Cities and Towns in Pickett County, Tennessee
Founded in 1879, Pickett County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Pickett County was formed from Fentress and Overton counties. The city of Byrdstown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Pickett County has a population of 5,079 and area of 163 square miles (422 km²).
List of all cities in Pickett County, TN alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Byrdstown, TN | 38549 | 931 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pickett County, Tennessee
Byrdstown, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900
- Zip Codes: 38549
- Latitude: 36.5535° N
- Longitude: 85.1249° W
Location and History
Byrdstown is the county seat of Pickett County and is located in the northeastern part of Tennessee, near the Kentucky border. Situated at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau and nestled beside Dale Hollow Lake, Byrdstown’s scenic beauty has made it a popular spot for tourism and outdoor recreation. The town was founded in the mid-19th century, with early settlers primarily engaged in farming and trade. Byrdstown was officially incorporated in 1890, and its location along the lake and nearby waterways made it a hub for both agriculture and transportation during its early years.
Over time, Byrdstown developed into a rural community, but the creation of Dale Hollow Lake in the 1940s—following the construction of the Dale Hollow Dam—transformed the area into a recreational hotspot. The lake, which is known for its clear waters and excellent fishing, continues to draw visitors from across the region. Despite its small size, Byrdstown remains a key point of commerce for the surrounding agricultural areas, offering local services and a rural charm that attracts both residents and tourists alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Byrdstown is served by the Pickett County School District, with Pickett County High School providing secondary education. Byrdstown Elementary School offers education for younger students. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Dale Hollow Lake, a prime location for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The lake’s recreational facilities draw thousands of visitors each year, making it the primary attraction in the area. Byrdstown is also home to the historic Pickett County Courthouse, which is a central feature of the town and represents its status as the county seat. Nearby, the Dale Hollow Dam offers visitors scenic views and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pickett State Park, located just outside Byrdstown, provides additional recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau. Byrdstown’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks makes it a unique and attractive destination.
Grimsley, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Codes: 38565
- Latitude: 36.3944° N
- Longitude: 85.3017° W
Location and History
Grimsley is an unincorporated community in the northern part of Pickett County, Tennessee. Located just a few miles south of the Kentucky state line, Grimsley is a small rural area that has historically been tied to agriculture. Established in the late 19th century, the town grew around local farms, with families engaging in the cultivation of crops such as corn, tobacco, and livestock. Like much of Pickett County, Grimsley’s development was slow due to the area’s remote location and the lack of major transportation routes in the early years.
Despite its small size, Grimsley has always maintained a sense of community, with residents relying on each other for social, cultural, and economic activities. The surrounding natural beauty, including the nearby Pickett State Park, has made Grimsley a quiet place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle. While Grimsley has seen little development over the years, it continues to be a small, close-knit community with a strong agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grimsley, being an unincorporated area, does not have its own schools but is served by the Pickett County School District. Nearby Byrdstown provides educational facilities, with Pickett County High School and Pickett County Middle School serving the region’s youth. One of Grimsley’s nearby landmarks is the Pickett State Park, which provides hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks that draw visitors interested in outdoor recreation. The park’s rugged terrain and diverse wildlife offer numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Grimsley is also located near the Fentress County line, which provides access to the natural attractions of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Although Grimsley itself lacks a robust tourism infrastructure, it benefits from its proximity to these larger, popular sites. The community’s quiet, rural nature combined with its natural surroundings makes it an attractive location for those seeking tranquility and outdoor activities.
Double Springs, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 38555
- Latitude: 36.4450° N
- Longitude: 85.1731° W
Location and History
Double Springs is an even smaller unincorporated community in southern Pickett County, situated near the headwaters of the Obey River. The area was named for its two natural springs that were important water sources for early settlers. Originally a farming community, Double Springs has remained small and relatively undeveloped, with much of its history tied to the rural lifestyle of early settlers who relied on agriculture and local resources to sustain the community. The development of the area has been slow, with much of its population still engaged in farming, particularly livestock and crops for personal use.
While Double Springs itself lacks urban amenities, its location near both Pickett State Park and Dale Hollow Lake has provided opportunities for local development based on outdoor tourism. Over the years, Double Springs has remained an idyllic representation of the rural Appalachian lifestyle. Despite its size, it plays a role in the larger Pickett County community, often serving as a retreat for those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Double Springs is part of the Pickett County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Byrdstown. The area is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau, and its proximity to both Pickett State Park and Dale Hollow Lake makes it a prime location for outdoor activities. Nearby landmarks include the scenic overlooks and hiking trails of Pickett State Park, as well as the waters of Dale Hollow Lake, which are ideal for boating and fishing. While Double Springs is too small to have significant tourism infrastructure, its nearby natural resources attract visitors for camping, hiking, and fishing. The area’s peacefulness and outdoor appeal make it an attractive spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.