Sip a cup of sweet tea near the campfire and listen to the bird songs and trees moving gently around you while enjoying the view of the Tennessee River with your family. Mousetail Landing State Park in Perry County offers these experiences and much more, including camping, fishing, boating, swimming, paddling, biking and hiking.
Photo: Tennessee State Parks
Hiking at Mousetail Landing State Park is one of the most popular activities, says Daniel Burgess, park ranger. Mousetail Landing State Park offers three main trails with natural surfaces and various levels of length and difficulty.
Spring Creek Trail
The easiest hike in Mousetail Landing State Park is Spring Creek Trail, only a half-mile, which Burgess calls “a short walk through the woods." “It’s a trail in our Spring Creek Campground.”
Photo: Tennessee State Parks
Spring Creek Campground offers 21 sites on the banks of the Tennessee River, each equipped with a fire ring and a BBQ grill.
Scenic Trail
For a longer hike and a bit more cardio exercise, explore the three-mile Scenic Trail.
“This trail is carpeted in moss most of the way through it," Burgess explains. "It’s an extremely popular trail to come out and do a moderate trail hike. People just enjoy walking through the woods.”
The path begins with a steady incline from the trailhead and follows a well-maintained trail throughout its length, covered with green, mossy sections. This hike at Mousetail Landing State Park takes between 1.5 and two hours to complete.
Eagle Point Loop Trail
Eagle Point Loop Trail will get your heart rate up, as this hike at Mousetail Landing State Park is rated difficult. The peaceful eight-mile path provides views of the river and aroune 1,000 feet of elevation change, according to Burgess.
One of the biggest attractions on Eagle Point Loop Trail is the overlook of our backcountry Shelter #2, said Burgess. Shelter #2 welcomes you for overnight backcountry camping.
“You are overlooking the Tennessee River and the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge on the other side of the river,” Burgess says. “It’s a very popular spot for watching the sunset, camping at that backcountry shelter, and just generally hiking.”
Before your visit to Mousetail Landing State Park, check out the park's schedule of events, which include a Historic Night Hike. This two-mile hike will lead you to the historic Mousetail Landing site along the Tennessee River to learn about the history of the landing and its effect on the local area. On the hike back, park rangers will discuss how Mousetail Landing comes to life with its nocturnal residents. Be sure and pack your flashlight.
Use our Perry County travel tips to help plan your visit to Mousetail Landing State Park.