Pogue Creek Overlook

 Just down the road from Big South Fork is Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area in Jamestown, TN. A beautiful and very clean area. The parking area has a solar panel/charging station for electric vehicles which is great if you are going out to the area and need a charge. We pulled into the parking area just to see what the area was like and decided to hike to the overlook while we were there!

The trail itself isn't too hard for the average hiker but the trail does have a pretty good elevation change along the way that makes it feel a little harder/longer. I really enjoyed it though and the trail was incredibly well-maintained. It was also well-marked so you shouldn't have a problem finding your way to the overlook. There were a couple downed trees along the path but they were easy to go under and didn't cause any issues with the hike. 

This wasn't a very long hike but it was our longest hike of the day and we were hiking back just as the sun was going down. We stayed as long as we could at the top of the overlook though and even with all the fall colors gone for the year, it was still a magnificent sight! We couldn't see the water below but you could clearly hear it which made for a very peaceful time at the overlook! If it was earlier in the day when we went, I would have laid down on the rocks and listened for hours!

Another really cool thing about this natural area is their stargazing area which is just off the parking lot. You will see the sign when you pull up! The sign below explains all about their Dark Sky Project! According to the sign, Pickett State Park has the darkest sky of all Tennessee Parks and the field is dedicated to the enjoyment and interpretation of the night sky. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way can be seen there! I don't know about ya'll but I am definitely going back on a clear night so I can star gaze in this dedicated field. I really think this is an amazing feature of this Natural Area!

If you are headed to Big South Fork or Pickett State Park, I definitely recommend making a stop here at the natural area and taking the hike to the overlook! Between the beautiful trails, the incredible rock formations, and the breathtaking view, it's a place you won't want to miss on your next trip to Tennessee! 

***Be sure to click the follow button for my blog at the bottom of the page for more ideas on where to go here in Beautiful Tennessee!***✅

**This is not an all-inclusive list of everything you need to know before you go. Just some highlights on some important things to know. Be sure to know the difficulty of your hike vs. your skill level, have proper directions and know the rules before you go for your best experience in Tennessee. Research, Prepare, Adventure!***