Pickett County, TN FAQs

What is the history of Pickett County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?

history of Pickett County, TN

established in 1879
named after the Honorable Albert Pickett, a state senator who served in the Tennessee General Assembly
was formed from parts of neighboring Fentress and Overton counties
During the Civil War, the county remained largely divided, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. However, the county did not see much action during the war itself.

Notable landmarks in Pickett County, TN

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
- the birthplace of Cordell Hull, who served as the U.S. Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Visitors can tour the house where Hull was born and learn about his life and legacy.
Dale Hollow Lake
- a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports.
Sergeant Alvin C. York State Historic Park
- Located just outside of Pickett County in Pall Mall
- this historic park honors the life and legacy of Alvin C. York, a World War I hero who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
Pickett State Park
- This state park covers over 19,000 acres and offers camping, hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities
Historic Downtown Byrdstown
- features several historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s, including the Pickett County Courthouse.

What are the recreational activities available in Pickett County, TN?

Fishing: Pickett County is home to part of Dale Hollow Lake, which is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, trout, catfish, and more.
Boating: Dale Hollow Lake is also a popular destination for boating, with several marinas and boat ramps available for public use.
Hiking: Pickett State Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging backcountry hikes.
Camping: Pickett State Park also offers camping opportunities, with over 30 campsites available for tent and RV camping.
Swimming: The park also has a swimming pool open during the summer months.
Hunting: Pickett County is home to several wildlife management areas where hunters can pursue game such as deer, turkey, and small game.
Golfing: The Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club is located in Byrdstown and offers a scenic 18-hole golf course.
Canoeing and kayaking: The Obey River, which runs through Pickett County, offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Find Nearby Foreclosures

Tennessee’s karst corridor is home to some of North America’s most active sinkholes. This area, covering the Cumberland Plateau, has soluble limestone bedrock. Water erosion makes cavities that collapse into depressions on the surface.

In this high-risk zone, Pickett County, TN is at risk. A 2013 study found 315 sinkholes, with 134 over three meters deep. Researchers have mapped sinkhole activity near waterways and hidden formations under forests.

Seasonal rains speed up erosion, making voids wider and causing new collapses. There have been three major road disruptions due to sudden ground subsidence.

By understanding these processes, communities can better manage risks. New monitoring methods use satellite data and ground surveys for early warnings. This approach supports Tennessee’s goal of balancing rural growth with geological facts.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Pickett County, TN, has seen 134 sinkholes over 3 meters deep from 2004 to now. These sinkholes have caused over 131,487 cubic meters of ground to sink. The area’s limestone and porous bedrock make it prone to gradual collapse.

Key statistics:

Average sinkhole depth: 4.2 meters (13.8 feet)
Annual ground subsidence rate: 0.6 cm (state average: 0.4 cm)
42% of documented formations occurred near residential zones

In 2025, a 9-meter-deep sinkhole near Whitehaven damaged utility lines. This incident, 35 miles from Pickett County, highlighted the need for more monitoring. State geologists say the soil and water levels are similar in both areas.

Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation reports:

54,000+ documented sinkholes statewide in the last 20 years
7% annual increase in subsidence-related insurance claims
Karst regions cover 15% of Pickett County’s land area

Surveys show 23% of homes in Pickett County are near sinkhole zones. While no major collapses have happened recently, the ground is slowly sinking. Engineers use radar to find weak spots on Highway 111 and other key roads.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

About 25% of Tennessee’s land is at risk for sinkholes because of its geology. Pickett County is even more vulnerable due to its bedrock. State geologists used LiDAR mapping to find hidden voids in areas like the Wolf River District.

Property owners in Pickett County, TN, need to get their land checked before building or buying. This is to avoid any future problems.

Signs of ground subsidence include cracks in foundations, water pooling, and leaning structures. The Tennessee sinkhole map helps find where sinkholes have happened before. Experts say to check foundations and drainage systems every year, after heavy rains.

To prevent sinkholes, keep your yard sloped to move water away from buildings. Don’t have artificial ponds or irrigation systems that hold water. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation suggests installing drainage pipes and using steel piers for foundations near sinkholes.

Using ground-penetrating radar is the best way to find hidden cavities. If you see dead plants in circles or a sudden drop in the ground, call a geotechnical firm right away. Fixing problems early can save up to 70% of the cost compared to fixing a fully collapsed sinkhole.

FAQ

Why is Pickett County particularily susceptible to sinkholes?

Pickett County is in Tennessee’s karst corridor, known for its limestone. This area is at risk for groundwater erosion. Studies show 134 sinkholes over 3m deep. Over 25% of Tennessee’s land is also at risk for karst-related hazards.

Have there been recent sinkhole incidents in Pickett County?

No recent incidents in Pickett County are reported. But, the 2025 Whitehaven sinkhole shows regional risks. The county has 315 formations and 134 deep sinkholes, showing ongoing geological activity.

What risks do sinkholes pose to Pickett County homeowners?

Sinkholes can damage property foundations and infrastructure. The Tennessee Department of Environment suggests LiDAR surveys and structural inspections. They also recommend reinforcing foundations in karst zones like Pickett County.

How does Pickett County’s sinkhole density compare to statewide trends?

Pickett County has 315 documented sinkholes, mirroring Tennessee’s karst activity. Over 54,000 formations exist statewide. Shofner’s maps and Sutherland’s LiDAR analysis highlight risks in the Cumberland Plateau, including Pickett County.

What proactive measures should residents take against sinkhole damage?

Homeowners should get professional risk assessments and watch for ground changes. They should also check their insurance for sinkhole coverage. The TN Department of Environment recommends early detection and infrastructure retrofitting in karst zones.

Sinkholes in Pickett County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes