Exploring
Pickwick A fisherman’s paradise Huge catfish can be caught; largemouth bass on rise
A golf lover’s dream Two different courses offer challenging holes
There’s plenty of adventure at Pickwick Lake, Tenn., Miss., Ala. Running l Bicycling l Golfing l Fishing l
A product of The Daily Corinthian
Birding l Camping l RVing l Shooting l
Boating l Events l History l Dining
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Exploring Pickwick
Exploring Pickwick
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Exploring
Pickwick
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Contents
Spring 2014-Winter 2015 8 — History
A special publication of the
Area beckons with history of Tennessee River, Civil War
12 — Lodging
Editorial
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Publisher Reece Terry Contributors Mark Boehler Steve Beavers Lisa Lambert Kenneth Williams
Pickwick overflows with variety from motel rooms, suites, cottages, cabins or even 5-bedroom homes
16 — Dining
There are more than 20 restaurant options near the lake, river, Shiloh
20 — Fishing
Big blue catfish lure anglers from across the globe
Special Thanks Captain Lee
28 — Birding
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Advertising Advertising Director Denise Mitchell Sales Representatives Fallon Coln Skylar McCrimon Derinda Nunley
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32 — Camping
Pickwick area offers more than 260 campsites
36 — Bicycling
Riders love to explore Shiloh’s rural roadways
40 — Shooting
Creative Designer Marissa Ferreira
Exploring Pickwick is published by the Daily Corinthian, 1607 Harper Road, Corinth, MS. A complimentary 15,000 issues are distributed in the Crossroads area, Northeast Mississippi, Southwest Tennessee and Northwest Alabama. The contents of Exploring Pickwick are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without consent of the publisher. Exploring Pickwick shall not be held liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical or publication errors. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertsing and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publications. For additional copies of Exploring Pickwick, contact the Daily Corinthian at 662-287-6111.
Shiloh, Pickwick are great places to see many species of birds
Tri-State Gun Club invites visitors to participate
44 — Running
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National park, state park are great locations to take a jog
48 — Golfing
Two Pickwick area courses provide 27 challenging holes over 9,500 yards of play
53 — Boating
Pickwick remains a boater’s destination for vessels of all shapes and sizes Exploring Pickwick
Office: 731-689-5252 Sales: 731-689-3434
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Landing Dam on July 1, 1936. The dam was complete in 1938 after three years of work.
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History
Footsteps ‘n Footnotes
Area beckons with history of Tennessee River, Civil War By Mark Boehler for flood control and easier navigation. Some 75 years after completion of For Exploring Pickwick
The Tennessee River remains the focal point of an area in Southwest Tennessee rich in history. Union troops invading the area at Pittsburg Landing resulted in one of the most significant battles of the Civil War where more Americans died than all previous wars combined. The New Deal era of President Franklin D. Roosevelt brought the construction of nine dams along the river
Pickwick Land Dam and Locks, the Pickwick Reservoir provides a 43,100acre multi-use area playground for boating and fishing. Add other interesting historical footnotes such as mounds dating back 800 years ago which proves Indians lived in the area, and today’s Pickwick, Counce and Shiloh areas are worth a look for a study in history. Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Pickwick Landing Dam Exploring Pickwick
Photos by Mark Boehler
Pickwick Landing Dam is one of seven dams operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority on the Tennessee River. Ranger-led interpretive programs are held at Shiloh National Military Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Opposite page
Shiloh visitors may run into different characters, including Union General Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia. The visit was compliments of Lena and Curt Fields of Collierville, Tenn. during a weekend living history demonstration.
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was built between 1935-38. The dam’s original turbines were among the largest propeller-type turbines in the world at the time they were installed. The first lock designed by the Corps of Engineers and its 63-foot lift was among the highest in the world when the lock opened in 1938. Although the lock and powerhouse have been closed to the public since 9-11, TVA has two parking areas for great views of the dam, lake and tailwaters. The area below the dam also has restroom facilities. Tennessee Highway 128 crosses the dam. Pickwick Village Located in today’s Pickwick Landing State Park, Pickwick Village was home to 3,500 construction workers and their families from 1935-38.
Hospital, cafeteria, school and homes once stood on 681 acres the state purchased from TVA in 1969. Additional land has been purchased to expand the park. Shiloh National Military Park Located off Tennessee Highway 22, Shiloh Battlefield tells the story of the battle and pays homage to the 24,000 casualties, many of whom had never seen battle before. Major General Ulysses S. Grant ascended the river by steamboat, disembarking at Pittsburg Landing. The ultimate goal was the important railroad town of Corinth, Miss. – 22 miles to the southeast. The base of operations was a plateau west of the river and forward camps two miles inland around a log church called “Shiloh Meeting House”. The Union activity caught the eye of
Above
A Civil War re-enactor leads a discussion on the use of cannon at Shiloh.
Opposite page, from top
Ranger-led interpretive programs are held at Shiloh National Military Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Park Ranger Charlie Spearman leads a tour on the Union left flank on the first day of the battle. Living history demonstrations are held on some weekends in the warm months, an example being a program on period photography and developing photographs using the wet plate process. 10
Exploring Pickwick
the Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, who decided to march his 44,000 troops from Corinth and engage in a surprise battle. The two-day bloody battle on April 6-7, 1862 was intense, with the Confederates getting the upper hand on the surprised 40,000 Northern troops. Another 20,000 Union troops arrived the morning of the second day and the tide was turned. The Southern troops retreated back to Corinth. Today’s visitors can walk in the footsteps of those brave souls of long ago on grounds managed by the National Park Service. There is a driving tour which begins at the visitor center with tour stops at all the significant points of interest. The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The visitor center offers a new interpretive film “Shiloh: Fiery Trail” every hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ranger-led hikes and programs and living history demonstrations by volunteers are offered some weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day and always on the weekend in April closest to the anniversary date of the battle. A bookstore offers a wide variety of books, maps, DVDs, CDs, post cards, clothing and other items related to Shiloh, the Civil War, national parks and area history. Shiloh National Cemetery is also in the park. The park is open from dawn to dusk and closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day. There are no fees to visit the park or visitor center. Shiloh National Historic Indian Mounds A town occupied the high Tennessee River bluff at the eastern edge of Shiloh some 800 years ago. There are seven eastern mounds, most serving as platforms for important buildings. One served as a burial mound. The mounds are just off Riverside Drive, which offers beautiful vistas of the river. (Sources:TVA, Tennessee State Parks and National Park Service)
Lodging
Over 300 overnight stay
Options
Pickwick overflows with variety from motel rooms, suites, cottages, cabins or even 5-bedroom homes
By Mark Boehler Pickwick has to offer,” said DaFor Exploring Pickwick vid Giesler, a Pickwick banker. A survey of lodging options in the Pickwick area reveals at least 309 choices for overnight stays. These range from 179 motel rooms to 17 larger suites with kitchen efficiencies or full kitchens; and at least 113 villas, condos, homes, cottages and cabins are all available for rent. These numbers don’t reflect the many more property owners who don’t advertise and only rent their homes to people they know. “It’s pretty amazing what
“There are so many lodging options.” Visitors should make reservations well in advance, especially during Pickwick’s peak season each Memorial Day to Labor Day. Weekends stay booked in the summer months and many rentals require minimum night stays. Many rentals and businesses offer nightly and weekly rates and huge discounts during the off season from November to March. Check out Pickwick’s lodging inventory. Exploring Pickwick
Photos by Mark Boehler
Opposite page
Beverly Milligan shows the back covered porch of a popular Pickwick rental - a one-bedroom cabin with kitchen and bath nestled in the woods near the lake.
Above
Noel Martin shows a two-bedroom cottage for rent at Little Andy’s. It comes with a gas fireplace and full kitchen.
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Photo compliments of Tennessee State Parks
The Pickwick Landing State Park Inn features rooms, suites, restaurant, convention center and an outdoor and indoor pool.
Pickwick Cabin Rentals This is an example of what can be found with over 75 options. Categories are based on location — water view, water access, off water — or the number of bedrooms, from 1-2 bedroom cabins up to 5-bedroom, 5-bath lakeside dream homes. Go to www.pickwickcabins.com or call 731-689-0400 for more information. Hampton Inn Located at Highway 57 near the dam, the motel offers 48 rooms and two king suites with a large living area, sofa and lounge chairs. Visitors will find the usual extras with the Hampton experience such as complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor pool and free 24-hour access to a nearby fitness center. Grand Harbor This is a vacation destination on the Mississippi side of Pickwick where Yellow Creek joins with Pickwick Lake. Get directions or a GPS before the visit, but what a gem at the end of the road. One and two bedroom condos with full kitchens and lake views are available, along with several three-
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bedroom villas and homes. On-site extras include marina with boat rentals, outdoor pool and playground, lighted tennis court, ship’s store and cantina, fitness center and luxury spa. One unique feature at Grand Harbor is a free complimentary shuttle service to Freddy T’s Restaurant, The Rooftop, Club 50 and Beach Club so visitors can enjoy Pickwick’s nightlife with a designated driver on call. For more information, go to www. gograndharbor.com. Historic Botel Restaurant Bar and Grill A motel and restaurant built on a river barge — hence “Botel” — is a trip down memory lane for many Pickwick visitors. Located on the Tennessee River below Pickwick Landing Dam, it is under new ownership and continued renovation. There are single and double rooms, two-bedroom efficiency suites and a two-bedroom suite with full kitchen. There is a restaurant, store and bar on site and river access. The property includes an adjacent Botel House, which includes four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, living room, dining room and screened-in porch.
Exploring Pickwick
For more information, go to www. thehistoricbotel.com. Pickwick Landing State Park Inn This is a vacation destination within view of the dam, offering rooms with a balcony and views of the lake, plus five two-bedroom suites and 10 two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens and fireplaces. Six new cabins are under construction and will feature lake views. One of the most visited Tennessee State Parks, inn extras include an indoor and outdoor pool, marina with boat rentals, lake access, playground, tennis courts, basketball court, walking track and trail, lake swimming area, restaurant and 6,000 square feet of conference center space. For more information, go to www. tnstateparks.com. Little Andy’s Sportsman Lodge Owned and operated by a third generation family, Little Andy’s is on Highway 57 not far from the dam. There are motel rooms, suites with kitchen efficiencies and four cottages with 1-2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen and gas fireplace. R & B’s Barbecue — serving breakfast, lunch and dinner — is just a few steps away.
