The museum at the park contains exhibits that tell of the different aspects of the life of Davy Crockett, but the Nolichucky River will bring you face to face with smallmouths. In addition to the museum, a cabin replica is a short walking distance from the museum and along the banks of the river.

The park has 88 campground sites that have water and electricity hookups with 40 of the sites having sewer hookups. The RV campsites can accommodate any size RV, and small tents may be put up beside them. The campground is located not far from streamside. A swimming pool and a playground are adjacent to the camping area. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and the maximum stay is 14 days. A large picnic pavilion is located in the campground and is used exclusively by registered campers.

The Nolichucky River flows from mountain streams in western North Carolina and northeast Tennessee. Fishing is one of the recreational opportunities offered by the Nolichucky River at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park. Several species, such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegills, redeyes and catfish, are regularly taken using a variety of artificial lures and natural bait.

This area on the Nolichucky River is not altogether suited for wading, especially by kids, but there is a public boat-launching ramp. Small boats may be carried or pulled by trailer through the park to access the river. Good fishing is found along the banks for bluegills and crappie around brush, while smallies can be found in and around the shoals in this stretch of river.

The picnic area at Davy Crockett Birthplace is also located on the banks of the Nolichucky River. Visitors can picnic and enjoy fishing for the abundant species found in the Nolichucky.

The park is located just a few miles off Highway 11-E in eastern Greene County between Greeneville and Limestone.

HAVE FUN! Before you load the rods and grill into the family vacation vehicle, know your limits -- not just physically, but legally as well. Every piece of water across the Volunteer State, whether an impounded lake or moving stream, features different regulations for each species from size lengths to creel limits. The best resource for Tennessee fishing regulations is the TWRA's 2006 Tennessee Fishing Regulations or the fishing link on their Web site at TnWildlife.org.

Most importantly, know your kids' limits as well as your own. Kids aren't like adults, and their attention spans can be limited. The last thing you want to do is burn them out on their first day on the water. Basically, know when to say "Uncle." You have the whole week off and you have plenty of time, so hit the playground or hike a trail in between fishing trips.

For a successful family fishing trip with younger children, simply listen to them -- they get hungry and they get thirsty quicker than you do. Frogs, bugs, minnows and rocks that go splash may be more interesting to them at times than waiting for a bite is. If your kids are having fun while "fishing," then they are having fun, period. They'll want to come back for more, and as they get older, they'll fish harder.

Carry a cooler with snacks and plenty of drinks to fill in the voids in the fishing action. Fish don't bite all day and sometimes not at all, but you'll be prepared and ready to catch them when they do. Remember, it's not fun for anyone when they're not having a good time -- know when it's time to take a break. l

Find more about Tennessee fishing and hunting at: TennesseeSportsmanMag.com