Mary James Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mary James Park is a small park located in the state of Tennessee, near the town of Soddy-Daisy.


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Summary

The park is named after Mary James, a local resident who donated the land for the park. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its beautiful natural scenery, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

One of the main points of interest in the park is the Big Soddy Creek, which runs through the park and is known for its picturesque waterfalls and swimming holes. Visitors can also hike along the many trails that wind through the park, including the popular Mary James Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Other interesting facts about the park include its history as a former mining site, and its status as a designated wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy spotting a variety of wildlife in the park, including deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species.

The best time of year to visit Mary James Park is during the spring and summer months, when the park is in full bloom and the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy its natural beauty in any season.

Overall, Mary James Park is a hidden gem in Tennessee, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, this park is well worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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