Last Updated on Monday, 01 February 2010 18:38 Monday, 01 February 2010 18:30
Gnarled old cedars, limestone outcrops, fresh water springs and spectacular views of the Tennessee River contribute to the unique hiking experience that is Lady's Bluff, a TVA Small Wild Area. Located in Perry County, when you reach the far point of the trail, you will see an incredible view of the river and Decatur County.
A foot trail winds through a typical upland forest, following the Lick Creek Embayment out to the main body of the Tennessee River and then loops to the top of Lady's Bluff. On top of the bluff, you can stand among gnarled old cedars and see National Migratory Wildlife Refuge on the opposite bank. In mid-October, this whole area becomes a landing strip for thousands of migrating ducks and geese making their annual visit to the refuge. The Tennessee River below Lady's Bluff was once known as the "narrows." As you watch one barge stop downstream while another passes through the strait, it should be easy to see how this portion of the river got its name. Two barges cannot pass through here as they can in other stretches of the reservoir.
Before you leave the bluff, take a close look at the limestone rock and you will see countless crinoids. These fossil remnants of ancient marine life were deposited here thousands of years ago when this area was covered by a shallow sea.
Round trip walking distance of Lady's Bluff trails is 2.7 miles on gentle to moderately steep grades. The unsurfaced trail averages two to three feet in width and is limited to pedestrians. No horses, motorbikes, or other vehicles are permitted. Natural stone steps are provided in steep areas, and footbridges span two stream crossings. Visitors can park in a gravel parking lot at the trail head.
The view you will have of the Tennessee River, from Lady's Bluff is breathtaking! Be sure to bring your camera.
Last Updated on Monday, 01 February 2010 18:30 Monday, 01 February 2010 17:53
This 1249-acre rustic park is located in Perry County, between Spring Creek and Lick Creek embayments approximately 2 miles North of Hwy 412 at the Tennessee River. The western border of the park features over 2.5 miles of Tennessee River shoreline. 
To get there, take Hwy 412 east, cross the Tennessee River about 5 miles east of Parsons, then turn left at Hwy 438, right after you cross the Tennessee River. The boatdock entrance to the park is the first entrance you will see, followed shortly by the main entrance which leads to the Ranger's station and RV and campgrounds.
The area is noted for intriguing river folklore from early Native-American settlements, through the Civil War and the once prominent riverboat era. At the time Perry County was established, the river was the route of commerce for the timber, iron and leather tanning industries. The tanneries were loaded with "green" animal hides that caused mice infestations.
Tradition has it that Mousetail Landing received its name when one of the tanneries caught on fire and burned during the Civil War period. The fleeing mice were so great in number, that the area became known as Mousetail Landing. This valuable river port was the principal shipping place for goods to and from St. Louis. Postal letters are still in existence today that bear the postmark of Mousetail Landing.
Today Mousetail Landing is the recreation area for fishing, boating, camping and hiking. The park has an abundance of wildlife including deer and turkey, as well as a wide variety of birds for watchers and photographers.
Available Facilities for the Following Activities: Camping, fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, picnicking, volleyball, basketball, softball, tetherball, archery, and playgrounds.
For more information on Mousetail Landing State Park call toll free
(888)867-2757 or (731)847-0841 or the Tennessee State Parks website.
Brochures for download in pdf format:
mtnbiketrails.pdf 
Since 1976 the Decatur County World's Largest Coon Hunt - Benefit for St. Jude is held annually on the second full weekend of April, Thursday thru Sunday, and to this day it is still worked solely by volunteers. It takes each and every person who walks on the grounds to make this great event possible.
