Reelfoot Lake State Park | Memphis

Reelfoot Lake State Park, located in the northwest corner of Tennessee near the town of Tiptonville, is a distinctive natural area centered around Reelfoot Lake-the state’s only natural lake. Covering over 15,000 acres of water and approximately 10,000 acres of surrounding marshes and bottomland hardwood forests, the park represents a unique and ecologically rich landscape shaped by one of the most powerful natural events in North American history-the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. These massive earthquakes caused the land to sink, forming the shallow, swampy lake and flooded forests that define the park today.

Geological and Ecological Characteristics

Reelfoot Lake’s creation was directly tied to seismic activity along the New Madrid Fault Zone, resulting in an unusual and dynamic wetland ecosystem. The lake is characterized by its shallow waters filled with submerged tree stumps and towering cypress trees emerging directly from the water, creating a flooded forest environment. This distinctive habitat supports a complex and diverse web of life.

The bottomland hardwood forests surrounding the lake consist primarily of species such as bald cypress, water tupelo, green ash, and various oaks. These forests provide crucial nesting, feeding, and shelter areas for a vast array of wildlife.

The park is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, particularly its bird populations. It is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Over 270 bird species have been recorded here, including bald eagles, great blue herons, white pelicans, prothonotary warblers, wood ducks, and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds. Reelfoot Lake serves as a vital wintering ground for approximately 200 bald eagles, drawing birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from around the country.

Other wildlife includes mammals such as raccoons, river otters, beavers, and deer, as well as amphibians and reptiles adapted to the wetland environment.

Recreational Opportunities

Fishing

Reelfoot Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Its shallow waters are home to abundant populations of crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Anglers can fish year-round from piers, boardwalks, or boats. The lake’s ecosystem supports healthy fish populations, and fishing is a major draw for visitors, especially during spring and fall. To fish legally, anglers must possess a valid Tennessee fishing license and a lake permit, which helps fund conservation and park maintenance.

Boating and Water Activities

Boating on Reelfoot Lake offers a unique experience navigating through flooded forests and submerged timber. Visitors can use jon boats, canoes, kayaks, and motorboats, although caution is necessary due to shallow areas and submerged stumps. The park maintains five public boat ramps for convenient lake access, and local vendors offer boat rentals. Guided pontoon boat cruises operate from May through September, providing narrated tours of the lake’s natural features, wildlife, and history. Special cruises, such as sunset and full moon tours, offer atmospheric views and photography opportunities.

Hiking and Wildlife Viewing

The park offers several easy to moderate hiking trails designed to showcase the diversity of habitats and wildlife:

Keystone Trail: A 1.5-mile trail along the lake’s shore, popular for birdwatching.

Black Bayou Trail: Approximately 2 miles long, it follows an old bayou through wetlands and forest, providing great chances to observe amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

Airpark Trail: A 1.5-mile trail winding through cypress forests and secondary growth, ideal for nature walks and photography.

Campground Trail: A shorter 0.5-mile natural trail suitable for families and casual walkers.

Additionally, the Visitor Center Boardwalk provides a 0.5-mile accessible route through wetlands, allowing visitors of all abilities to experience the unique environment.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

Reelfoot Lake is a premier birding destination. The flooded forests, marshes, and lake surface attract migratory and resident bird species throughout the year. The winter months, particularly January through March, bring large numbers of bald eagles, making it a prime period for eagle watching tours conducted by the park. Other bird species such as herons, egrets, and woodpeckers can be spotted year-round.

Guided tours, both on foot and by bus, are offered seasonally to help visitors observe and learn about the park’s avian inhabitants.

Visitor Facilities and Amenities

R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum and Nature Center: This onsite museum offers exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history, including detailed information about the New Madrid earthquakes that formed the lake. It features an earthquake simulator, audiovisual presentations, and live displays of non-releasable raptors, snakes, and other local wildlife. Admission is free, making it a valuable educational resource.

Picnic Areas: With roughly 200 picnic sites spread throughout the park, many equipped with grills, restrooms, and drinking water, visitors can enjoy meals in scenic and shaded surroundings. Several large pavilions are available for group reservations.

Campgrounds: Reelfoot Lake State Park offers two campgrounds equipped to accommodate tents and RVs.

South Campground: The larger of the two, with 86 paved sites featuring electric hookups (20/30/50 amp) and water, plus three bathhouses with hot showers.

Airpark Campground: Smaller, with 14 sites available year-round, providing similar amenities for a quieter camping experience.

Both campgrounds provide a blend of comfort and proximity to nature.

Special Events and Programs

Bald Eagle and Waterfowl Tours: From early January through early March, the park organizes daily guided bus tours for visitors to witness the concentration of bald eagles and migratory waterfowl. These tours require advance reservations due to popularity.

Round House Reunion: An annual musical event celebrating 1950s and 1960s music, held every third Sunday in September.

Arts and Crafts Festival: Featuring local artisans and craftsmen, this festival is held on the first weekend of October and offers handmade goods, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.

Accessibility and Operational Details

Reelfoot Lake State Park is open every day from 6:00 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset. Visitor facilities, including the museum, picnic areas, campgrounds, and boardwalks, are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The Visitor Center Boardwalk and certain trails provide wheelchair-friendly routes, enhancing the park’s inclusivity.

The park encourages responsible use of natural resources and enforces regulations such as requiring fishing licenses, prohibiting littering, and promoting safe boating practices due to the lake’s submerged hazards.

Summary

Reelfoot Lake State Park represents a rare natural treasure in Tennessee-a lake born of seismic upheaval, now a sprawling wetland ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Its combination of flooded forests, diverse habitats, and rich biodiversity creates exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and wildlife appreciation.

From fishing and boating to hiking and birdwatching, visitors experience a deeply immersive natural environment unlike anywhere else in the state. Educational programs and well-maintained visitor facilities enhance understanding of the park’s unique geological history and ecological significance, ensuring Reelfoot Lake remains both a recreational haven and a site of conservation importance.

The park’s careful balance of public access and resource protection exemplifies the commitment to preserving Tennessee’s natural heritage for future generations.