Activities
Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, shopping, picniking, backpacking, parks, walking trails, Soddy-Daisy TN has something for everyone!
Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department has many things to offer the citizens and youth of our community. We offer 4 parks, 10 ball fields, 3 playgrounds, 2 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, fishing pier, boat ramp senior citizens center, and rental of the community center and park shelters.
Residents of Soddy-Daisy may reserve the ballfields for weekend tournament play. Reservations must be made in person at City Hall and requires a $50.00 CASH deposit with $25.00 per team due after the tournament.
The Kids Club offers softball, basketball, football, cheerleading, and dizzy dean baseball. The current president is Billy Petty 595-6107.
The church and open league offers adult softball.
Kids Park
Kids Park is located at the north end of Soddy-Daisy on Dayton Pike. It has a total of 8 lighted ball fields (4 on the north side and 4 on the south side)
- Basketball court
- Playgrounds
- Walking track
- Clay Horse shoe Court – horse shoe tournament info available by checking www.horseshoepitching.com or contact Dexter Stallings 865-947-7865
- 2 snack bars
- KIDS Club ball fields 451-7359
State Park
State Park is the most northern park in Soddy-Daisy. Soddy Lake and the Public Fishing Pier on Dayton Pike.
Veterans Park
Veteran's Park is located on the 9000 block of Dayton Pike on the south end of town. The flag pole and park are dedicated to war veterans
- Walking track
- Pavilion – may be reserved for events by calling City Hall
- WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials dedicated on July 3, 1994
- Huey helicopter dedicated on June 30, 2001 to honor all war vets
- Monuments of the Twin Towers dedicated to those who perished on 9/11
- Gazebo
- 2 lighted ball fields with snack bars and rest rooms
Scramble Alley Park
Scramble Alley Park is located behind Municipal Building at 9835 Dayton Pike.
- Wood climbing maze for kids
- Picnic tables
- Brand new pavilion with rest rooms
Holly Park
View MapHolly Park is located at 11606 Holly Circle
- One of the newest parks
- Double wide boat ramp- allows 2 boats to be launched at the same time
- 16 parking spaces large enough to accommodate trucks w/ boat trailers
- Picnic tables near the water
- New restrooms are under construction
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge
North Chickamauga Creek is a 7,093-acre natural area located in Hamilton and Sequatchie Counties. It is an outstanding deep gorge cut into the sandstone plateau of Walden's Ridge on the Cumberland Plateau. The gorge is approximately ten miles long with steep slopes, sandstone bluffs, and rich coves. A high diversity of plant and animal habitat exists in the gorge. Ten state and/or federally listed plants occur here including the federally threatened large-flowered skullcap (Scutellaria montana) and the federally endangered Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana). Bald eagles and peregrine falcons have also been reported here.
A mixed mesophytic forest combines with oak-hickory, and oak-pine forests to form a rich mosaic throughout much of the gorge. Small pockets of old growth forest with towering tulip poplar, yellow buckeye, and basswood occur in remote locations where rugged topography has protected the forest from past logging. On the uplands and bluffs, there are oak-hickory and oak-pine forests, upland ponds, and sandstone glades and barrens. Riverside shoals and stream cobble bars in North Chickamauga Creek provide habitat for several threatened and endangered plants.
The creek is a popular kayaking stream during parts of the year. It is also a popular destination for hikers. The natural area will also serve as a trailhead for the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail , which will pass through it. The Cumberland Trail, the state's only linear state park, when completed will be 300 miles in length cutting through 11 Tennessee counties from the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park on the Tennessee-Virginia-Kentucky border to the Signal Point near Chattanooga.
The North Chickamauga Conservancy has played an essential role in the acquisition and protection of North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. The natural area was designated in 1999 and thousands of additional acres have been added since then. In 2006, the Bowater Pocket Wilderness Area was transferred to the State and became a part of the natural area.
