Chickamauga WMA - Cottonport
Site Directions: From Dayton, TN, go east on Hwy 30 several miles to Cottonport Rd. Follow Cottonport Rd several miles to a four-way intersection at Maple Spring Rd and turn right. There is a small trailer park at the intersection. Follow the road to the WMA and boat ramp. Lat-Long: 35.488699, -84.882045
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none
Site Description: Maple Springs Rd provides access to views of backwater areas along the river, old fields, mixed woods, and ultimately river access. Nearby sites to also explore include Hiwassee Refuge and Yuchi Refuge.
Wildlife to Watch: The woods along the roadsides can be excellent for birds. In fall, White-throated, Swamp, Song, and Vesper Sparrows can be present, if not abundant. There is a small Great Blue Heron rookery several hundred yards to the west of the boat ramp (looking to the right). Bald Eagles may be seen. A pair of eagles used to nest in this area, but there are many nesting pairs in the area. When the river is low, look closely at the backwater areas and mudflats for shorebirds and other waterbirds. Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush are present in fall and winter.
NOTE: Please refer to TWRA Hunting Guide about hunting seasons and public access dates. Access dates vary by site.
For more information:
Chickamuga WMA
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Be sure to check out our Safety Tips page for important information regarding viewing wildlife in these areas.
