During my trip to Byrdstown & Pickett County I was a guest of the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association. All opinions in this article are my own.

Just a few miles after crossing into Pickett County, State Highway 111, gives you a birds-eye view of one of the region’s most popular attractions, Dale Hollow Lake.  The bridge connects the tops of two high ridges that once proved to be a big obstacle to travel as you would have to drive down to the lake and back up on winding roads to get to the other side.  Now, the trip across only takes about a minute, but a minute that could just take your breath away as the views are stunning.

Once you are on the Byrdstown side of the bridge, make a stop at the Island View Overlook, a place giving you a window into the wonders of this part of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. The heavily forested and mostly undeveloped shorelines stretch out in front of you with the rugged ridges running along the horizon.  There is a lot to explore in the area, so here are a few ideas of what to do when you visit Byrdstown & Pickett County.

Opportunities under the bridge

Right under the big bridge on Highway 111, sits the Obey River Recreation Area and Sunset Marina.  Combined, these two places provide countless opportunities to enjoy what Dale Hollow Lake has to offer.  You can relax on a beach, dine on the water or head out on a jet ski, a pontoon boat or just about any other kind of watercraft you can think of including a 6-bedroom houseboat.  

Start your fun at Sunset Marina.  Walking back toward the store, stop and feed the turtles and fish beside the dock then take a seat on one of the rockers and soak in the view.  When you get hungry, head into the Steel Coop for steaks, burgers, seafood and more. (The Steel Coop’s main location is just down the road in Livingston).  Afterward, head out onto the water with one of the dozens of watercraft rentals at the marina.  And when you’re ready to call it a night, Sunset Marina’s cottages, villas and chalets provide guests with several options for overnight accommodations.

More of  Dale Hollow Lake

There are boundless opportunities to enjoy Dale Hollow Lake in Pickett County beyond the bridge.  One option just a few minutes out of Byrdstown is Star Point Resort.   Nestled in a quiet cove where Jouett Creek flows into the lake, Star Point Resort features boat rentals along with cabins and a small campground with full RV hookups and a bathhouse.

Because of the terrain and the shape of the county, you might have to leave the county to get over to East Port Marina which is a few miles north of TN 52 between Jamestown and Livingston.   Located at the point where the East & West Forks of the Obey River come together, this marina provides access to some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Dale Hollow Lake.  

The high bluffs along the river are mostly undeveloped, making this a great place for wildlife watching. East Port Marina Owner Richard DeVries took me out on the lake where he told me about a bear he saw swim across the lake. During my time on the water I saw a couple of blue herons and some turtles in the water. 

East Port has several cabins to rent. And when you get hungry, the Obey River Grill Restaurant offers up the “best cheeseburger on the lake” and a lot more. You can rent ski boats, pontoons and even a houseboat big enough for twelve people.

Just a mile or so from the marina, you’ll find an exquisite event facility at “The Farm.”  With luxurious new cabins on the property, “The Farm” is a perfect place for a wedding or retreat.  It’s also available for proms, parties and plenty of other special occasions. 

Turning up the Small Town Charm

Byrdstown, like many other towns in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland knows how to turn up the charm, especially when it comes to visitors. This is especially evident along the “Square” at the heart of town.  The Pickett County Courthouse, clad in Crab Orchard Stone (a product of the Cumberland Plateau) sits on the edge of a hill downtown. Nearby visitors will find a small row of businesses.

The music of the bluegrass and the mountains come together in Downtown Byrdstown at the Dixie Café.  Be sure and get there early as the place fills up fast when there’s live music involved.  Order up one of the nightly specials with a choice of sides, sit back and enjoy the show.

No need for a Starbucks up here, the Southern Dreams Bakery near the High School serves up a wide variety of delicious coffee creations and bakery items. If you are looking for something more hearty for breakfast, the Country Kitchen is a great choice, one that’s definitely popular with the Dale Hollow Lake Crowd.  And after a day on the lake, get together with your friends and family at the River Grill down near the Wolf River.

Cordell Hull’s birthplace

Throughout the Upper Cumberland you’ll likely hear a lot about Cordell Hull, a former U.S. Secretary of State who also won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work creating the United Nations.  Just outside of Byrdstown, you can see where his life began at the Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park.  Take a tour of the Cordell Hull Museum and Library and check out the log cabin on the site, modeled after the original home on the site. 

History isn’t all you’ll find at this park. There’s plenty here to please nature lovers too, including Bunkum Cave.  This geological feature tucked back into the woods is where Hull’s father once made moonshine back in the 19th Century.  A 1.5 mile loop trail takes you there and back and for several months of the year you can go into the cave, but be sure and check in with the Park Office before you do.

Cumberland Plateau Treasures

Caves, natural bridges and rock shelters stand out in the eastern end of the county and the best place to see them is Pickett CCC Memorial State Park.  This nearly 21,000-acre outdoor playground sits next door to one of my favorite places, the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.  Two natural bridges, one of which crosses over water, lie just a short distance from the parking areas.  

The Indian Rockhouse, a magnificent rock outcropping is one of the largest of its kind along the Cumberland Plateau.  It sits about a quarter of a mile off the entrance road and is easy to access.   Across the street you’ll find the trailhead to what was to me, the most interesting feature in the park, Hazard Cave.  A massive sandstone bluff hangs out over the cave, which isn’t very deep, but amazing in it’s own right.  According to the park website, Hazard Cave is home to the endangered Cumberland Sandwort and a rare species of glow worms.  

At night, the stars really come out at Pickett State Park and the nearby Pogue Creek Canyon Natural Area.  Both are certified “dark sky viewing” locations and have won honors for their work in preserving the night sky. ( On this visit to Pickett County I did not have time to explore this area, but I definitely hope to in the future).

Where to stay in Pickett County

Pickett State Park’s cabins and campgrounds offer up accommodations for the night.  Elsewhere in the county, places like East Point Marina, Sunset Marina and Star Point Resort rent a variety of options for overnight accommodations. 

During my stay, I was a guest at the Jolly Family Cabin, an Airbnb property.  Nestled near the end of a country road, the log cabin with its wraparound porch came with stunning views of the countryside and all the peace and quiet to go along with it.   

Be sure and stop at the Dale Hollow Lake Welcome Center in Byrdstown to get more information on where to stay and what to do while you’re in Pickett County.