SITE MANAGEMENT
Cumberland Trail State Park , South Trail Office, 1838 Taft Highway, Signal Mountain, phone (423) 886-2951 ; Division of Natural Areas , 401 Church Street, 7th Floor L&C Tower Annex, Nashville, TN 37243, phone (615) 532-0431 ; Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency , Region III, 464 Industrial Blvd., Crossville, TN 38555, phone (931) 484-9571 North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy , P.O. Box 358, Hixson, TN 37343, phone (423) 842-1163
PUBLIC ACCESS
Public access is provided in the gorge (formally the Bowater Pocket Wilderness Area) where there are picnic tables and eight miles of hiking trails. On the upland portion (plateau), there is access to ten miles of hiking trails.
DIRECTIONS
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge is located 15 miles north of Chattanooga. There is access to hiking in the gorge and on the plateau. To the gorge, take Highway 27, exit at Thrasher Pike and turn left, go about a mile to Dayton Pike, and then turn right and proceed a mile to Montlake Road. Take a left and proceed 1.5 miles to the entrance on the left. To the top of the plateau, turn off of Dayton Pike left on Roberts Mill Road. At the top of the escarpment, go straight onto Hixson Springs Road and proceed about 1.5 miles to the grassy field and parking area opposite Standing Rock Road.
Harrison Bay State Park
8411 Harrison Bay Rd, Harrison, TN
Directions
Harrison Bay State Park is a 1,200-acre demonstration park TVA built in the 1930s along the shores of Chickamauga Lake. The bay gets it names from the now partially submerged town of Harrison, Tennessee. (423) 344-6214
Tennessee State Parks
Biking
Scenic destinations and slow speed limits make state parks a great choice for a family biking trip. Mountain biking the wild trails of Tennessee State Parks, cruising on paved park roads, or exploring neighboring country roads make for some great two-wheeled bicycle adventures. No matter your choice, remember to always ride in control, bring a map with you, plenty of water, extra snacks, and bike repair equipment. Consider wearing reflective clothing and lights to help motorists see you, and always wear your helmet.
Tennessee State Park Trail Ratings
To help you plan your next cycling adventure in a Tennessee State Park, we have provided the list below offering details of trail difficulty, surface type, and available mileage. These ratings do not address the trail length. Remember to always wear your helmet regardless of trail difficulty.
Beginner Level
An easy trail requiring basic riding skills. Terrain may be varied in composition but will have no steep grades, ledges, or ruts. An example might be a flat unpaved jeep road or a flat paved road.
Intermediate Level
A trail requiring off-road riding experience and more advanced technical skill (for mountain bikers), or a paved road with moderately steep grades (for road bikers). Off-road terrain may have ruts and/or small ledges that may require dismounts, depending on skill level. An example might be a single- or double-track trail in rolling terrain with water bars or ruts.
Advanced Level
A trail requiring expert-level riding skills to traverse potentially hazardous conditions (for mountain bikers) or a paved road with very steep grades. An example might be a single-track trail with steep climbs, very rocky terrain, water crossings, and unexpected drop-offs.
Many state parks offer outstanding dedicated mountain biking trails, and mountain bikes are welcome on designated segments of multiple use trails at a number of state parks.
Must Ride Places in Tennessee State Parks
Serious cyclists are encouraged to ride the many great mountain bke trails at Montgomery Bell State Park. This series of trails was constructed with only mountain biking at mind. If you just bought your first bike or you are an avid mountain biker Montgomery Bell has a trail for you!
Important Information
- Though traffic is light, some major park roads have speed limits of 35 mph or greater. Be alert and courteous, and obey traffic laws.
- Be on the lookout for horseback riders or hikers when mountain biking on multi-use trails.
- Teach young children to pull over and stop when a car or camper approaches while bicycling on campground roads.
- Cyclists are advised to be extra cautious during hunting seasons.