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Exploring Pickwick
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Dining
A culinary
destination  There are more than 20 restaurant options near the lake, river, Shiloh
By Mark Mark Boehler Boehler By For Exploring For PickwickPickwick Profiles
16 XX
Fried Tennessee River catfish, served with traditional hushpuppies and slaw, remains one of the menu staples in the Pickwick Lake and Shiloh area. After all, those catfish called Pickwick home before they made their way to the dinner plate. Another Southern favorite, pulled barbecue pork and pork ribs, slowly smoked for long hours over a hickory pit, calls Pickwick home on several menus. From single items to entire menus, eateries pay homage to all things pig. Although the barbecue and catfish selections may make the bucket list on Exploring Pickwick
Photos by Mark Boehler
Pickwick is one of the few places folks can find smoked catfish on a menu (above).
things to experience, the two stars are just a part of the extensive Pickwick and Shiloh experience. There are over 20 eating out options in the Pickwick Lake area, most all home owned and home operated in the non-franchise category. They are a competitive bunch, each trying to do something a little different and unique in its own way. From the Mississippi-Tennessee stateline area, from Highway 57 to west of Counce and on to Shiloh and south to the stateline, including the Pickwick Landing Dam area, the offerings are broad to appeal to a wide audience. Their ages range from a recent 75th anniversary celebration to at least a pair which first opened in early 2013. Some are available by boat and offer views of the lake or the river, while others have outdoor decks for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. Talk to the year around residents and weekend overnighters and all have favorite places to go, but first time voyagers to Pickwick need to know what they seek to satisfy hunger needs. There are pizza eateries and sandwich joints, seafood and steaks, buffets and burgers. There’s a twist of New Orleans with Cajun Catfish and Shrimp and Grits or country fare for lunch and dinner with cornExploring Pickwick
The area has a broad range of food offerings, including this Cajun style New Orleans Shrimp and Grits (above left). A slugburger (left) made famous in nearby Corinth, Miss. can now be found at Pickwick.
bread, black-eyed peas, turnip greens and fried green tomatoes. There is Mexican and Italian fare with fajitas or meatball subs, plus all things traditional like prime rib, cornbread salad, meat and three lunchtime specials or sandwiches with homemade sourdough bread with fresh homegrown tomato slices. For those wanting something on the unusual side, slugburgers can be found at Pickwick. The burger made from a meat and soy mixture and deep-fat fried to a crunchy state put nearby Corinth, Miss. on the unique travel path. Served on a bun with dill pickles, mustard and onion, the cafe lunch favorite can be found on menus around Pickwick. Want to try smoked catfish? Pickwick is one of the few places folks can find catfish smoked to fork tender and never fried. Where can all these places be found? That’s the fun part of “Exploring Pickwick.” 17 XX
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Fishing
Clint Newton searches both the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake for blue and flathead catfish, the location depending on the time of year. A catfish haven is below the dam, where he landed this 47-pounder earlier this year.
River monsters
Big blue catfish lure anglers from across the globe
Legend has it that divers inspecting Pickwick Landing Dam have spotted blue catfish big enough to swallow a man whole. Pickwick angler Clint Newton says there is a little truth to this legend, which may be just an exaggeration. He believes there are world record 150-pound blue catfish lurking in the Tennessee River below Pickwick Landing Dam. Newton would be a person to know. He has caught a ton of the big blues and he always releases them. The Pickwick fisherman has caught three blue cats the past three years over 100 pounds. Experts who have analyzed one of Newton’s big blue photos believe it would have been the state record and close to the world record, but the angler released it because it surely would not have survived the trip to Nashville to make things official. The catch tipped his 111-pound scale and measured 57 inches in length and was a whopping 48 inches in circumference. It is estimated to weigh 127 pounds. The official state record blue catfish is 112 pounds, caught in the Cumberland River. Whatever the big fish stories may reveal, the fact remains fishermen from around the world seek the big blue. Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River also have channel catfish and flathead catfish. Rick Matlock of Matlock Guide Service has taken anglers from many states
and as far away as Japan on fishing trips. Although Matlock can fish for anything, visitors usually want the big blue experience, he said. Both Matlock and Newton fish the lake and river and suggest the same for newcomers to the Pickwick area. There is plenty of room to explore, as Pickwick Reservoir includes 43,100 acres into Alabama and the river as it flows north to Crump’s Landing and becoming part of the Kentucky Reservoir. Newton said the best months for catching blue cats are June, July, September and November and during the spawning season in March and April. The best months for flathead catfish are March, October and November, he said. Fish for big blues below the dam in January and February, while flatheads can be found in the tailwaters in July, October and November. Also search for flatheads along river sandbars, he added. The popular belief the big blues go away in the hot summer months isn’t true, noted the angler. “They don’t go away,” said Newton. “They go into holes and are harder to catch.” He said live bait is a
By Mark Boehler For For Exploring Explore Pickwick
Don’t miss ... Annual Pickwick Catfish Derby June 1 thru July 11, 2014 World Championship Catfishing July 12, 2014 must in catching either blues or flatheads and the best choice is fresh, cut up skipjack. A third catfish species at Pickwick -- channel catfish -- “will eat anything.” Channel cats can be found in shallow muddy waters, but many fisherman don’t seek them because they don’t get big, noted Newton. “Many people like to eat them,” he added. As far as “eating size blues,” they can be found in schools below the dam and May would be the time for best results. Newton advised to check the gear when going after big cats. He suggested a 100-pound braid test line with a 100-pound mono-filament leader. That tip might lead to the next world record blue discovered at Pickwick.
