2026 Field Trips
FIELD TRIPS
Conference Field Trips
Get out and explore! TEEA 2026 field trips offer opportunities to experience the natural, cultural, and historic resources of Pickwick Landing State Park and the surrounding region. From paddling Pickwick Lake and exploring local biodiversity to discovering the history and stories that have shaped this place, there are plenty of ways to experience this year’s Currents of Change beyond the conference sessions.
Field trips are offered Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, with additional Pickwick Landing State Park programs available throughout the conference weekend.
Pickwick Landing State Park Programs
Pickwick Landing State Park offers these programs during the TEEA Conference weekend. Registration is separate from TEEA field trip sign-ups. Space may be limited, so please register directly with the park using the links provided for each program.
Friday — History Wagon Tour
Friday | 4:30 PM | Approximately 1 hour
Board a deluxe wagon for a ride around Pickwick Landing State Park with Ranger Jillian. Along the way, learn about the rich history of the park and the stories that have shaped this special place. The tour boards at the Lodge entrance at 4:30 PM.
The program fee has been waived for TEEA Conference attendees. Donations are welcome. Registration is required.
Friday — Night Hike
Friday | 9:00 PM
Experience Pickwick Landing State Park after dark with Tennessee Naturalist Amber. Explore a section of trail while learning about animal adaptations, investigating the nighttime environment with a blacklight, and discovering what comes alive after the sun goes down.
Meet at the campfire by the cabin area. Registration is required, and donations are welcome.
Saturday — Glow Float
Saturday | 8:30 PM
Join the Pickwick Landing State Park Ranger Crew for a relaxing evening glow float in the marina cove. Paddle into the cove while learning about the area’s nature and history, then enjoy time to explore on your own or float and visit with park staff.
Registration is required. The program fee has been discounted for TEEA Conference attendees.
Sunday — World Rivers Day Kayak Float
Sunday | 8:00–10:00 AM | $10 per person
Celebrate World Rivers Day on the water with a morning kayak float at Pickwick Landing State Park.
Registration is required through the park.
Sunday — History Wagon Tour
Sunday | 9:00 AM | Approximately 1 hour
Join Ranger Jillian for a deluxe wagon ride around Pickwick Landing State Park and learn about the park’s rich history. The tour boards at the Lodge entrance at 9:00 AM.
The program fee has been waived for TEEA Conference attendees. Donations are welcome. Registration is required.
Sunday — Pontoon Cruise
Sunday | 11:00 AM | Approximately 1 hour
Spend an autumn morning on Pickwick Lake with Captain Tim. This one-hour pontoon cruise departs from the Courtesy Dock behind the Lodge and offers conference attendees a chance to experience Pickwick from the water.
The boat departs promptly at 11:00 AM, so participants should arrive early. Registration is required, and donations are welcome.
Sunday — Raptor Feeding
Sunday | 1:00–2:00 PM | Free
Spend part of your Sunday afternoon at Pickwick Landing State Park for a raptor feeding program. This program is free, but registration is required through the park.
Sunday — Autumn Afternoon Cruise to Waterfall
Sunday | 1:00–4:00 PM | $45 per person
Extend your conference weekend with an autumn afternoon cruise to a waterfall at Pickwick Landing State Park. This three-hour program offers another opportunity to get out on the water and experience the park during the early fall season.
Registration is required through the park.
Whether you head out on the trail, take to the water, or explore the stories of this special place, we hope you’ll make time to experience Pickwick beyond the conference sessions. After all, Currents of Change are best experienced out in the field.
