Not every great day in Union County happens on a boat. Some of the best are spent on foot, on a bike or in the saddle, on trails that wind through forest and open land.
Norris Lake may be the center of attention, but the land around it deserves just as much time. Union County is home to two outstanding natural areas that offer a different kind of adventure: the 3,400 acre Big Ridge State Park and the 22,000 acre Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area. For landlubbers, or for anyone who simply wants a day off the water, they provide multi-use trails with wildlife observation, hiking, 4 wheeling, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. This guide helps you choose between them, plan your visit and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Two areas, many ways to explore
The two areas are very different in size and in feel, which is part of what makes them such a good pair. Big Ridge State Park covers 3,400 acres and is a place many people think of first when they want a trail day. Chuck Swan WMA is far larger at 22,000 acres, with the kind of wide open space that suits long outings and a sense of real distance from everyday life.
Both provide multi-use trails, which means they are designed to be shared by different kinds of visitors. A hiker, a mountain biker and a rider on horseback can all find a route that suits them. Sharing a trail well requires courtesy, and a little awareness goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe and happy.
What you can do
Wildlife observation
Wide open spaces are perfect for viewing wildlife. Move slowly, stay quiet and let the animals come into view.
Hiking
Walking is the simplest way to explore and suits visitors of nearly every age and ability.
Mountain biking
Multi-use trails make it possible to explore farther and faster, with the thrill of riding through the landscape.
Horseback riding
Riders can enjoy the scenery from the saddle on trails designed for shared use.
4 wheeling
Off-road enthusiasts will find trails that suit their vehicles and a landscape worth exploring.
Hunting
Hunting is among the traditional uses of the area and is part of the outdoor heritage here.
Because each activity has its own requirements and rules, it is wise to confirm what is allowed in a specific area before you go. Rules for hunting, vehicles and riding can differ from one place to another and from one season to the next, so a quick check with the managing agency helps you plan responsibly.
Choosing between Big Ridge and Chuck Swan
If you are not sure where to begin, think about the kind of day you want. A shorter outing, or one that includes a picnic, might suit Big Ridge State Park. A longer adventure, or a day when you want to cover more ground, might be better suited to the expansive Chuck Swan WMA. Neither choice is wrong, and many visitors end up enjoying both over the course of a stay.
It can also help to match the area to your companions. Families with young children may prefer a gentler outing with plenty of time to stop and look around. A group of experienced riders might look for longer routes and more challenge. Starting with a modest plan and extending it if everyone feels good is often the best approach.
Wide open spaces perfect for viewing wildlife or enjoying an outdoor adventure.
Planning your trail day
Pick the activity first
Decide whether you want to hike, bike, ride or watch wildlife, then choose the area that fits.
Check conditions
Review the weather and trail conditions before you leave, and be ready to adjust your plan.
Pack what you need
Bring water, snacks, sun protection and a simple first aid kit, plus any gear required for your activity.
Tell someone your plan
Let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Leave no trace
Carry out everything you bring in and leave the land as you found it.
Trail etiquette for shared paths
Multi-use trails work best when everyone follows the same simple habits. Keep to the trail, be friendly when you meet others and give extra room to horses, which can be startled by sudden movement. If you are on a bike, slow down when approaching walkers and riders, and announce yourself clearly so nobody is surprised.
When you stop, move off the trail so others can pass. If you bring a dog, follow the local rules and keep it under control. Small courtesies like these keep the trails pleasant for everyone and help protect the natural beauty that draws people here in the first place.
Trail day checklist
- Sturdy shoes or boots suited to the activity.
- Plenty of drinking water and trail snacks.
- Sun protection and clothing for changing weather.
- A charged phone and a paper or offline map.
- A small first aid kit and any personal medications.
- A bag for trash, so you can leave no trace.
A day that blends land and water
One of the best things about Union County is how easily you can combine the trail and the lake. A morning ride or hike is a wonderful warm-up, and an afternoon on the water is a pleasant reward. The mix of activities suits groups with different interests, because everyone can find something they love.
Hit the trail
Start early with a hike or ride and watch for wildlife while the land is quiet.
Refuel
Take a break, eat a good meal and rest before the afternoon.
Out on the lake
Cool off with a paddle or a relaxed cruise on Norris Lake.
Campfire or porch
Finish with a glowing sunset and a campfire with family and friends.
Where to stay for outdoor adventures
Staying near the trails and the lake makes it easy to enjoy both. Loyston Point Campground has lakefront campsites and cabins available for rent, along with day use areas and hiking and mountain bike trails. Beach Island Resort & Marina and Hickory Star Marina offer cabins and RV campsites, and VRBO lists a wide range of lake front, secluded, small and large properties in the area.
Choosing a base that suits your group, whether a campsite, a cabin or a rental home, lets you spend less time driving and more time outdoors. It also gives you a comfortable place to rest after a long day on the trail.
Preparing for each activity
Every way of enjoying the trails has its own preparation. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear, carry water and pace themselves, remembering that the return trip takes energy too. Mountain bikers should check their equipment before they leave, wear a helmet and carry a simple repair kit. Riders on horseback should make sure their animals are fit, rested and comfortable around other trail users.
Those who enjoy 4 wheeling should confirm which trails are open to vehicles, keep to marked routes and avoid driving in a way that damages the land. Hunters should understand and follow all of the rules that apply, carry the proper permits and prioritize safety at every moment. Wildlife watchers need very little equipment beyond patience, though a pair of binoculars can add a great deal to the experience.
Watching wildlife responsibly
The wide open spaces of Union County are perfect for viewing wildlife, and a thoughtful approach makes the experience better for everyone. Move slowly, speak quietly and stay a respectful distance from any animal you see. If an animal changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close, and the kindest thing to do is back away.
Never feed wild animals, and keep food securely stored so that it does not attract them to places where they might come into conflict with people. If you take photographs, use a zoom lens rather than approaching, and resist the temptation to chase a better angle. The most rewarding wildlife moments often happen when you stay still and let the animals come to you.
Safety and being prepared
Trails are wonderful, but they are also remote, and a little caution goes a long way. Check the weather before you leave, and turn back if conditions change. Carry enough water for the whole outing and pack a basic first aid kit. If you are in a group, agree on a plan for what to do if someone is separated or injured.
Telling a friend or family member your route and your expected return time is one of the simplest safety measures. If you do not return when expected, they will know where to start looking. A fully charged phone is helpful, though coverage may be limited in some areas, so a paper map can be a valuable backup.
Questions visitors ask
How large are the two natural areas?
Big Ridge State Park covers 3,400 acres, and Chuck Swan WMA covers 22,000 acres.
Which activities are available?
Wildlife observation, hiking, 4 wheeling, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting are all part of the experience.
Can I combine a trail day with time on the lake?
Yes. Many visitors enjoy a morning on the trail and an afternoon on Norris Lake.
Where can I find trails near lodging?
Loyston Point Campground offers hiking and mountain bike trails along with lakefront campsites and cabins.
Step off the shoreline
The lake is a wonderful reason to visit Union County, but the land is a reason to stay longer. With 3,400 acres at Big Ridge State Park and 22,000 acres at Chuck Swan WMA, there is always another trail to try and another view to find. Pack a bag, tell someone your plan and set out. The county is ready to show you its quieter side.
Union County Chamber of Commerce
1001 Main St, PO Box 848, Maynardville, TN 37807-0848