Clint Newton shows the 75-pound blue catfish caught in the Tennessee River at Shiloh. He was fishing from his small kayak when he landed the monster. Newton released the blue after the photo was taken. Exploring Pickwick
21 XX
Fishing
Rick Matlock fishes between the two locks at Pickwick Landing Dam
Photo Pickwick Photoby byMark MarkBoehler Boehler/ Exploring / Explore Pickwick
Mix n’ match
Pickwick Winter Bass Trail pwbt.webs.com
ByMark MarkBoehler Boehler By For Pickwick ForExploring Explore Pickwick
Pickwick offers a wide variety of options
There is a lure to Pickwick Lake and there is a catch. It’s the variety of sport fishing available and the access to many productive fishing areas -- Pickwick Reservoir stretching 53 miles into Alabama, the connecting Yellow Creek embayment in Mississippi and access to the Tenn-Tom Waterway which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. And then there’s the Tennessee River and the happy hunting grounds of the Pickwick tailwaters below the dam, then miles of river fishing north to Crump Landing. With all the water surface to explore comes the variety of sport fishing available in the TVA lake where the corners of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama come together. It’s a fisherman’s bait and tackle dream checklist: • bluegill • crappie • stripers • sauger • smallmouth bass • largemouth bass • white bass • blue catfish • channel catfish • flathead catfish There are also the typical “trash” fish like the drum, but anglers exploring Pickwick may find a few surprises along the way.
Most of the locals know about the Tennessee state record sauger caught in the Pickwick tailwaters, a 7-pound, 6-ounce whopper caught by Rayford D. Voss on Feb. 19, 1973. Dr. Jim Youmans caught a state record 1-pound, 9-ounce river carpsucker on Feb.28, 1980 while J. Wesley Neal landed a state record 1-pound, 6-ounce Atlantic needlefish on Sept. 30, 2008.
“Pickwick offers so much. It’s a great fishing destination.” Rick Matlock
Matlock Guide Services This diverse fishing opportunity makes Pickwick a “bucket list” destination for sport fishermen, noted Pickwick fishing guide Rick Matlock. “Pickwick offers so much,” said Matlock. “It’s a great fishing destination.” The variety is why Michigan couples Kathy and Gary Moore and Erwin and Sara Gagnon migrate 1,000 miles south every winter to fish in Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River. What are they fishing for? “Whatever is biting,” said Gary Moore, who lives in the Upper Peninsula about 75 miles from the Canadian border when not visiting Pickwick. Exploring Pickwick
Pickwick Lake Catch-A-Dream Competitions Team Challenge Pickwick Landing State Park Saturday, June 8 Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail Five tourneys ever year www.fomtt.com
Like most anglers, water temperature, elevation and current determine what they are after. There is a big difference in water current when all the gates are either open or closed. They go after every sport fish. The challenge to Pickwick is where to go. Fast current in the tailwaters? Up river? The deep waters of the lake? Rock banks? Lake coves? Shallow waters far into coves? Matlock can be found in all places depending of the time of year, but Pickwick is most importantly a year around lake. Although most visitors to Pickwick seek the big blue catfish, Matlock said Pickwick has so much more. In fact, when he fishes when not being a guide, his favorite target is the smallmouth bass. Smallmouth like live shinner fish and can be found near rocky shorelines, rock walls and gravel points, he shared. “It’s a fighting fish,” said the guide. “The hardest part is finding them. But once they are found, you can catch them.” Whatever the species being sought, the best part about Pickwick is the variety, he said. Added the angler, “different times of year are good for different kinds for fish.” 23 XX
Many anglers like to fish the early morning and late afternoon hours at Pickwick, providing an extra bonus of beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
March is a great month to fish Pickwick, especially for largemouth bass. Pickwick gave up three largemouth last year in the 14-pound range, he said, all just short of the state record 14 pounds, 8 ounces. Fish for largemouth early morning and late afternoon, using an Alabama rig in the spring on points and in shallow water. Lunkers can also be found in lake coves near the shoreline, he suggested. He recommended a Zara-Spook for top of the water fishing. January and February are good times to catch smallmouth bass, while April and May are good for bluegill, he noted. Stripers are a good summer month fish at Pickwick below the dam, while sauger remains a winter month fish through April below the dam, noted Matlock. Stripers are in the lake, but the best spot is below the dam, noted the guide, using rubber paddletails or live gizzard shad. Pickwick fisherman Clint Newton agreed. Sauger time is the second week of November through March. XX 24
