programs to engage visitors, empower staff, and develop community wellbeing.

Action Plan:

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of programs for variety of user groups

1. Historical/Cultural Programs
2. Natural
3. School Groups  

• Partner with universities and/or astronomy groups to build on astronomy-based programs.

• Free and fee-based programs.

• Ensure a variety of price points for fee programs to allow users of all typed to participate.

Objective: resource-based outdoor recreation: provide resource-based outdoor recreation opportunities that ensure representation of Tennessee’s natural, scenic, and cultural resources.

Action Plan:

•  Offer resource-based recreation experiences.

1. Guided and self-guided museum tour opportunities.
2. Guided night hikes (lantern and glow worm hikes).
3. Off Trail exploratory hikes.
4. Natural Arch and/or Geologic Formation hikes.
5. Guided canoe and kayak tours of historic Arch Lake.

THE AMENITIES: Well-Maintained Facilities and Amenities

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be well maintained with facilities and amenities that delight visitors and make Tennesseans proud.

Objective: Improve maintenance: Improve overall maintenance and upkeep of all park facilities and amenities that contribute to meaningful visitor experiences.

Action Plan:

•  Work with Facilities Management to address deferred maintenance needs.

1. Focus on projects in order of priority or as funding allows.
2. Track through appropriate maintenance software.

• Establish preventive maintenance plans.

1. Utilize appropriate maintenance software to create reminders and track progress.

• Create SOPs for amenity cleaning protocols.
• Actively engage in programming meetings for capital projects and ensure compliance with park’s design intent while forecasting future needs.

1. Complete Biannual Trail assessments.
2. Utilize ArcGIS Field Maps to document trail signage, infrastructure, and trail maintenance needs.

Objective: Better park accessibility: ensure all visitors have opportunities for meaningful experiences in every Tennessee State Park.

Action Plan:

•  Pursue improvements that meet and exceed ADA compliance.

• Identify trails compatible for ATV wheelchairs and pursue access to utilize and implement ATV wheelchairs.

• Utilize Park website and social media platforms to promote accessibility features.

Objective: Quality and welcoming facilities and amenities: provide high-quality and well-planned facilities and amenities that enrich the visitor experience.

Action Plan:

•  Ensure intentional design of all new facilities and remodeling of existing amenities

1. Facility and amenity improvements should match the original design intent of the park.
2. Ensure all work complies with Tennessee State Parks design guidelines and, when applicable, the requirements of the Tennessee Historical Commission.

• Ensure signage is up to date, relevant, and in compliance with TSP Design Guidelines.

1. Pursue EV infrastructure

1. Pursue expanded broadband capabilities for all facilities.

THE OPERATIONS: Operational Excellence

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be a national model for operational excellence in a state park system.

Objective: Support and empower our people: support and empower our workforce by creating a caring environment that encourages professional growth and great customer service.

Action Plan:

•  Recruit a diverse workforce reflective of citizen base.

• Pursue opportunities to provide training and professional development for park staff.

• Work with TSP Leadership to develop optimal staffing plans to address needs and create career growth opportunities.

• Promote open communication of ideas and encourage feedback.

Objective: Efficient and effective operations: provide efficient, effective, and fiscally responsible service to Tennesseans and our visitors.

Action Plan:

•  Ensure compliance with park budgets.

• Implement cost saving measures.

1. Purchase in bulk
2. Eliminate or reduce single use product.

• Implement sustainable practices. 

1. LED lighting, motion sensors, water metering faucets, etc.
2. Energy efficient appliances, HVAC units, etc.
3. EV vehicles for staff where applicable

• Leverage partnerships to enhance park outcomes.

1. Friends Group
2. Volunteers (Amish, AmeriCorps, etc.)
3. TSP Conservancy
4. Local Businesses

Park Overview

Site Fact Sheet

¹Based on T.C.A. 11-3-305, Cost recovery of revenue-generating facilities

Key Attractions

The amenities or features listed below are those that seem to be most popular for visitors.

• Hiking Trails

• Unique Natural Features (Hazard Cave, Natural Bridge, Glow Worms, Dark Sky, etc.)

