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Tennessee > Tennessee National Wildlife Refuges

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Tennessee National Wildlife Refuges

Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge- Located one hour north of Memphis in Ripley, Tennessee, Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) provides a stepping stone for waterfowl migrating and wintering along the Mississippi River.
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge- Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is in Stewart County, Tennessee on the Cumberland River/Lake Barkley Project. The Refuge was established in 1962 primarily for waterfowl management.
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge- Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge lies along 23.5 miles of the Hatchie Scenic River, the last unchannelized river of its type in the Lower Mississippi River Valley.
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge- This preserve is open to the public during the spring, summer and fall for a variety of recreation pursuits.
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge- Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge lies adjacent to the Mississippi River and is bisected by the Hatchie River.
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge- This preserve in the northwestern corner of Tennessee encompasses over 10,000 acres surrounding the only natural lake in the state.
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge- This preserve lies in west central Tennessee on the Tennessee River and provides a diverse habitat for various animal and bird species.

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All Tennessee National Wildlife Refuges Outdoor Recreation Activities

General Information

Description - Each Wildlife Refuge in Tennessee provides a unique opportunity for the public to see rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. Encroaching development on natural lands in North America has made these reserves necessary to protect a variety of animal and bird species. Species that live on the Refuges differ with the seasons and migration patterns. Please see individual descriptions for more detail.

Attractions - Most of the National Wildlife Refuges in Tennessee have limited facilities and services. At most of these sites visitors will find a Visitor Center, gravel roads, restrooms, hiking trails and observatory towers.

Recreation - These refuges offer opportunities for wildlife observation, auto touring, photography, hunting fishing and hiking.

Climate - Tennessee has a temperate climate with short, mild winters. The average annual snowfall for the state is 12 inches. Spring comes in early March bringing flowering trees and shrubs, and warmer weather. Spring temperatures average between 45 and 70 degrees F. Summers full force arrives in the region by mid May, bringing warm weather and higher humidity. Cooling fall temperatures bring crisp air and brilliant foliage colors. Mid to late October is a good time to visit the region to experience the fall color change.

Location - All refuges but the Cross Creeks Refuge are located in the Western Travel Region of Tennessee. Cross Creeks Refuge is located in the Middle Travel Region.

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Additional Information:
Tennessee - This southeastern state is comprised of vast woodlands, wide river valleys and Appalachian highlands. Nashville, the state capital, and Memphis are the two largest cities in the state.