“It’s all about the temperature of the water,” noted Newton. “When the water temperature gets above 60 degrees, sauger are hard to catch,” said the angler. “When the water temperature drops to 50 degrees, that’s when you start catching them.” The lake and river are equal in terms of success, but high winds will keep Matlock on the river rather then the large lake. The lake has a lot of watersport traffic in the warm months, so fishermen are advised to fish the early morning and late afternoon hours, he suggested. Crappie fishing is great at Pickwick from the end of March through June, noted Newton, when the fish are spawning. Crappie run in schools and can be found in shallow water when water temperatures are between 50-60 degrees, he added. Matlock suggested an 1/8-ounce hair or tube jig, tipped with a live minnow for Crappie. After the spawning season, Crappie can be caught year around in deep water, especially around stumps. Exploring Pickwick Pickwick Exploring
Pickwick hosts a Crappie Classic every April and a Sauger Festival every March. There are two boat ramps below the dam, a TVA ramp and another at the Historic Botel. There is a ramp at Pickwick Landing State Park, Bruton Branch Recreational Area on the north shore and TWRA ramps on Yellow Creek just off Highway 57 near the Mississippi state line. Fishermen who like to camp can find a TVA campground below the dam, Bruton Branch and the state park. There are plenty of lodging options from motel rooms, rooms with kitchen efficiencies or full kitchens and cabins. There are also rental businesses who place visitors in individual’s homes with a range from one-room cabins up to sixbedroom lakeside dream homes with lake access. Pickwick has plenty of bait shops and restaurants, ranging from a place to get sandwiches to go, all-you-can-eatbuffets, barbecue, catfish and even fine dining. The lodging and eating options are as diverse and the fishing.
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Birding
Wingedwonders By Mark Mark Boehler Boehler By For Explore Exploring Pickwick For Pickwick
Shiloh, Pickwick are great places to see many species of birds
Although Shiloh National Military Park is most known for its history, a mating pair of bald eagles have become so popular they have names. Hiram and Julia returned for the fifth straight year in 2014 to their nest just off Riverside Drive. Since the nest isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t far from the ground and just off a paved road, it presents a rare opportunity for bird lovers to watch and photograph the national bird. The eagles are winter residents. They usually lay two eggs in January, the young hatch in March and the fledglings leave the nest in May. There are at least three immature bald eagles flying somewhere who are the offspring of Hiram and Julia. Another mating pair of bald eagles return to Pickwick every year, but are harder to find. Shiloh has 4,200 rural acres and presents a great place for birding. It is open from dawn to dusk. Wild turkey, wood duck, bobwhite quail, red-tailed hawk and several species of owls call Shiloh home. Songbirds which can be seen include bluebirds, Kentucky warbler, Baltimore oriole, field sparrow, mockingbird, cardinal and cedar waxwing. Local wildlife photographer Terry Weaver suggests the best time to see birds at Shiloh are from 6-8 a.m. The photographer said he has had success seeing birds near the many cannons and monuments in the park. Tennessee River views are offered along Riverside Drive and below Shiloh National Cemetery.
Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River are also birding hot spots. The Tennessee Valley Authority has viewing areas with parking both above and below the dam. Restroom facilities are available below the dam. Weaver has seen bald eagles, ospreys, geese, ducks and even pelicans in the Pickwick area. Early morning is the best time to watch for birds. Late winter and early months are the best time to see non-migratory birds, while migratory birds can best be seen in the
Bald eagles Hiram and Julia, opposite page, returned to nest in Shiloh National Military Park for the fifth straight year in 2014. Terry Weaver captured this image at 9:52 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2014. The bald eagles nest near a road, giving people a rare, upclose view. Terry Weaver captured this image, right, of a great horned owl inside Shiloh National Cemetery. Exploring Pickwick
29 XX
winter months, said Weaver. Ospreys built a nest and raised their young on top of electrical devices on Pickwick Landing Dam in 2013 -- in full view from the bridge over the dam. Nearby Pickwick Landing State Park is another good place to watch for birds. It offers 681 acres and some great views of the lake. Geese and ducks call Pickwick home and can be seen near the shore. The 2.8-mile Island Loop Trail and 1.2-mile paved Inn Walking Trail are good places to go birding. Seasonal park staff usually offers pontoon rides on weekends in the summer months, looking for wildlife along the lake shore. Friends of Pickwick Landing State Park erected an osprey An osprey feeds on a crappie pole and nesting platform in at Pickwick Landing Dam. January of 2014 in hopes to lure a mating pair of ospreys. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s near the Pickwick Landing State Park Inn, so bird lovers in the future may be able to watch ospreys while having breakfast or lunch at the innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant. 30 XX
Exploring Pickwick
Opposite page (from top)
A bluebird enters a cannon at Shiloh National Military Park. Terry Weaver captured this image at 8:09 a.m. on July 20, 2013. Pickwick Lake has at least one mating pair of bald eagles returning every year. Terry Weaver captured this image near Pickwick Dam on Feb. 25, 2014.