• Historic Structures (CCC)

• Cabins

• Campground

• Arch Lake

• Picnic Area

• Interpretive Programs

Site and Operations Assessment

This site and operations assessment is a culmination of analyses and findings from a review of the condition of facilities, infrastructure, and operations at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. The findings and observations are not intended to be an exhaustive review of all issues present but provide a basic understanding of the predominant issues that contribute to the site’s current operating conditions. The assessment includes the following:

Site and Facility Assessment

Operational Assessment

Summary of Key Recommendations

Site and Facility Assessment

Methodology

Facility and asset conditions are rated using a differential scale of excellent, good, fair, or poor. Descriptions of conditions that are attributed to each of these findings are also provided.

Facility Inventory and Assessment

The table below is an inventory of facilities and amenities at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and provides the assessed condition of each as reviewed in September 2026.

Trail Inventory and Assessment

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park provides access to a variety of hiking experiences that vary in length and difficulty. They range from short hike suitable for families, to longer more challenging hikes suitable for the outdoor adventurer. The trail system consists of 18 miles of natural surface trails rated from easy to moderate difficulty. Pickett trails traverse through open hardwood forest accented by lush thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel. The trails feature miles of scenic views highlighted by sandstone bluff lines, rock shelters, natural arches, and historic CCC structures. Pickett trails offer a variety of recreational opportunities that promote and improve personal health and mindfulness. Several sections of trail are in need of erosion correction, tread renewal and/or repair, and a few areas need rerouting to improve safety. Trail infrastructure needs include bridge and handrail repairs, footbridge replacement, and trail ladder repairs and replacement. Overall, trails are in good condition.

In addition to Pickett trails, Pickett staff co-manages Colditz Cove and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Areas. Pogue Creek Canyon SNA provides access to more than 5 miles of natural surface trails that range from moderate to strenuous difficulty. The trails offer a spectacular hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The hiking trails within Pogue Creek traverse through a diverse landscape of rugged canyons, lush forests, and meandering streams, providing an immersive and picturesque adventure. Multiple rock houses and sandstone formations occur along the hiking trail and provide astonishing views. The rock houses are habitat for rare species such as Cumberland sandwort and the state-listed species Lucy Braun’s snakeroot which is only known from four counties in Tennessee. Trails are in good condition, with some areas in need of tread repair.

Currently, Pickett and Division of Natural Areas staff are in the conceptual planning phase for a trail expansion to connect the Main Pogue Creek trailhead on Hwy 154 near Pickett State Park with the Delk Creek trailhead in Pall Mall. This would potentially add up to 10 additional miles of hiking trail in Pogue Creek, with approximately 0.5-1.0 mile of trail already complete. Through expansion of the Pogue Creek trail system, we can raise awareness of the area's unique ecosystems, promote conservation efforts, and provide additional access to miles of towering bluff lines, rock formations, and streams. This increased access will encourage visitors to appreciate and value the natural beauty of the area, fostering a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility.

Colditz Cove SNA is a 1.5-mile loop that leads hikers to the base of Northrup Falls. This is one of Tennessee’s most stunning waterfalls plunging more than 60 feet over a protruding rock ledge into a scenic, narrow, gorge along Big Branch Creek. Along the way, hikers will pass through a variety of forest ecosystems, including a mixed hardwoods and evergreen forest, rocky outcrops, and sandstone bluff lines. Below the falls along Big Branch Creek, large hemlocks and white pines dominate the forest canopy and probably are more than 200 years old. Beneath these giant trees, thickets of rhododendron form along the creek, providing important habitat for riparian plant and animal species. Colditz Cove is home to several, relatively rare animals including the Black Mountain dusky salamander the woodland jumping mouse, the smoky shrew, the pygmy shrew, and the southeastern shrew. The trail is in fair condition with several areas needing erosion and tread repair. Social trails created from the adjacent neighborhoods is an area of management concern. 

New Assets Needed

List new assets and amenities that would fall under capital expenditures that are needed to improve visitor experience and operational efficiency.

Prioritized Facility Needs

Based on the facility inventory and assessment, these prioritized needs have been identified.

Operational Assessment

The Operational Assessment includes:

1. An inventory and classification of programs and services being provided at the site,
2. A review of staffing at the site,
3. A review of concessionaires and partners operating at the site,
4. Visitation and customer satisfaction, and
5. Professional development and training.

Inventory and Classification of Programs and Services

Programs and services are classified into one of three major categories:

1. Core or Essential Services;
2. Important Services; and
3. Value added or Visitor Supported Services

Functions of the site are classified into these categories based in part on the mission and public mandates for both the site and the agency. For the programs and services in each of these categories, there are financial performance expectations that will define how services are funded and evaluated.

