Reelfoot Lake State Park
Shallow water, standing cypress, bayous, boardwalks, eagles, waterfowl, fish, and earthquake history define a northwest Tennessee lake formed during the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes.
Artwork inspired by Carroll Cloar
Reelfoot is often described as an earthquake lake, but its ecological character comes from shallow flooded lowland, sediment, plants, and Mississippi Flyway position. Water level and season radically change what can be seen from shore or boat.
Begin at the visitor center and choose between boardwalk observation, a naturalist program, or an authorized boat trip. Winter favors eagles and waterfowl; summer heat, insects, and aquatic vegetation shift the experience. Never approach nests or launch in unsafe wind.
- visitor center
- Earthquake-born lake explained
- cypress boardwalk
- Close view into flooded forest
- eagle and waterfowl habitat
- Migration defines the seasons
Quick guide
- First move
- At Reelfoot Lake State Park, begin with visitor center: Shallow water, standing cypress, bayous, boardwalks, eagles, waterfowl, fish, and earthquake history define a northwest Tennessee lake formed during the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes.
- Second look
- cypress boardwalk: Reelfoot is often described as an earthquake lake, but its ecological character comes from shallow flooded lowland, sediment, plants, and Mississippi Flyway position.
Let terrain determine the day
- Start with
- visitor center: Shallow water, standing cypress, bayous, boardwalks, eagles, waterfowl, fish, and earthquake history define a northwest Tennessee lake formed during the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes.
- Look closely at
- cypress boardwalk: Reelfoot is often described as an earthquake lake, but its ecological character comes from shallow flooded lowland, sediment, plants, and Mississippi Flyway position.
- Connect the story
- eagle and waterfowl habitat: A drowned forest alive with birds and cypress.
- Plan around
- Begin at the visitor center and choose between boardwalk observation, a naturalist program, or an authorized boat trip.
Good to know
Reelfoot Lake State Park: winter favors eagles and waterfowl; summer heat, insects, and aquatic vegetation shift the experience. Never approach nests or launch in unsafe wind.
Notice these
- visitor center
- cypress boardwalk
- eagle and waterfowl habitat