Above, clockwise from left
A sparrow hawk perches in Shiloh National Military Park. Tundra geese fly over Pickwick Lake. A red-tailed hawk flies above the Tennessee River at Pickwick.
Wildlife photos compliments of Terry Weaver For more information tnstateparks.com www.nps.gov www.shiloheagles.com
Camping & Rving
Photo by Mark Boehler
Beverly and John Skevington spent the night in TVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pickwick Dam Trailwater Campground in April, 2014. The couple were on their way back home to Sandy Level, Virginia after a 6,000-mile trip out west, including visits to Arizona and New Mexico.
Woods or water Pickwick area offers more than 260 campsites
By Mark Boehler For Exploring Pickwick
The Pickwick Lake area near Pickwick Landing Dam offers over 260 campsites, at least 200 of which provide electric and water hookups. The five campsites include a Tennessee Valley Authority site, state recreational area, state park and two private RV parks. They are under beautiful trees or provide stunning views of Pickwick Lake or the Tennessee River. Whether it’s in a tent, pop-up, trailer or RV, all offer the Pickwick experience in different ways to offer a broad selection of camping options. Pickwick Dam For more information Tailwater www.thehistoricbotel.com Campground www.greenacresrvparktn.com Just below Pickwww.tva.com wick Dam is a TVA tnstateparks.com campground with 100 www.tnvacation.com sites, 92 of which have pickwickdamrvpark.com electric and water hookups. Nestled under pine trees, the sites offer a beautiful view of the Tennessee River and a boat launch ramp is available. The sites are great for tents, pop ups or RVs of any size. It’s a self-service campground and a host is usually on site. Open from March 14 until Nov. 17, there are no reservations. The sites have grills and picnic tables. There are three new restroom and shower facilities and a dump station. Daily rates are $10-$12 for tents and $17-$22 for RVs. The monthly rate for an RV using electric and water hookup is $330. Pickwick Landing State Park Campground Nestled in a wooded area just off Pickwick Lake near the dam is a 48-site campground in the state park. All sites have a table, grill and electric and water hookups with varying AMPs to accommodate tents, popups, trailers and RVs.
There is a bathhouse and dump house and reservations are accepted in the year-around open campground. Rates range from $8 to $25. Bruton Branch Recreation Area This 43-site primitive campground is on the north shore of Pickwick Lake off Highway 128 and features some lakeside sites for great views of the lake. Open April through October, it has a bathhouse, playground and boat ramp. Pickwick Dam RV Park Located just south of the TVA campground, there are 33 RV sites with AMPs to handle pop-ups, trailers and RVs. There are an additional 10 tent sites nearby with power, water, grills and fire rings. There is a boat launch on the Tennessee River and all guests have access to an in-ground swimming pool. The adjacent Historic Botel Bar and Grill offers a bar, restaurant and hotel on a barge. Live bands play on select weekends. Green Acres RV Resort Located north of Pickwick Landing Dam off Highway 128, Green Acres has 35 sites with 30 and 50 AMP electric hookups with water. It’s pet friendly, offers Wi Fi and has a laundry facility, volleyball court, saltwater pool, restrooms, showers, playground and two pavilions. Weekend entertainment is offered on some weekends in the warm months.
Exploring Pickwick
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Bicycling
Big fun on
Two wheels Riders love to explore Shiloh’s rural roadways By Mark Boehler For Exploring Pickwick
Above
Tim Wallis and Greg Baker like riding at Shiloh because it has over 13 miles of paved roads.
Opposite page
Samuel Gray (opposite page) enjoys a ride along the Driving Tour at Shiloh. He is the seven-year-old son of Matthew and Chong Gray of Corinth, Miss. Photos compliments of Lisa Lambert
Exploring Pickwick
SHILOH, Tenn. – A great Civil War battle was fought here 152 years ago, but an increasing number of visitors are finding out it’s a great place for bicyclists to explore. “I really like to ride the park,” said Corinth, Miss. bicyclist Steve Shaw about Shiloh National Military Park. “People know you are there, so there are no worries and a safety factor. And there are no dogs.” Bicyclists must stay on the over 13 miles of paved roadway inside the national park as cycling isn’t allowed on trails. Although many riding enthusiasts like to bike the 12.7-mile Driving Tour for a tour in history, many ride to enjoy seeing nature and wildlife. “It’s a beautiful place,” noted Shaw. “I like to see the wildlife.” Park Guide Heather Henson offers a couple of bike tours each year, while Shiloh Natural Resources Manager Marcus Johnson offers a Spring Wildflower Tour and a Fall Color Tour. Johnson’s popular 7-8 mile trips are usually held mid-May and mid-October, but check Shiloh’s event page for both his and Henson’s scheduled trips. Henson warned of Shiloh’s varied terrain as bicyclists will discover the same steep surprises as soldiers did in 1862. While most of Shiloh is flat, there are some hills and Riverside Drive at the end of the Driving Tour passes thru a steep ravine. “That’s a nice surprise at the end of the tour,” said Henson. Rhea Springs is a great spot to begin a bicycling loop tour. There is plenty of parking, a fresh water spring and creek are there to observe and riders can plan several different loop tours from the Driving Tour stop. Free park maps are available at the visitor’s center and there are no admission fees to ride in the park. 37
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Exploring Pickwick
Exploring Pickwick
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Shooting
Photos by Mark Boehler
The Tri-State Gun Club has a pistol shooting range. Gun Carry Permit classes are offered on the second Saturday of every month.