Parks featuring Biking
Big Hill Pond
Big Ridge
Booker T. Washington
Chickasaw
Cove Lake
David Crockett
Fall Creek Falls
Frozen Head
Harrison Bay
Long Hunter
Meeman-Shelby
Montgomery Bell
Mousetail Landing
Natchez Trace
Panther Creek
Tims Ford
Boating
Tennessee State Parks strive to meet the recreational boating interests and well-being of residents and park visitors. Enjoy our full-service “clean certified” marinas, boat launches, boat rentals and guided boat tours on lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams throughout the state. Find a Tennessee State Park near you for your next boating experience.
Camping
Camping is one of America's most popular activities. People enjoy getting close to nature while spending time with their families. There is something special about sleeping under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Most Tennessee State Parks have a multitude of campsites available. We can accommodate the average tent camper to the larger RV camper. Most parks furnish a grill and picnic table at each campsite. Some provide electrical hook-ups and nearly all parks have bathhouses.
Campsites Available
- RV Sites: These are available for vehicles ranging in length from 20 to 76 feet. Most campsites maintain a soft gravel or paved pad and each is equipped with water and electricity.
- Tent Sites: Some parks offer Tent Only sites, but tent camping is also permissible on most RV sites.
- Primitive Sites: These sites are for tent camping only and water and electrical hookups are not available.
- Wrangler Sites: A few state parks offer Wrangler Campgrounds so that you can camp with your horse. Water and electrical hookups are also available.
- Scout Camps: These are typically large open fields where the entire group may setup camp.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is a popular activity in some of our parks. A few of the parks have designated backcountry camping locations. When you are backcountry camping, remember you must leave with what you bring and are responsible for any camping necessities. We currently have 14 parks that allow back country camping. A free permit is required for all backcountry campers. You can get your permit by contacting the park office.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular outdoor sport across the nation and it's a great way for families to spend quality time together. Treat yourself, your friends or your family to a quality outdoor experience, week-end get-away or vacation. Cast off and catch memories today.
Free Fishing Day is always the Saturday of the first full week in June. Anyone (resident or non-resident) of any age can fish free without a license in Tennessee's public waters, agency owned and operated lakes, and Tennessee State Parks.
Free Fishing Week always follows Free Fishing Day in June. Children, ages 15 and younger can fish for free all week in the waters listed above.
First Fish Certificate commemorates that special moment in every child's life when they land that first fish. Download your free 8.5 x 11 certificate, suitable for framing, and learn more about fishing programs in Tennessee at www.tnwildlife.org.
River Information
For information on reservoir elevations and streamflows, call the Tennessee Valley Authority Reservoir Information Line 800-238-2264 or visit www.lakeinfo.tva.gov.
The TVA Lake Info app is an easy-to-use resource for operating on and around reservoirs and dams in the TVA region.
Don't have an IOS or Android device?
This information is also available on TVA's mobile site .
Tennessee Fishing & Boating Information
To view the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency interactive on-line fishing guide or to obtain Tennessee fishing licenses for immediate use apply online . For information about additional nearby TWRA boat ramps, visit http://www.tn.gov/twra/gis/boating.html .
Tennessee Fishing License
All persons ages 13 and older must have a fishing license to fish in Tennessee. There are a variety of fishing licenses available for residents and non-residents, including a junior license for residents ages 13-15.
Non-residents have the option of buying a 1-day, 3-day, 10-day or annual license. Those licenses are available with and without trout fishing privileges. Fishing licenses can be purchased at some local sporting goods stores, or by calling 888-814-8972
Do Your Part for the Environment
- Always drain bait buckets on land.
- Don't dump bait in the water.
- Clean hitchhiking animals and invasive plants from boats and motors.
Wear a life jacket
Life Jackets Save Lives. Children ages 12 and younger must wear a lifejacket except when the watercraft is anchored, moored or aground.