CATEGORY 1 – CORE SERVICES [Largely supported by public subsidies]

Core programs, services and facilities are those the agency must provide and/or are essential in order to capably govern and meet statutory requirements. The failure of the agency to provide Category 1 services at adequate levels could result in significant negative consequences for the public and the resources under protection. The criteria for programs or services to be classified as core or essential are:

• The services are mandated by the agency’s law or charter or are contractually obligated by agreement to provide the services.
• The services are essential to protecting and supporting the public’s health and safety.
• The services protect and maintain valuable assets and infrastructure.
• The services would generally and reasonably be expected and supported by residents, businesses, customers, and partners.
• The services are those that cannot or should not be provided by the private sector.
• The services provide a sound investment of public funds.

The following programs and services offered at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park have been identified as core services:

• Support the mission of Tennessee State Parks which is “To preserve, protect, and share Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources while providing safe, quality outdoor experiences.”

• Provide for public access to the park, the facilities, and the grounds.

• Provide for public safety for visitors and protection of natural and cultural resources.

• Provide for maintenance of grounds, facilities, and infrastructure.

• Maintain facilities developed through the LWCF program to required standards.

• Provide for basic, non-staff supported day-use activities with informational signage, picnic tables, trash cans and restroom facilities.

• Maintain drinking water and wastewater programs to state standards.

CATEGORY 2 – IMPORTANT SERVICES [Supported by a balance of revenues and public subsidy]

Important programs, services and facilities are those the agency should provide, and are important to governing and effectively serving residents, businesses, customers and partners. Providing Category 2 services expands or enhances the agency’s ability to provide and sustain its core services. The criteria for programs or services to be classified as important are:

• The services expand, enhance or support identified core services.
• The services are broadly supported and utilized by the community, and are considered an appropriate, important, and valuable public good. Public support may be conditional upon the manner by which the services are paid for or funded.
• The services generate income or revenue that offsets some or all of the operating cost and/or are deemed to provide economic, social or environmental outcomes or results.

The following programs and services offered at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park have been identified as important services:

• Provide a full range of environmental, cultural, and recreational programs.

• Offer park-specific information at the Visitor Center and Nature Center.

• Provide educational outreach programs for schools and organized groups.

• Provide hiking trails and picnic facilities.

CATEGORY 3 – VISITOR SUPPORTED SERVICES [Almost exclusively supported by earned revenue]

Visitor supported programs, services and facilities are those discretionary services that the agency may provide when additional funding or revenue exists to offset the cost of providing those services. Category 3 services provide added value above and beyond what is required or expected. The criteria for programs or services to be classified as visitor supported are:

• The services expand, enhance or support Core Services, Important Services, and the quality of life of the visitors, community, or stakeholders.
• The services are supported, valued, and well utilized and provide an appropriate and valuable public benefit.
• The services generate income or funding from sponsorships, grants, user fees or other sources that offset some or all of their cost and/or provides a meaningful return on investment.
• The Services can possibly be provided through outsourcing or use of concessionaires, providing opportunities for community enterprise or services that may not otherwise be provided by the agency.

The following programs and services offered at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park have been identified as visitor supported services:

• Cabins

• Camping

• Group Camp

• Boat Rentals

• Picnic Pavilion Rentals

• Gift Shop

• Fee based interpretive programs

Personnel / Staffing Review

Personnel and staffing at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park represent the largest area of budgetary expense at an average of 73% of the total operating budget each year for the last three complete years, which is 9% more than the target of labor costs not exceeding 65% of total operating expenditures. The tables below and on the following page provide a basic review of the current staffing at the site.

Full-Time Equivalent Employees
*Law enforcement compensation confidential by TN law.

Part Time Employees

Labor Support

Total Labor Compensation Expense

Additional Future Positions Needed

Financial Performance

Revenue per available unit (Rev Per Unit) for the last four years in park facilities is detailed in the table below.

Current Rev Per Unit

Projected Rev Per Unit - Based on current Rev Per Unit trends at the park and any known developments over the next four years.

Customer Service

Professional Development and Training

The following professional development and training opportunities are being explored and planned for the staff and volunteers at this park:

• Professional Certifications for Maintenance Personnel (Should be a TSP Initiative)

• Master Trail Building Certification

• CAP Certification for Administrative Personnel

• S112 Advanced Chainsaw Training

• General management, administrative, and safety training

• Routine management training.

