NASHVILLE — North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, formerly a state natural area, has been officially designated as a Tennessee state park. Located 15 miles north of Chattanooga, the stunning park safeguards nearly 6,000 acres of dramatic sandstone bluffs and North Chickamauga Creek — a Tennessee State Scenic River.
Located in Hamilton and Sequatchie counties, North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park is a deep gorge cut into the sandstone of Walden’s Ridge, spanning approximately 10 miles with steep slopes, sandstone bluffs, and the waters of the Tennessee State Scenic River.
The park is home to a vast array of rare plants, several pockets of old-growth forests, and a diverse wildlife population. Ten state and/or federally listed plants occur at the park, including the federally threatened, large-flowered skullcap (Scutellaria montana) and the federally endangered Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana). Bald eagles and peregrine falcons have also been reported. Each year, park staff work with SNA staff to do an inventory count on Scutellaria montana plants located within the park.
Established as a state natural area in 1999, it's a popular destination for activities like whitewater kayaking and trout fishing. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, which form a portion of the 300-mile Cumberland Trail. Upcoming plans for the park include improved parking areas, a visitor’s center, an ADA-viewing platform, and trail improvements. With plans for enhanced amenities and its proximity to Chattanooga, the park will provide local and regional recreational opportunities while protecting the resources and scenic beauty found in the region.
Fish and Wildlife holds one-day meeting
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission returned to Paris Landing State Park Lodge for a one-day meeting on Friday, Sept. 20.
A new video titled “Safe Boating Near Locks and Dams” was presented. The video was produced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and Hardin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
Retired TWRA Wildlife and Forestry employee Mark Gudlin was recognized for his induction into the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Hall of Fame. He served in a variety of roles during a 38-year TWRA career and was serving as Habitat Program Manager upon his retirement in 2021.
Will Bowling from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was also recognized for a $300,00 donation from the Foundation and the Mildred T. Edwards Trust. The gift will go toward purchasing a 1,322-acre tract at North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.
There was also a preview for rules and regulations governing licenses, permit fees, and boating certificates. It was the commission’s first meeting at Paris Landing State Park in 15 years.
Isaiah 117 House Bass Tournament set for Nov. 2
ROGERSVILLE — The Isaiah 117 House Bass Tournament will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Cherokee Lake Quarryville Boat Launch with a 7 a.m. launch.
Registration and check-in begins at 6 a.m. The cost is $100 per team/boat (two individuals maximum). There'll be free Hardee's biscuits and a welcome gift for each team. Weigh-in will be at 2 p.m.
Contact Nikki Greene at j.nikkigreene@gmail.com or Julie Burns, the location leader for Hawkins/Hancock, at julie.burns@isaiah117house.com.
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