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REELFOOT LAKE STATE PARK
AUTO TOUR
(Click here for a printable map)
(Click here for printable
instructions)
Reelfoot Lake is an environmental treasure. Wildlife viewing and
sightseeing are some of the major attractions of the lake. This auto
tour, courtesy of Reelfoot Lake State Park, offers a chance to tour the
entire lake, seeing all of the different species and diverse
habitats it has to offer. Enjoy!
STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER
A trip to Reelfoot would not be complete if you did not visit our
Visitor/Interpretive Center. See the exhibits that explore the
formation, history, natural diversity and future of Reelfoot Lake. Take
a walk on our scenic boardwalk over Reelfoot Lake and through the
majestic cypress trees. Nature programs available. Open daily: 8:00 AM -
4:30 PM. Daily Pontoon Boat Cruises: May - September.
STATE PARK PICNIC AREAS
Reelfoot Lake State Park has four lake front picnic areas. These
scenic areas provide picnic tables, grills, swings, playgrounds and
fishing piers.
REELFOOT SPILLWAY
This controversial historic structure helps to control the water level
of Reelfoot Lake. In 1937, dynamite was found at the spillway and only a
wet fuse saved the lake. Controversy over who should control the lake
level continues today. The area offers picnic facilities and areas to
fish from the shoreline.
STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS
Visit our campgrounds. These exceptional campgrounds are full of nature,
beautiful scenery, are restful and free of the hustle and bustle of
today's world. A wonderful place to get away to. Lakeside campsites are
nestled among stately cypress trees; a place to see the sunrise and
sunset over mysterious Reelfoot Lake. Open Spring - November; Call for
exact dates.
HISTORIC SAMBURG
One of the oldest communities on Reelfoot Lake. Motels, restaurants and
shops are located along the shoreline. View eagles in the winter and
water flowers in the summer.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUM
The visitor center provides information about the diversity of plants,
fish, reptiles, birds and mammals that call Reelfoot Lake home. The
museum has excellent exhibits on birds and wildlife. Open: Monday thru
Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
GRASSY ISLAND WILDLIFE DRIVE (near historic Walnut Log)
Drive or walk through the Grassy Island portion of the Wildlife Refuge.
An excellent place to observe woodland birds and mammals. The drive ends
at a boardwalk and observation platform on Reelfoot Lake. It is an
excellent place to see an awesome Reelfoot sunset over cypress filled
waters. Round trip approximately 5 miles.
BAYOU DE CHEIN
The "River of the Dogs" flowed through this area long before the
earthquakes formed Reelfoot Lake and it can still be traced through the
lake to the Obion River. The farm road along the bayou is closed to
vehicles, but provides an excellent walking trail for observing
wildlife. Walk approximately 3 miles round trip. Area closed October 15 -
March 15.
LONG POINT PORTION OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Several gravel roads provide outstanding wildlife drives through open
fields and woods. Mammals and birds can often be observed. Good area to
observe migratory birds in fall and spring. Thousands of ducks and
Canada Geese call the refuge their winter home.
STATE PARK AIRPARK INN (Upper Blue Basin)
The Airpark Area includes picnic area, boat launching area, campground
and airstrip. The inn pier offers eagle viewing in winter months and
provides a great view of the rising sun as it reflects on the waters
of Reelfoot Lake. The water is shallow and filled with and abundance of
cypress trees and water flowers. Motels, cabins and boat rentals are
readily available. Daily tours to observe Bald Eagles: January 2 - Mid
March each year. Walking Trail: Along the lake takes approximately 45
minutes.
REELFOOT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (North Entrance)
The Wildlife Management Area provides a home for many species of birds
and wildlife. It is a bird watchers paradise. Ducks and Eagles can be
seen in winter months and in the spring herons, egrets and other
wading birds can be seen feeding in shallow water. An old roadbed
provides an excellent walking area to explore and observe wildlife. The
trail ends on Reelfoot Lake. Lake walk is approximately 2 1/4 miles
round trip.
BLACK BAYOU HIKING TRAIL
Take gravel road along Black Bayou Refuge to observe waterfowl and
wildlife. Hiking trail from parking area. It is a great place to observe
a variety of woodland birds and mammals. Trail through a cypress forest
along old Black Bayou Channel. Approximately 2 miles.
REELFOOT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
(South Entrance)
An excellent wildlife drive. A walking trail begins when the end of the
road is reached. The trail is an old roadbed closed to vehicles and goes
through fields and large stands of bottomland timber. It ends at
Donaldson Ditch, which connects to major portions of Reelfoot Lake.
Approximately 2 miles round trip.
KEYSTONE HIKING TRAIL
Reelfoot Lake's only shoreline hiking trail. Cypress and hardwood timber
prevails. A wonderful spring birding area. Trail approximately 1 1/2
miles long.
***During the warmer months, mosquito repellant is recommended.
(Click here for a printable map)
(Click here for printable
instructions)
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