• Routine law enforcement training. 

Summary of Key Recommendations

Please provide short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for addressing operational issues at the park and improving overall park performance.

Short Term Recommendations (Less than 1 year)

Site and Facilities

• Address erosion, slope, and safety issues in current campground.

• Interior improvements to cabins 6-10

• Address erosion issues in picnic area and at the CCC swim beach.

• Demolish Suite Cabins

• Repair 11 CCC Trail Shelters.

Operations and Staffing

• Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Improve broadband access to campground and day use areas.

• Expand recreational and educational program offerings.

• Added focus on utilizing CCC Nature Center for base of Interpretive efforts (SIR Office)

• Pursue amphitheater or communal fire ring for interpretive programs.

Mid Term Recommendations (2-5 years)

Site and Facilities

• New RV Campground to accommodate modern camping needs

• Restore current campground to original CCC design to accommodate tent campers.

• New Visitor Center with appropriate design, adequate parking, adequate office and meeting space, and interpretive displays and space.

• CCC Shelter #2 Repairs – replace deteriorated concrete floor with historically appropriate sandstone floor and repair plumbing in original stone water fountain to restore functionality

Operations and Staffing

• Additional custodial staff to offset increased cleaning duties with cabins.

• Additional maintenance personnel to assist with new campground upkeep and expanded operations.

• Additional personnel to assist with new camper check in station.

• Add a Job share position

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Improve ADA access in all areas of the park.

• Expand special event offerings. (Build on current special events and add new)

• Incorporate AR/VR technology.

• Expand CCC themed program offerings such as living history, guided theme hikes, additional museum and CCC building tours.

• Restoration of Arch Lake. Dredging to remove sedimentation.

Long Term Recommendations (5+ years)

Site and Facilities

• Historic restoration and preservation of CCC structures. (Continuous Effort)

• New cabins

• Complete effort to reestablish original boundary of Pickett design.

• Dark Sky Camping

Operations and Staffing

• Dedicated Resource Management personnel

• Dedicated Interpretive personnel

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Complete the new trail system at Pogue Creek. Connect Upper Canyon trail to Delk Creek Road Area in Pall Mall.

• Revamp all trail signs including blazing, directional, and informational signs.

• Dark Sky Observatory to accommodate partnerships with UT Knoxville, school groups, etc.

Resource Management Plan

A resource management plan is a specific statement of the objectives you have for your land and natural resources, as well as any significant cultural and historic resources stewarded by the state park. This includes a defined series of priorities and activities that will take place in order to meet those objectives. This can include future potential land acquisitions or divestitures that are necessary to meet the park’s resource management goals and objectives.

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is a place of extraordinary scenic beauty and historical significance, combining unique geological and biological diversities with a rich cultural heritage. The historic structures left by the Civilian Conservation Corps are important cultural resources and wonderful examples of how park infrastructure can be perfectly complimentary with a natural setting. The vision of Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is to be recognized as preserving some of the best examples of CCC architecture in the Southeast. Several structures on the park built by the CCC still stand and are used today. They include 5 rustic cabins, a recreation lodge, nature center, CCC museum, water tower, original park office, a 12-acre lake and dam, and several miles of hiking trails.

The geology that makes the Cumberland Plateau and Pickett State Park unique also protects archaeological sites throughout the park. The sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, and arches found throughout Pickett preserve prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. Evidence of early 20th century railroad activity as well as other cultural uses such as moonshine still are preserved throughout the park. Additionally, prehistoric Native American utilized these sheltered areas in the park from the Paleo period until European Contact.

The contents of this resource management plan are as follows:

Resource Management Objectives

Resource Inventory and Assessment

Management Strategies

Land Management Strategies

Resource Management Objectives

Goal

Tennessee State Parks will be nationally recognized for exemplary stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

Objectives

• More and better stewards: Increase internal and external stewards who share Tennessee State Parks core values and can contribute to the State Parks mission to steward Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources.
• Better resource management practices: Identify, manage, and restore unique natural and cultural resources for generations to come.
• Better data and technology: Leverage data and technology to help inform and guide decisions on natural and cultural resources stewardship.

Aligned with these objectives are specific strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for the natural, cultural, and historic resources of this park.

