There was a levee built in 1835 that led to the creation of Big Hill Pond, a 35 acre pond. The…read morestate park surrounding the land is over 4,000 acres of land which has marshland, timberland, and other natural resources. The park offers horse trails, bike trails, two picnic pavilions, boating, fishing, paddling, 28 primitive campsites, a visitor's center, and an observation tower. There's over 30 miles of trails, including the Azalea Spring Day Loop (2.95 mi), the Big Hill Pond Access Trail (0.30 mi), the Big Hill Pond Trail (4.75 mi), the Dogwood Point Trail (3.10 mi), the Dry Ridge Trail (2.85 mi), the Fox Hollow Trail (.65 mi), the Horse (& Mtn Bike) Trail (6.0 mi), the Rocky Knob Trail (2.40 mi), the Turkey Call Trail (2.45 mi), and the Tuscumbia Trail (2.30 mi). They also offer rentals of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in the summer. When we went, the trail to the observation tower was out of pocket due to flooding, so we definitely want to go back.

Fantastic state park under two hours from Memphis! The park…read moreis underused, which is great because you have a lot of privacy! The trails are decently marked and there are over 30 miles to be hiked of varying difficulty. The observation tower is worth seeing and the trail to get there isn't terribly long. Camp sites are a little close to each other but I don't think it's ever busy here so it's a mute point. Bathrooms are the cleanest I've seen in a TN state park!! You have to use wood from the park and there is plenty of it, but bring a hatchet, you'll need it to split the big pieces! The staff were also very welcoming! Park is horse and pet friendly! I will be visiting again soon!!

Beautiful park. Stayed in cabin 6. Updated and well kept. Doesn't feel like Mississippi at all here.read more

Nestled along the back roads of Tishomingo County, this park feels like a second home. With hiking…read moretrails for every level of experience, there's truly something for everyone. The campground offers over 60 sites, plus six cozy cabins. Three of these are rustic stone cabins with two rooms each, while the other three are smaller, single-room cabins. Cabin Six has been beautifully updated with new floors, furniture, appliances, and a modern bathroom. For larger groups, the park also has three group camp cabins--each with 20 bunk beds and spacious bathrooms that include showers, toilets, and sinks. The park is full of history and adventure. Visitors can explore the Pioneer Cabin and its nearby waterfall, or cross the famous swinging bridge--a suspension bridge that stretches 25 feet over Bear Creek. On the other side, you'll find two trails perfect for bouldering, rock climbing, or simply wandering through the forest. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, squirrels, raccoons, and plenty of other critters calling the park home. There are three scenic pavilions for picnics or gatherings. Pavilion One has restrooms nearby, Pavilion Two overlooks Haines Lake, and Pavilion Three also offers a beautiful view of the water. The dining hall is available for weddings, reunions, meetings, and other special events. Fishing enthusiasts will love the three fishing spots: Haines Lake, a quiet pond behind the Pioneer Cabin, and Bear Creek beneath the swinging bridge. For families, the park includes two playgrounds, a sports field, and plenty of picnic tables with cast-iron grills scattered throughout. Outdoor fun continues with three disc golf courses designed for different skill levels. And when it's time to clean up, the campground features two bathhouses that are always kept tidy by the hardworking park staff. Tishomingo State Park is more than just a destination--it's a place where history, nature, and community come together.

We loved hiking in this nature preserve. It is definitely off the beaten path (literally a drive…read moredown a gravel road). There are beautiful wooded trails and a pretty overlook. Our hike was a loop that took us through a waterfall, woods and an overlook. The hours are limited: weekend hours only and it closes at 5 pm. It is part of a land trust. I recommend this preserve for hikers, nature lovers and those that love exploring trails off the beaten path.

Such a lovely private preserve! Clean, well managed, clear signage & maps. We went when there was a…read moredrought, but would love to go back k when we can see the waterfalls.

Such a nice little hike! We (2 24 year old females, one of whom was pregnant) found the trail to…read morebe relatively easy. It is 1.5 miles round trip! The waterfall at the end is so pretty! You can actually walk under it. We went on a Saturday on a 50 degree day in November and there were around 10 other people on the trail.

Beautiful environment. Love the falls. It was a very relaxing walk however it's pretty steep going…read moredown and then of course a challenge coming back up for an older person like me. Some narrow spots where you need to be careful. Bringing a walking stick would help in some spots where you have big step ups over tree roots etc.

USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR THE RIGHT ADDRESS. The one listed in the closest I could find. Search Sipsey…read moreRiver Trail. We found this one day googling "best day hikes in Alabama". Every blog and site that we found made it sound like a dream.. They they couldn't have been more true! This is such a beautiful hiking/camping spot! We went on a raining day in early December and it was still AMAZING. We only hiked around for an hour or so but it was so beautiful and there is so much to see. This trail cost $3 a car. It's also pet friendly! I have been told that people swim in the beautiful river in the summer. I'm in awe of the beauty of Bankhead National Forest. I can't wait to explore more of it!

This was a bucket list visit for us and did not disappoint. The grounds are well maintained by the…read moreNPS, and it's easy to park your car on the tour and walk the grounds at your leisure. A must see for every American. Cheers! RS

This Civil War era park is almost as overwhelming as it's counterpart at Vicksburg, MS -- almost…read more It's a big park with plenty to see. Located near the banks of the Tennessee River, this 4,000-acre park commemorates a pivotal Civil War battle fought in April 1862. But it's not just the history that makes this park a must-visit. Shiloh surprises visitors with its natural beauty, reflective spaces, and offerings for travelers of all kinds--including those arriving by RV. A Journey Through Time For history lovers, Shiloh offers a deeply immersive experience. The park preserves key portions of the battlefield where nearly 24,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing during two days of intense fighting. Walking these grounds feels both humbling and powerful. The well-maintained trails take you past trenches, cannons, and memorials, each projecting a story of courage and loss. The Shiloh Visitor Center is your place to start; it hosts a film and exhibits that piece together this chapter of history, giving you fresh insight before you explore the grounds. One of the most poignant stops is the Shiloh National Cemetery. Overlooking the river, the cemetery holds the graves of Union soldiers, beautifully maintained in their quiet, scenic setting. Nearby, the sunken road known as the "Hornet's Nest" showcases where some of the fiercest fighting took place. These spaces are alive with echoes of the past but provide a profound sense of peace today. Nature Meets Reflection Shiloh isn't just for Civil War buffs. Its rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open meadows offer plenty to those who simply love being outdoors. Birdsong fills the air as you hike trails that meander through shaded forests and along open fields. Autumn paints the landscape in gold and crimson, while the springtime fills it with wildflowers. The Tennessee River also provides scenic views and a sense of calm that balances the park's somber history. For waterside picnics or just quiet moments, the riverbank trails won't disappoint. You can watch herons glide above the water or take in a vivid sunset. Photographers, too, will find endless inspiration in the interplay of light and shadow over the park's terrain. RV-Friendly Amenities Travelers by RV will find Shiloh a welcoming stop. While the park itself doesn't have campgrounds, just a short drive away are several RV-friendly options, such as well-reviewed campgrounds in Savannah, Tennessee, or Pickwick Landing State Park. These sites offer amenities like full hookups, showers, and access to additional recreation. Inside the park, RV travelers will appreciate the spacious parking areas, accessible restrooms, and picnic spots where you can comfortably unwind. Shiloh also combines well with nearby attractions, like the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center in Mississippi, only 20 miles away, making it an ideal base for deeper exploration of the region.

I had fun walking around but whatever you do DONT play the toy flutes. I instinctually blew some…read moreair into it without making lip contact creating a barely audible sound and the cashier like a lioness in the tall grass waited for me to do that and told me that I need to buy it now in front of everyone. There was no sign! The only sign there just said not to play them. They could at least make a sign that says if you play it you buy it. Now I have a flute that I don't want and a memory that will bother me when I try to sleep for the next five years. She really hurt my feelings :(. But the mound was really cool!

Lots to see here. You can plan a whole day of hiking and seeing the sites. The grounds were well…read morekept up. There are trail markers and displays to highlight important features. I strongly recommend printing a map or keeping a photo of one saved on your smart device. Pay close attention to where you are walking to avoid roots on the trails. Maybe a lot for small children to handle if you go off on the trail. The paved areas would work great.

