Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Happy birthday, Tennessee! From Memphis to Mountain City, we are a state blessed with beautiful natural resources and an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Today and every day, we celebrate this great state we call home.

📸: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

The public restrooms across from the BCMSP Visitor Center will be temporarily closed Monday and Tuesday of this week for maintenance repairs and upgrades. The closest public restrooms can be found at the Farmers Market parallel to the park.

It's time for another Feature Friday, where we feature a Tennessee state park that you may have never seen before!

Big Ridge State Park is one of Tennessee’s hidden gems, tucked into the rolling Appalachian ridges of Union County. With its beautiful 45‑acre lake, wooded hills, and miles of scenic trails, it’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.

The park has a rich history dating back to the 1930s as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Norris Project, constructed through the efforts of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and the National Park Service. Beginning in 1934, CCC crews built essential infrastructure including lodges, cabins, dams and trail systems using local stone and timber craftmanship, while also maintaining erosion and planting trees around the new reservoir. There are many noteworthy historical features around the park, including the Norton Grist Mill (circa 1825) and remnants of early settler homesteads and cemeteries.

The park has blossomed over the years to offer an array of recreational opportunities suitable for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. There are almost 16 miles of hiking trails of different difficulties, all weaving through historic landscapes and scenic viewpoints. The lake supports swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, with seasonal equipment rentals available. Visitors wanting to stay overnight can utilize the 50 campground sites (RV and tent), 19 rustic cabins or backcountry campsites.

Check out the link to Big Ridge's events page to see all the fun things going on this weekend!

Join us to celebrate our 30th year! As part of Tennessee's Statehood Day, we're hosting a park tour at 9:00 am to share more about our state's legacy.

Our rangers will also be at the Tennessee State Museum at 12:00 pm, handing out cupcakes for the state's birthday! The State Museum and the Tennessee State Library and Archives will also be hosting family-friendly events throughout the day.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park might be in the middle of downtown Nashville, but that’s not stopping park manager Mallory England from bringing outdoor adventures to park visitors.

“I grew up doing outdoor recreation in Jasper, Tennessee,” she says. “I have connected with people who grew up in an urban or suburban environment, and they don’t know how to recreate in the outdoors—who to contact, or where to start. I think it’s really cool to provide that opportunity for them.”

Mallory has cooked up the Outdoor Experiences Program, a new series for Tennessee State Parks. Participants learn new outdoor skills on a weekday at Bicentennial, and on the following weekend, travel to another state park to practice their newly learned skills.

Paddling, climbing, backpacking—they’ve done it all!

Learn more about Mallory and how to connect with your wild side through this program at https://tnconservationist.info/TSPManagerProfileEngland

Tennessee State Park ranger profiles are brought to you by Jackson Gibson, park ranger at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

Want to get out on the water and try your hand at paddling? Join us for a guided 5.4-mile kayaking journey along the beautiful Harpeth River. This program is for anyone new to kayaking and wanting to take a Ranger-led trip to learn more!
To read about this trip and to register, visit: https://tnstateparks.com/events/kayaking-outdoor-experiences-series

Harpeth River State Park and Friends of Harpeth River State Park recently updated their pollinator garden with custom plant markers thanks to Bicentennial Capitol Mall's maintenance supervisor Scott Rodeffer. Next time you visit, please stop by their garden and enjoy their beautiful work!

The Outdoor Experiences Spring Backpacking trip is here! Join us for a beginner-level backpacking info session and trip to Savage Gulf State Park. All food will be provided, and some gear may be available. Learn more and register for the program here: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/bicentennial-mall/ #/?event=backpacking-outdoor-experiences-series-2026

This April, give back to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park where you’ve made countless memories.

Donate to our park and watch us rise to the top as we compete in a friendly competition with our fellow Tennessee state parks. Let’s see how much support our fans can drum up this month!

Step 1: Donate $1 or more to vote for us as your favorite Tennessee state park at mytnstatepark.com. Or, if you want to spread the love, you can vote for all parks! Your donation goes directly to the park you chose and protecting their natural beauty for generations to come.

Step 2: Track our progress throughout the month, share with your friends & family, and keep voting until April 30th to skyrocket us to the top.

Step 3: Drop your favorite memories at our park in the comments. We’d love to hear how we’ve played a part in your journey to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty.

🌳 In partnership with the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy

My TN State Park Fundraiser My TN State Park Fundraiser: Rally your community to protect, preserve, and support Tennessee’s beloved state parks.