A. Coordinate with Division of Natural Areas on rare species monitoring and management.

B. Coordinate with TN Historic Commission on monitoring and management of historic structures.

C. Leverage partnerships with GIS team for geospatial analysis of park resources.

D. Fully Implement Hazardous Tree Management Plan.

E. Implement a Biodiversity monitoring program for park fauna and flora.

F. Continue to coordinate efforts with TN Division of Forestry to manage invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Resource Inventory and Assessment

The significant natural, cultural and historic resources of the park requiring management are detailed below including a condition assessment rating for each. Condition assessments are selected from the following options based on what most describes the current condition of the resource:

1. Excellent – resource is in excellent condition; all potential threats to the integrity of the resource are currently managed and effectively mitigated.
2. Good – resource is generally in good condition and stable; threats to the integrity of the resource require regular management to mitigate.
3. Fair – resource is in stable condition but difficult to mitigate ongoing threats; additional management support is required.
4. Poor – resource is generally in poor condition with management support required to both improve existing conditions and address threats.
5. Critical – resource is highly threatened or deteriorated and requires immediate management prioritization.

Management Strategies

The management strategies outlined below are directly correlated to the resources identified previously in the Resource Inventory and Assessment section immediately above. These are general and overall management recommendations for each resource from which priority actions will be determined. Each resource has both a “Public Use” management strategy (which could include limited or no public access, or managed access with infrastructure and regulation) and a “General Management” strategy.
The priority assignments reflect the highest resource management priorities of the park over the next 1-5 years (High Priority) and 6-10 years (Moderate Priority)

Land Management Strategies

In some cases, strategic land acquisitions or divestitures are necessary to meet the overall resource management goals and objectives of the park. This can include opportunities to address buffers, watersheds, viewsheds, inholdings, and adjacent properties. The table below details general strategies for land management. Timelines refer to Short Term (1-3 years), Mid Term (4-6 years), and Long Term (7-10 years).

Interpretive Programming and Education Five-Year Action Plan

Tennessee State Parks’ Interpretation, Programming, and Education team is helping park staff set and achieve programming goals by developing Interpretive Action Plans. This process begins with conversations with Area Interpretive Rangers that prepare field staff for the Scoping Meeting. This meeting brings park staff and stakeholders together to identify audience(s), themes, resources, and set goals and objectives. This information then turns into the five-year Interpretive Action Plan.

Park Primary Interpretive Theme

Through hard work and resilience, the boys of the Civilian Conservation Corps reshaped the landscape and strengthened local communities, transforming their own lives and leaving behind a legacy for future generations.

Park Secondary Interpretive Themes

S.1. More than just a backdrop for human activity, the night sky has shaped history, art. science, and a sense of unity, reminding us of our shared heritage and potential for discovery and creativity.

S.2. Generations of people have shaped the cultural identity of the Upper Cumberland through preservation of music, storytelling, folk art and other community traditions.

S.3. The distinctive geology of the Upper Cumberland Plateau creates ecological richness including unique and rare species of flora and fauna.

S.4. The distinctive geology of the Upper Cumberland Plateau creates ecological richness including unique and rare species of flora and fauna.

Existing Audiences

Emerging Audiences

Park Programming Inventory Data

Key Park Natural, Cultural, and Recreational Resources

Key Park Interpretive Infrastructure

1. Rec Hall
2. Ranger station conference room
3. Nature Center
4. Group camp
5. CCC Museum
6. Shelters 1 and 2
7. Picnic area
8. Hazard Cave boardwalk

Park Personnel Primarily Dedicated to Interpretation

Volunteer Hours and Numbers for Most Recent Fiscal Year

Park Interpretive Goals

Goal 1

Natural  Resource Goal: Visitors will be more aware of important park natural features and promote their preservation.

Theme(s) Supported: S1, S3

• 2-Year Objective: Establish a baseline for engagement and increase visitor engagement with non-personal natural resource interpretation by 5%
• 5-Year Objective:  Increase visitor engagement with non-personal natural resource interpretation by 10%

Resources Assigned to Goal: All park uniformed staff and maintenance staff

Strategy for Implementation: Create 4 new natural resource interpretation panels on the following topics: Hazard Cave, Shortleaf Pine Restoration Project, Dark Sky and Natural Bridges. Park staff researches topics, works with IPE Planning and Exhibits to design and order panels, funding obtained via donation or park budget, installation completed in-house by maintenance staff.

