Park It Here: Resort Lodges at Tennessee State Parks

By Sandi Butler Hughes

With warmer weather, spring breaks and long weekends, there is no better time to explore what is new at our beautiful Tennessee State Parks. Tennessee has 57 parks across the state, and each one is unique. Four of the parks have new or newly-renovated lodges that feature resort-style hotels. This is not roughing it; this is updated and upscale lodging at Pickwick Landing, Paris Landing, Montgomery Bell, and Fall Creek Falls State Parks.

The lodges at each of these parks offer wonderful amenities in gorgeous settings. Pickwick Landing and Montgomery Bell lodges have undergone extensive renovation and total overhaul of the entire facility. Fall Creek Falls and Paris Landing lodges are both completely new, and beautifully designed to complement the park settings. The construction and renovations to these properties are all part of the state legislature’s $184 million investment in capital projects for Tennessee State Parks.

From outdoor activities to relaxing on your private balcony, these destinations are a welcomed retreat to enjoy these warmer days, cool nights and the natural beauty in Tennessee, all within an easy drive of Memphis. Start planning now at tnstateparks.com.

Lodge At Montgomery Bell

Located in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, the Lodge at Montgomery Bell was fully renovated in 2021 and is a natural retreat for a relaxing stay. The lodge is on the banks of Lake Acorn, and every room offers stunning balcony views of the lake. There are 3,800 acres of preserved park land with lots of outdoor activities such as kayak rentals, dedicated mountain bike trails, a golf course, and outdoor pool. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the restaurant, or sip one of the craft beers offered in the lounge. If you want to take in the bright lights of downtown Nashville, you are just minutes from the interstate for the short 40 minute drive. This is a great option to experience the best of the great outdoors and big city life, all in one convenient place.

Lodge At Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls is one of the premiere state parks in Tennessee, and the new Lodge at Fall Creek Falls beautifully showcases the outdoor scenery. This park is one of the largest in the state at 29,800 acres on the Cumberland Plateau. While it is about five hours from Memphis, it is worth the drive, and the addition of this $40.4 million lodge makes it even more so. All of the rooms feature balconies with lake views, and the full-service restaurant offers indoor and outdoor lakeside dining. In the park, you’ll find a Canopy Challenge Course with wobbly bridges, rope swings and zip lines, a Nature Center with naturalistled programs, four playgrounds, and 56 miles of hiking trails. This is a fabulous year-round destination, from the natural beauty of waterfalls and overlooks to the new state-of-the-art Lodge at Fall Creek Falls.

Lodge At Paris Landing

The newly constructed Lodge at Paris Landing just opened in 2022, and it is a beautiful gem on Kentucky Lake. Paris Landing State Park was founded in 1945 and is positioned at the widest part of the lake, making it ideal for water sports. The lake was the inspiration for architects when designing the new property, and commanding lake views are the focal point. There is a full-service restaurant and lounge with indoor and outdoor dining options. Firepits, reading nooks, and gathering spots are also part of the lodge experience. The park also offers a golf course, cabins, and camping. Less than three hours from Memphis, this is a lovely spot for a quiet weekend or an adventure on the lake.

Lodge At Pickwick Landing

For many Memphians, Pickwick is home-away-from-home, and the State Park is a hub for boating, golf, dining, meetings, and more. The park has over 1,400 acres to explore on the shores of the Tennessee River, perfect for hiking, paddling, and fishing. The newly renovated Lodge at Pickwick Landing offers modern rooms, each with a private balcony and incredible views of Pickwick Lake. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center and boat ramps for lake access. The full-service restaurant and lounge boasts stunning views of the water. It is an ideal getaway, offering something for everyone just a couple of hours from Memphis.