Cory Hussey

Big Hill Pond State Park is a Tennessee State Park near Pocahontas, Tennessee in McNairy County. The park is approximately 5,000 acres in size and is bordered by Cypress Creek and the Tuscumbia River. Some highlights of Big Hill Pond State Park are the boardwalk through the Dismal Swamp, a 70’ tall Observation Tower which offers a panoramic view of Travis McNatt Lake and surrounding areas, a Civil War earthwork built by Union Forces to guard the Memphis-Charleston Railroad, and numerous opportunities for nature watching. The park offers thirty miles of overnight and day use trails for hikers. Four overnight shelters are located along the trails. The park also contains 14 miles of horseback riding trails. Mountain Bikes are also allowed on the horse trails. Travis McNatt lake is available for boating although regulations do apply. Both Travis McNatt Lake and Big Hill Pond allow fishing and contain bass, bream, and catfish. Again, Regulations do apply. More information can be found at the Tennessee State Park Website at http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/BigHillPond/

Shiloh National Military Park is located at the site of the 1862 Civil War battle between the Confederate forces under Generals Albert Sidney Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard and the Union forces under the command of Major General Ulysses S. Grant. The park is well-maintained and staffed by a knowledgeable ranger staff. The park contains an exhibit at the Visitor’s Center which gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the battle. The park also has a vehicle tour in which you can view many of the major battlefield locations from the comfort of your vehicle. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Park staff leads interpretive programs which are very informative and much recommended. The park hosts several living history demonstrations throughout the year with the major one being the Battle of Shiloh anniversary demonstration on April 6 and 7. It is also recommended that you visit the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center located 22 miles southwest of Shiloh in Corinth, Mississippi. More information can be found at the National Park Website http://www.nps.gov/shil/index.htm

Tishomingo State Park is a Mississippi State Park located in Tishomingo, Mississippi. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park contains woodlands, large rock formations, and Bear Creek which flows through the park. Activities inside the park include canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and disc golf on two different courses.