This 1,247-acre area is located on the east banks of the Tennessee River. Tradition has it that Mousetail Landing received its name during the Civil War period when one of the area’s tanning companies caught fire. The exodus of mice fleeing the burning tannery was so profuse that the area in proximity of the park became known as Mousetail Landing.
With Mousetail Landing State Park located on the Tennessee River, fishing is a popular activity. Fishing is permitted anywhere you can reach water. Bass, bream, crappie, stripe and catfish can be caught along the banks. Mousetail Landing has primitive campgrounds as well as sites with hookups for overnight guests.
The park has one day-use, three-mile trail. There is one overnight, eight-mile trail with two screened shelters. These back-country shelters have plywood bunks and each shelter sleeps eight people.
Mousetail Landing State Park has 25 picnic tables with grills located throughout the park. There is one large pavilion that can accommodate 100 people available for rent along with a gazebo that is a often used for weddings.
Activities
PADDLING
Bring your own canoes and kayaks and paddle the Mousetail water trails.
BOATING
There is a boat launch area at the park. This area provides boat access, courtesy pier, Spring Creek campground and fishing from the banks of the Tennessee River. The boat launch area is located approximately 1/2 mile south of the main entrance of the park.
SWIMMING
The swimming beach area is open year-round and is located on the Spring Creek embayment, a branch of the Tennessee River. Swimming is at your own risk as there are no lifeguards on duty. A small stream at the entrance of the park is enjoyable for small children and adults to wade in with its cold, clear water.
HIKING
Mousetail Landing has several hiking trails of all difficulties.
BIKING
A series of mountain bike trails weave through a hilly section of the park. Very steep climbs and great downhills make this system of trails a must ride.
FISHING
The park is located on the Tennessee River between mile marker 131 and 133 and provides excellent boating, fishing, skiing and other water recreation activities.
Campground
MAIN CAMPGROUND
The main park campground has a modern bathhouse, laundromat, and electricity/water hookups to 19 of the 25 campsites. A dump station is also located within this area. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and grills.
PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES
Spring Creek is a 21-site primitive campground on the banks of the Tennessee River. All sites have a fire ring and a BBQ grill.