Parks featuring Fishing
Big Hill Pond
Big Ridge
Booker T. Washington
Burgess Falls
Chickasaw
Cumberland Mountain
Cummins Falls
David Crockett
Davy Crockett BP
Dunbar Cave
Edgar Evins
Fall Creek Falls
Fort Loudoun
Fort Pillow
Frozen Head
Harpeth River
Harrison Bay
Henry Horton
Hiwassee / Ocoee
Indian Mountain
Johnsonville
Long Hunter
Meeman-Shelby
Montgomery Bell
Mousetail Landing
Natchez Trace
Nathan Bedford
Norris Dam
Old Stone Fort
Panther Creek
Paris Landing
Pickett
Pickwick Landing
Port Royal
Reelfoot Lake
Roan Mountain
Rock Island
Sgt. Alvin C. York
South Cumberland
Standing Stone
Tims Ford
Warriors' Path
Hiking
See the sights of Tennessee up close by getting on the trails in the 54 state parks found across the state of Tennessee. From the mountains of east Tennessee to the bottomland forests of the Mississippi River in west Tennessee, there are many opportunities to experience nature. See the big trees, walk along beside creeks and rivers, view waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife at a state park close to your house. You will find walking, hiking, backpacking, mountain bike and even some horse trails in the parks.
The other key factor of the 382 trails totaling 1,018.2 miles found in Tennessee State Parks is the connection to physical activity. Governor Haslam's new Healthier Tennessee Initiative, announced in July 2013 speaks to the need for the citizens of Tennessee to get out and start exercising. So join the staff of Tennessee State Parks to go Explore the Outdoors.
Trail Difficulty
The trails found in Tennessee State Parks range from an easy walk on a paved trail to strenuous outings that can last several days and nights.
Easy
Easy trails are generally short in length, 1-2 miles and are relatively flat (1-3% slope).
Moderate
Moderate trails have gentle slopes (3-5%) and can be 2-5 miles in length, generally with soil as the surface.
Difficult
Difficult trails tend to be found in middle and east Tennessee and have steep slopes (greater than 6%), are over 5 miles in length and can be located in rocky areas and may include climbing up or down hillsides.
Strenuous
There are even a few trails that are Strenuous and these should only be traveled by experience trail users who are properly equipped and are wearing boots.
Essential Trails across Tennessee:
West Tennessee
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Ride a bike, go for a hike or ride a horse, this park has a little bit of everything. Bike trail is paved and at the edge of the Chickasaw Bluff looking down into the Mississippi River Bottomlands. The hiking trails range from short nature trails or longer day hikes taking you through the big trees of the bottomland forest. And the horse trail is 8.0 miles long at travels through an upland hardwood forest.
Fort Pillow State Park
Head to Fort Pillow State Historic Area and visit a Civil War site that was a key location on the Mississippi River. Remains of the fort are still visible and be sure to check out the new video at the park visitor center. Other sights include wildlife and the exhibit on the interpretive trails.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
In northwest Tennessee, you will find Reelfoot Lake State Park with a boardwalk through the cypress trees bordering Reelfoot Lake. The lake was created in 1811 during the New Madrid Earthquake and the ground dropped down and Mississippi River flowed backwards filling in the low area and creating the 11,000 acre lake. Go fishing, or in the winter, watch the Bald Eagles which come to overwinter there at Reelfoot Lake.
Middle Tennessee
Johnsonville
Almost directly across the Tennessee River is the Johnsonville State Historic Area, another Civil War park that has remnants of the Railroad that ran to Nashville and was a critical supply for the federal troops in Middle Tennessee. Stop by the new Visitor Center to see the display and watch the video presentation.
David Crockett
Going south takes the trail user to David Crockett State Park, one of the many homes to this early Tennessee pioneer who made his way across the state looking for adventure. Hike the hike by Shoal Creek, where Crockett built a mill and learn about his life at the Nature Center which features a replica water powered overshot mill. This park is also home to an historic Original Route section of the Bell Party of the Trail of Tears, which occurred in 1838-39 when the Cherokee Nation was forced to leave its ancestral home in East Tennessee and the Nation was moved to present day state of Oklahoma.
