LANDSCAPES

& Natural Resources

NATURAL RESOURCES

Wildlife Refuges

Wooded Path

Catoosa State Wildlife Management Area

Visitors to the WMA will find mature hardwood forest, young hardwood forest, and dense vegetation along crystalline streams, as well an open oak savanna community. The Wartburg entrance leads visitors to a place where the forest understory is outstanding, hosting high densities of bigleaf magnolia, eastern redbud, slippery elm, devil’s walkingstick (Aralia spinosa), sourwood, and evergreen rhododendron. In the eastern section of the site, the forest canopy is dense, setting a mysterious mood through dim light. Uncommon birds on the Cumberland Plateau find habitat at Catoosa. Such species include Red-headed Woodpecker (very high densities), Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, White-eyed Vireo, and Common Yellowthroat. Occasionally a Swainson’s Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, or a river otter can be seen through the dense foliage along the stream edges. Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer, and Ruffed Grouse are also present on the site.

Cordell Hull Wildlife Management Area/Refuge

Cordell Hull WMA/Refuge is located east of Carthage at the junction of Smith, Putnam, and Jackson Counties on Cordell Hull Lake. Cordell Hull Lake, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, is located on the Cumberland River and contains a dam supporting a hydroelectric plant about five miles upstream from Carthage.

Lone Mountain State Forest

Lone Mountain State Forest is a 3,572-acre tract of land with almost 20 miles of trails available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The state forest is located between the Cumberland Mountains and Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area. A hike to Coyote Point on a clear day will promise views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Kingston Steam Plant. Coyote Point is located on the southeast slope of Lone Mountain and consists of a table rock at the edge of a bluff overlooking the lower Emory River drainage.

Mt. Roosevelt Wildlife Management Area

The 11,000 acre Mt. Roosevelt WMA surrounds the town of Rockwood, and its overlook is believed to be one of the highest in the Cumberlands. Visitors to Mt. Roosevelt can access the scenic view overlook by car.

Watts Bar Wildlife Management Area/Reservation

This site is located on Watts Bar Lake, less than four miles south of the Byway between Kingston and Rockwood. This site is identified as a “Watchable Wildlife” site by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources unit.

Additional Wildlife Refuges/Management Areas

The following additional wildlife refuges/management areas, wilderness areas, and preserves are also located within ten miles of the Byway.

  • Clifty Creek Gorge TNC Preserve
  • Edgar Evins State Park & WMA
  • Keyes-Harrison WMA
  • Kingston Refuge WMA
  • Paint Rock Refuge
  • Whites Creek TVA Small Wilderness Area