Exploring the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

While at home for Christmas, my Dad and I took a day and went exploring Haywood County, Tennessee and, in addition to grabbing some Tennessee barbecue, we included the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge on our itinerary.

Although I’ve passed it hundreds of times, not until I wrote about it in a blog entry a few months ago had I given the river much thought. As I’ve discovered, the Hatchie played an important role in early Haywood County settlers getting goods, especially cotton, transported to larger cities for sale.

The Jackson Sun, Aug. 2, 1964, 13.

The refuge was established in 1964, in large part by proceeds of the sales of the Migratory Bird/Duck stamp. As with most projects of this scope, in the beginning, not everyone was in favor of the refuge. Some of the landowners forced to sell their property were understandably unhappy.

Getting there when we visited was a bit tricky. Because of bridge construction over the Hatchie River closer to Brownsville, the only way to get there right now is on TN-76 from the west, past a “Road Closed” sign. You just have to have faith that you can drive around the sign and end up at the refuge without driving in the river. That certainly can’t be good for business. Coming from I-40, take Exit 52 (Stanton/KoKo Rd) and turn left. Trust me.

There was a lot more there to explore than I expected.

The Hatchie Refuge includes 23 miles of the middle portion of the Hatchie River and, from their website, you can learn it consists of “bottomland hardwoods, moist soil units, agricultural fields, and associated uplands.” The refuge is also recognized as a designated Important Bird Area, because of its importance for migrating ducks and many other birds who nest there.

When you arrive at the welcome center, you’ll want to check out O’Neal Lake from one of their observation decks then drive or walk around the lake and check out all the wildlife.

You’ll also want to stop and learn a bit about the refuge from some of the signs that are placed at the entrance to the road that takes you around the lake. If you’re exploring by car, this sign is helpful because it shows the gravel and paved roads and the roads that are designated part of the “Auto Tour Route.” To get an idea of the location of the refuge, Oneal Lake is that blue oval in the middle and to the left on the map. As you can see, there is a lot to explore.

Romeo checking out the Hatchie River.

For a selection of impressive nature photos by Jim Baker at the refuge, visit his gallery. You can also find some great photos on the website of the Commercial Appeal.

You can find out more about my family lines at HaywoodCountyLine.com, or read more blogs posts about the history of West Tennessee on my blog page.