Ready, Aim, Fire!
Tri-State Gun Club invites visitors to participate
By Mark Boehler ing clay option available. “The gun club is available to visiFor Exploring Pickwick The Tri-State Gun Club is known for its Gun Carry Permit classes, memberships for the love of the sport of shooting and Trap and Skeet League. But there is also a good news for visitors to the Pickwick Lake, Shiloh and Counce area. The club has an open door policy for visitors to the area who want access to a shooting range to fire pistols or rifles. Visitors are also invited to join in the fun during the Tuesday night Trap and Skeet League or take part in the sport-
tors,” said Mark Woodruff, club president. “We can open up to suit their needs.” A Pickwick Lake visitor who stays a week every year always joins the Tuesday night league, he said. Many groups having annual meetings at nearby Pickwick Landing State Park will have a shooting event at the club, noted Woodruff. The facility and shooting range is located on Damon Road just off Highway 57 west of Counce. The club offers a pistol range which
Exploring Pickwick
meets all Tennessee requirements, lighted trap and skeet range and 150yard rifle range. A renovated horse stable has modern restrooms, full kitchen and meeting area. Gun Carry Permit classes are offered the second Saturday of every month and there is a fee. Certified instructors issue the Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit for both carry and conceal for those who pass the test. (For more information about the TriState Gun Club, contact Mark Woodruff at 731-607-9226.)
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Exploring Pickwick
Events
There’s always something going on at Pickwick, Shiloh By Mark Boehler For Exploring Pickwick
There is something almost always going on at Pickwick Lake, the Counce area and Shiloh battlefield on weekends in the warmer months. The peak visitation is from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, but things get busier when warm temperatures begin in April and last until October when beautiful fall foliage returns. It’s best to check websites closer to the time a visit will occur as many have event listings just two months out. But there are many yearly planned events. So here are a few to consider: • Memorial Day program at Shiloh National Military Park and Shiloh National Cemetery. Shiloh also offers weapon firing demonstrations, Civil War encampments and living history programs on weekends in the warmer months. Check in at the visitor center for planned events or visit the park’s website. * Fourth of July Fireworks at Pickwick
Please see EVENTS | 46
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Running
Photos by Mark Boehler
Runners get to take a scenic route of Pickwick Landing State Park during the annual “Race to the Landing” six-mile run. Over 100 runners took part in the “Race to the Landing” in 2014.
Race to the Landing While Shiloh is most known for its Civil War history and Pickwick Lake for its great fishing and water sports, those who like to run will find the area a surprisingly good destination. There are even two fun runs held annually in the area. Pickwick Landing State Park offers two great roadway loops in “The Circle” with great views of the lake and another past the marina through the cabin area. There are also two trails. A 1.7-mile paved trail takes runners from the Inn to “The Circle” and back, while the 3-mile Island Look Trail begins in the cabin area and is a loop to the lake and back. Pickwick is a stop of the Tennessee State Parks Running Tour in late January or early February. The “Race to the Landing” six-miler begins and ends at the Inn and uses both roadway and paved trail. Pickwick is the 18th stop of 21 races held in state parks every year from October through March. They are a broad range in distance, from five, six, seven, eight miles and 10K, 11K, 12K and 15K and half-marathons. Shiloh National Military Park offers runners a variety of options with many miles of paved roadway and scenic views. There are plenty of loops and one-way roads for visitors to plan their run. Rhea Springs off Corinth Road is a great starting point. Corinth-Pittsburg Landing Road, Eastern Corinth Road, Confederate Road and Hamburg-Purdy Road are all fairly level. Riverside Drive to the Indian Mounds is a great run, but beware Riverside Drive from the mounds to the visitor center -- it’s a steep incline. Woody Harrell, retired park superintendent and an avid runner, said many of the roads at Shiloh are concrete. “That’s something to consider when doing a long Shiloh run like nine miles on the old tour route,” he said. Harrell’s favorite run in the park begins at the visitor center; turns on the newer Jones Field Road past two burial trenches; after the Tennessee monument, turn on the Hamburg-Purdy Road at the Raith monument; after passing the Albert Sidney Johnston moument, proceed through the Indian Mounds area and Dill Branch to finish at Shiloh National Cemetery. “This is right at 6.2 miles (10K) and is the most scenic and nice change in topography part of the park,” he said.
