Tennessee Refugewinter wildlife
Waterfowl peak, usually in early January, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Jan 1–10). This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Tennessee Refuge · September
95days to the next winter wildlife seasonJan 1–10, local timing
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Jan: Waterfowl peak, usually in early JanuaryJan
- Jan: January is the month bald eagles are most numerousJan
- Jan: Wings of Winter Birding Festival, Martin Luther King weekend in JanuaryJan
- May: Peak warbler and songbird migration, early MayMay
- Waterfowl sanctuary closures, November 15–March 15 (some areas, the auto tour and two visitor-center trails)Nov–Mar
Where to watch
- Duck River BottomsSite of the refuge's public waterfowl and bald eagle tour in January. Its 3-mile Blue Goose Blvd. auto tour (550 Refuge Lane, New Johnsonville) is closed November 15–March 15.
- Chickasaw National Recreation Trail (Big Sandy Unit)Open year round on the Big Sandy Peninsula, 13 miles north of the town of Big Sandy; loons use the Big Sandy Unit's open water from November.
Tennessee Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Auto tour (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Hiking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Dog walking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterfowl peak, usually in early January, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Jan 1–10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 95 days (Jan 1–10, local timing).
What's closed in winter?
Some refuge areas and waters close from November 15 to March 15 as a sanctuary for waterfowl, including the Blue Goose Blvd. auto tour and the Britton Ford and Nature Discovery trails by the visitor center. The Chickasaw trail stays open year round.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Auto tour ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville. Entry is free, and it's open weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. except federal holidays. One part of the page also lists Saturday hours, so call (731) 642-2091 before a weekend visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dog walking is allowed, with pets on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Dog walking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a winter birding festival?
Yes. The refuge hosts the Wings of Winter Birding Festival on Martin Luther King weekend in January.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee NWR: Birding ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge?
Duck River Bottoms: site of the refuge's public waterfowl and bald eagle tour in January. Its 3-mile Blue Goose Blvd. auto tour (550 Refuge Lane, New Johnsonville) is closed November 15–March 15.; Chickasaw National Recreation Trail (Big Sandy Unit): open year round on the Big Sandy Peninsula, 13 miles north of the town of Big Sandy; loons use the Big Sandy Unit's open water from November..
When is the festival in Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge?
Wings of Winter Birding Festival, Martin Luther King weekend in January, usually in Jan.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterfowl sanctuary closures, November 15–March 15 (some areas, the auto tour and two visitor-center trails) (Nov–Mar).
What is Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Waterfowl peak, usually in early January (Jan), January is the month bald eagles are most numerous (Jan), Wings of Winter Birding Festival, Martin Luther King weekend in January (Jan), Peak warbler and songbird migration, early May (May) and Waterfowl sanctuary closures, November 15–March 15 (some areas, the auto tour and two visitor-center trails) (Nov–Mar).