The flora, fauna, and typography of this canyon are not very different from any other hiking area I…read morehave hiked in Alabama. It's very similar to Bankhead National Forest. The size of the sheer bluffs (and many of the rocks) at Dismals is fairly unique, though. We visited this past weekend and I thought the whole experience was okay. It's not a National Park, or a National Forest, Dismals is a "National Natural Landmark" that is privately owned. The cost in my humble opinion to hike (without a guide) the Dismals *and* take the night tour with a guide is expensive! It was approximately $28.00 per adult. The trail is around 1.5 miles - at least the trail we explored in the daytime before taking the night tour. The creek running through the base was deep enough that there needed to be ways to cross it that were navigable, preferably with handrails. In photos, I've seen concrete blocks, which would have been okay (note, not handrails) but there were no concrete block crossing at areas we needed/wanted to get across the water. There were random pieces of wood, even fallen trees and my husband, who is both a "daredevil" and in great shape, managed to traverse the waters to see the other side, but he did land in the water (on his feet) and absolutely soaked his shoes and socks. The three of us opted to backtrack and not deal with the water. To me, this is very poor planning on the part of the Dismals owners. The trail map we got from the "General Store" had landmarks which were just "cute" names for the features, like "The Pulpit" and "Witches Den" - to me, they were fairly unremarkable "landmarks." Fast forward to the night tour which was scheduled for 9:00 PM. We were told to arrive at 8:30 and if everyone was early, we could start early. I did not note the time we started, however, it was about a 45 minute hike. Parts of this hike were in total, 100 percent darkness to ensure we had the utmost opportunity to view the "Dismalites." That's fine, except, I'm not a fan of walking in uneven/unfamiliar terrain in the pitch dark, with my husband dragging me forward in a group of 13 people counting the guide. This was unnerving and I moved at a snail's pace, and held up those who were stuck behind me. Also, I was hanging onto the rail with one hand and couldn't physically rubberneck around to try to catch a view of a glowworm. I think I saw a total of twelve glow worms. After exiting the night tour trails, we saw firefly larvae that glowed in the shallow water at the entrance to the trail. To me, this was the highlight of the glowing visuals. Another con is the numerous wooden staircases at the Dismals trail's entrance/exit. There is absolutely no way these are constructed to code! These stairs are so narrow in depth that my size 8 ladies shoes, (which is an average women's shoe size) hung off the edge about 2 inches, forcing me to "duck walk" down the stairs. Even if they are built to code, the stair treads are completely worn off, providing absolutely no traction whatsoever. The guide told us due to the "drought" the Dismalite glowworms were not out in abundance. If you keep your expectations low, and really enjoy a sandstone gorge/canyon, and are not risk averse, you will have a nice time here. Our tour guide did a good job providing information that was geared towards the audience which included age ranges from children to senior citizens. I can't comment on the "General Store" food options because we didn't eat anything there, or the campsites (note, the on-site cabins are closed and unavailable). The sole restroom which is a little walk from the General Store and is clean with a barely working hand dryer and no paper towels. The parking lot is ridiculously small with each space being beyond small. The owners of the Dismals need to invest in their property to make it worthwhile, easy to traverse, and safe for their visitors.

Parents Beware Before Approving School Field Trips Here…read more I want to share my recent experience as a concerned parent. Our children's school scheduled a field trip to Dismals Canyon and collected payment for the students. Parents were originally told that we could attend for a $20 fee -- but at the very last minute, the site informed the school that parents would no longer be allowed to go. When I contacted the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (who were kind and helpful), they reached out to Dismals Canyon for clarification. The canyon's staff claimed the decision was due to parking limitations, parents distracting the kids from learning, and tight spaces. However, this change was communicated only after money had already been collected and plans were finalized. Parents deserve transparency, especially when it involves children's safety at a location with cliffs, caves, and water features. I strongly urge other parents and schools to ask clear written confirmation of parent policies before sending children on field trips here. Families should not be excluded or misled after payments and plans have been made.

Secluded wildlife area with great, easy trails that include river views, bridges, creeks, and…read morewildlife. A great place to hunt (be mindful and wear orange during November - January)

Stayed here for one night camping in hammocks. We actually got an tv spot because we were on the…read moreHarleys and it was a good place to park and also the bathhouse. Extremely clean park and the facilities were excellent. Will stay again if in the area.

First thing, They really need to offer sewer for campers…read more Second, bathrooms and bath house need much updating. Majority of the time the commodes were completely clogged. They have a great pool potentially. It's just empty sitting there. Went to the nature center, supposed to open at 10:00 but nobody there. The playground area needs so much help!! Overgrown weeds, needs mulch. This campground has potential but needs some major updating!!