Tims Ford
Moving east toward the foot of the Cumberland Plateau, you will find another water based park on Tims Ford Lake. Tims Ford State Park has lots of trails, both paved and natural surfaced that take you by the lake and over the hills and hollows. Hiking and mountain biking are the featured activities.
South Cumberland
Working your way up the Cumberland Plateau, this flat table land holds many interesting features that trails take you to in the South Cumberland State Park. Buggytop Cave, the Sewanee Natural Bridge, Black Canyon and Sycamore Falls in Grundy Forest State Natural Area, Grundy Lakes Day Use Park is a great swimming hole in the summer and you can take a hike along the historic Coke Ovens where coal was converted to coke and shipped down to South Pittsburg to help make iron and steel. Be sure to stop by the 107 year old Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City to stock up on goodies to eat on your hikes. Head north to the Savage Gulf State Natural Area and chose from over 50 miles of trails which take you by big trees, waterfalls and great views of lots of scenery.
Fall Creek Falls
Want some comfort at night after your day hike? Head for Fall Creek Falls State Park, home of the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The park inn and cabins are adjacent to the lake and trail users can bicycle to the high falls overlook. For the more adventurous, try the trail to the base of Fall Creek Falls or the cable trail at Cane Creek Falls. Plenty of wildlife and wildflowers in season. You need to check the high falls out during winter, as when the temperature dives to below freezing, the falls begin to ice over to form a frozen waterfall with ice volcanoes at the bottom.
Cumberland Mountain
A visit to Cumberland Mountain State Park will bring back memories of lean times and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). These two depression era (1930's) programs resulted in numerous structures build in state parks across Tennessee. The dam that forms the lake, park cabins, the boat dock and picnic shelters were built as are lasting examples of the skills and tenacity of the people of those times.
East Tennessee
Booker T. Washington
Heading down to Chattanooga, Booker T. Washington State Park was developed in the 1950's as part of the development of the Chickamuaga Reservoir by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The park has a multiple use trail for both hiking and mountain biking that has views of the lake.
Red Clay
Red Clay State Park is the location of the Cherokee Nation Council grounds from 1830-1837 after the tribe was driven from the state of Georgia. See the park visitor center and learn about the Cherokee Nation and the Removal of the Nation to the present day state of Oklahoma, a trip know a the Trail of Tears.
Hiwassee / Ocoee
The Hiwassee-Ocoee River State Park featured all types of water trail activities and in the Gee Creek campground, there is a short trail by the Hiwassee River.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area is a replica of the early British Fort constructed in 1756, forty years before Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796. The original fort location was adjacent to the Cherokee Nation and was abandoned in 1760. The current day fort includes the wood log palisade walls and reconstructed barracks for the soldiers, blacksmith shop and doctor's office. Come for the history, but be sure to walk back through time on their trail system.
Norris Dam
Norris Dam State Park is located on Norris Lake and Norris Dam was the first dam built by the Tennessee Valley Authority for flood control and to generate electrical power. The trails take the user through the park and also the east side of the park connects with the Norris watershed property and feature both hiking and mountain bike trails.
Sycamore Shoals
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area also features early American history and was the muster point for the Overmountain men on the travels to the Battle of King's Mountain in South Carolina, a turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
Recommendations when going out on the trails
- Travel with family, a friend or buddy, and be sure to take food and water.
- Wear the proper footwear and clothing such as closed toe shoes or boots and have a rain jacket in your daypack.
- Be sure to stop at the park office to pick up or purchase a trail map. Talk to the park staff or rangers to ask about the trail conditions and any tips you need to be aware of on that trail.
- Be sure to let others know what your schedule is, where you will be at on the trail and when you should be back.
- If needed, log in at the trailhead or secure overnight permits if backpacking.