By By Mark Mark Boehler Boehler For Exploring Pickwick For Pickwick Profiles
National park, state park are great locations to take a jog
For more information www.tennesseeerunningtour.com savannahrotaryrun.com www.nps.gov/shil tnstateparks.com/parks
The Savannah Rotary Club has a four-mile “Run in the Park” at Shiloh every year. Usually the second Saturday in April,
it begins and ends at Shiloh church. Shiloh battlefield is located just 110 miles from Memphis International Airport and 150 miles from Nashville International Airport. Runners who are visiting the area in October need to check the visitors center at Shiloh and the Pickwick park office for a possible third race. The District 3 Community Center hosts the Pickwick Dam River Run, but it was cancelled in 2013. Plans were underway to revive the race in 2014.
Exploring Pickwick
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Exploring Pickwick
Landing State Park. It’s a great show with plenty of viewing areas both on the lake and inside the park. Grand Harbor Marina also has a Sizzle on the River Fireworks. The next show is set for Saturday, July 5, 2014. The state park usually has seasonal rangers offering nature and kids activities in the summer months. Christmas in the Park the second weekend in December offers much to do and is a favorite visitor event. Check the park office, inn or park website for planned events. *Country music singer and Hardin County native Darryl Worley sponsors the Tennessee River Run each year to benefit his foundation for charitable work. The concert with big name acts is usually the second Saturday in September and has been moved to Savannah.
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Exploring Pickwick
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Golfing
Time TennesseeTee Two Pickwick area courses provide 27 challenging holes over 9,500 yards of play A true destination course as part By Mark Boehler of the Tennessee Golf Trail, this par For Pickwick Profiles PICKWICK, Tenn. – Visitors to the Pickwick Lake should pack their golf bags when planning a trip to the area. Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course 48
72 challenge offers 6,478 yards over 18 holes. Over 20,000 played the course near Pickwick Landing Dam in 2013. “All holes require good drives,” said manager and golf pro Preston Maxey, as many fairways are Exploring Pickwick
narrow and tree-lined. “It’s a good, challenging course.” Depending upon the tee, ratings range from 65.7 to 71.1 on the course located at the intersection of Highways 57 and 128. Out of bounds guards 11 holes. There are 21 bunkers and three water hazards. Hole no. 2 is a 396-yard signature
Photos by Steve Beavers and Mark Boehler
dogleg right par 4 with out of bounds protecting the right side. Maxey said the toughest hole is no. 14, another dogleg right with water to the right. Tee times are required. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to call ahead as much as possible, especially for weekend play, due to the closure of nearby Shiloh Falls Golf Course. The course is open year round. Amenities include club rental, practice green, driving range, snack bar and nearby lodging at the park inn. Pickwick is also part of the Tennessee Golf Trail, where an annual fee allows golfers unlimited playtime at nine state parks across Tennessee.
Fox Chase Golf Course Located on Highway 57 in Counce, this 9-hole public course is a par 36 with 3,080 yards off the back tees. Visitors are welcome, locals love it and the course is great for novice and beginning golfers. The rates are very reasonable and the course offers a variety of smaller and sloped greens. Water hazards come into play on three holes, including the no. 4 par three which includes a two-tier green. The 150-yard, par 3 no. 7 hole has an elevated tee with a scenic view. Fox Chase has a practice green, driving range and pro shop. (Steve Beavers contributed to this story.) Exploring Pickwick
Opposite page
The elevated tee on the 150-yard no. 7 hole at Fox Chase gives a scenic view and a challenging shot.
Above
This is a typical approach shot at Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course. Greens are surrounded by woods and bunkers.
49
Above
Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course Manager and Golf Pro Preston Maxey misses the water hazard on no. 8 with a chip onto the green.
Left Matt Carpenter of Kossuth, Miss. hits from the no. 7 at Fox Chase.
For more information Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course 731-689-3149 www.tngolftrail.net
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Boating
Water paradise
Pickwick remains a boater’s destination for vessels of all shapes and sizes By Mark Boehler For Exploring Pickwick Where the state of Tennessee meets the northeast corner of Mississippi and northwest corner of Alabama remains a 43,100-acre TVA reservoir with access to inland waterways from northern states all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Pickwick Lake is a boater’s dream destination, from personal water-crafts, canoes and kayaks – to ski boats and bass boats – all the way to large houseboats and yachts. There are quiet coves and inlets to the open waters of Pickwick, large embayments of Yellow Creek and Bear Creek, plus access to the Tennessee River and TennTom Waterway. Pickwick is part of the Great American Loop as transient boaters move north and south. The area near Pickwick Dam and the Mississippi – Tennessee has much to offer. Pontoon boat rentals are available at Pickwick Landing State Park Marina, Grand Harbor Marina and Aqua Yacht Marina. TWRA has boat ramps at the state-line. Others are available at the state park, all of the marinas and below the dam at the TVA campground and The Historic Botel. There are many boat storage options, boat launch service, boat service and repair, name brand boat dealerships and sales of boating supplies.
Photo by Mark Boehler
P. J. Edington of Winnsprings Cove, above, pilots her 36-foot “Lake Lady” (formerly “Midas Touch”) toward Aqua Yacht Marina on Pickwick Lake. Bottom, Pickwick Lake, Yellow Creek and Bear Creek offer many coves and inlets -- great for kayaks and canoes. Photo compliments of Kenneth Williams
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Exploring Pickwick
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