Pickett State Forest
NOTE: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Forestry Division is instituting temporary restrictions for 120 days to repair roads and forest trails destroyed by off-road vehicles.
To facilitate repairs, a gate has been installed where Redmond Rim Road and Redmond Mountain Road split, restricting motorized traffic north of that point.
All trails, roads, access points, and areas north of the gate are closed to all motorized traffic and camping.
Access north of the gate is restricted to people on foot or horseback during scheduled visiting hours.
Hunting north of the gate is allowed by foot traffic only and only in accordance with TDA and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules.
Law enforcement will patrol the area to ensure compliance with motorized vehicle restrictions.
Failure to comply is a violation of state law and may result in civil penalties and/or criminal charges.
This order expires Oct. 1, 2024 unless extended or otherwise rescinded by the State Forester.
Press Release - May 31, 2024:
Nashville - Visitors to Pickett State Forest in Pickett and Fentress Counties will be able to enjoy the northwestern portions of the forest only on foot or horseback beginning June 3, 2024.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Forestry Division is instituting temporary restrictions for 120 days to repair roads and forest trails destroyed by off-road vehicles. The extensive damage has jeopardized the protection of the forest and the safety of visitors.
“The off-road vehicle damage to portions of Pickett State Forest puts visitors at risk and impairs our ability to fulfill our duties as forest stewards,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “Because of this, we are addressing the issues now as part of our commitment to protecting, conserving, and enhancing this state’s forest resources and upholding rigorous sustainable forestry standards.”
To facilitate repairs, a gate has been installed where Redmond Rim Road and Redmond Mountain Road split, restricting motorized traffic north of that point. This provides safety to workers conducting repairs, prevents further damage, and ensures road and trail work can be completed in a timely manner.
All trails, roads, access points, and areas north of the gate are closed to all motorized traffic and camping. Access north of the gate is restricted to people on foot or horseback during scheduled visiting hours. Hunting north of the gate is allowed by foot traffic only and only in accordance with TDA and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules.
Law enforcement will patrol the area to ensure compliance with motorized vehicle restrictions. Failure to comply is a violation of state law and may result in civil penalties and/or criminal charges. This order expires Oct. 1, 2024 unless extended or otherwise rescinded by the State Forester.
“Although it’s not ideal to temporarily close roads, visitors to all of Tennessee’s forests deserve to have a safe and enjoyable visit. We’re going to do everything necessary to ensure that positive experience and safeguard our natural resources,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said.
Updates regarding closure status and damage mitigation efforts at Pickett State Forest can be found here on Pickett State Forest's web page, on the department’s Facebook page, and on the Protect TN Forests social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
About Pickett State Forest
Size: 20,887 acres / 8,453 ha.
Pickett State Forest is located in northeastern Tennessee in Pickett and Fentress Counties near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The eastern side of the forest is adjacent to the Big South Fork Recreation Area.
This forest originated from a land donation to the state by Stearns Coal and Lumber Company in 1933. It became a State Forest in 1935. At the time of donation, most of the merchantable sawtimber had been removed and the area had been repeatedly subjected to fire and grazing.
About 53% of the forest is hardwood types, 24% is pine types, and 21% is mixed hardwood and pine. Almost the entire forest (95%) is in trees older than 40 years and most of the area is well stocked. Basal area averages about 80 square feet per acre and 60% of that is hardwood. There are also three unregulated areas (916 acres) that have been set aside to protect the integrity of view sheds and water quality.
There are 46 known archaeological sites on the forest. The forest has been the site of research projects conducted by various universities.
Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. In addition, there are 35 miles of hiking trails and certain forest roads are available for horseback riding. All types of OHVs use unimproved roads. Rock climbing, bird watching, and swimming are also popular activities.
Pickett State Forest Road Use Map
Pickett State Forest Firewood Collection Map