Goal 2

Cultural Resource Goal: Visitors will gain an improved awareness and appreciation for the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Theme(s) Supported: P

• 2-Year Objective: Establish a baseline and see a 5% increase in attendance at park CCC interpretive experiences.
• 5-Year Objective: 5 year: See a 10% increase in attendance at park CCC interpretive experiences. 

Resources Assigned to Goal: All park uniformed staff and maintenance staff

Strategy for Implementation: Research and develop program topics, make contacts with reenactors, obtain period dress/tools, promote with local schools, newspapers, radio station, social media, etc. Develop one living history program and one annual event that specifically interprets CCC history. Promote this CCC special event and increase attendance year over year.

Goal 3

Cultural Resource Goal: Visitors will be aware and promote the preservation of locations at the park where the Civilian Conservation Corps developed recreational resources.

Theme(s) Supported:  P

• 2-Year Objective: Establish a baseline and see an increase visitor engagement with non-personal cultural interpretation by 5%
• 5-Year Objective: Increase visitor engagement with non-personal cultural interpretation by 10%

Resources Assigned to Goal: All park uniformed staff and maintenance staff, and office staff

Strategy for Implementation: Park staff researches topics, works with IPE Planning and Exhibits to design and order panels, funding obtained via donation or park budget, installation completed in-house by maintenance staff. Create 4 new cultural resource interpretive waysides covering the Recreation Lodge, the Campground Water Tower, CCC cabin area, and original Camp 447 site.

Goal 4

Education Goal: Educators will request educational resources from the park that cover the history of the Civilian Conservation corps.

Theme(s) Supported: P

• 2-Year Objective: Establish a baseline of requests and see a 5% increase in the number of requests for traveling CCC resources.
• 5-Year Objective: See a 10% increase in the number of request for traveling CCC resources.

Resources Assigned to Goal: All park uniformed staff and maintenance staff

Strategy for Implementation: Research and develop program outline in coordination with local teachers, promote program opportunity with local schools, research contents of CCC tool-kit/foot locker then obtain CCC period-appropriate tools/tangibles for programming kit by shopping antiques/thrift stores/online/replicas, etc. Research grant-funding opportunities and attempt to obtain grants for purchasing program kits or utilize donation funding. Develop an educational program outline that aligns with 5th grade social studies standards for CCC program. Build portable kits for tangibles to take hands-on programs to school (i.e. tool 5 Year box or foot locker with period-appropriate replica props).

Goal 5

Volunteer Goal: Volunteers will improve the park's capacity to offer interpretive experiences and improve park operations.

Theme(s) Supported: P, S1, S2, S3, S4

• 2-Year Objective: Establish a baseline and see a 5% increase in the number of regular service volunteers.
• 5-Year Objective: See a 10% increase in the number of regular service volunteers.

Resources Assigned to Goal: All park uniformed staff and maintenance staff, and office staff

Strategy for Implementation: Network with local reenactment community to recruit volunteers, determine volunteer task needs, assign tasks to specific opportunities, set dates for opportunities, create in Galaxy Digital, promote and implement opportunities, monitor, etc. Work with office staff and IPE to implement park-specific volunteer recognition and utilize existing incentive program. Park will add a quarterly volunteer opportunity to increase opportunities to 4 per year in addition to required statewide volunteer program dates.

Financial Performance Goals

Financial performance goals are a critical performance management tool of the Tennessee State Park System. While the financial performance of parks are managed more intently at the system level, individual parks are expected to recover a portion of their operating costs through the generation of earned revenues where appropriate and to contribute to the system goals. The majority of earned revenues at state parks are generated through facility usage (campsites, cabins, lodge rooms, rentable pavilions, etc.), the delivery of fee-based programs and services, equipment rental and usage, and retail sales. Other forms of revenue generation come from golf courses and restaurants where those amenities are present. That said, not all parks have the same ability to generate earned revenues because the availability of facilities or programs vary widely from one park to the next. The “recovery” of operational costs by earned revenues is referred to as “cost recovery”. Operating costs beyond those supported by earned revenues represents the extent to which state funding support operations at each park.

The table below represents the overall park cost recovery for this specific park for the most recent fiscal year and forecast estimates for the upcoming five years. These estimates are based on projection estimates for known and foreseeable costs and recovery figures. 

Park Overall Cost Recovery Goals