Recreation
With 50,000 acres of publicly owned land, Lauderdale County is calling you back to nature!
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
Wind your way through bottomland hardwood forest here in the Lower Mississippi River floodplain. Observe the refuge from the viewing tower, explore trails, drive the roads in search of wildlife, or make memories by hunting alongside a friend or family member. Eight miles of the refuge’s western boundary adjoins the Mississippi River. Acreage includes lakes, forests, streams, scenic overlooks, the Mississippi River shoreline, and wildlife indigenous to each habitat. Managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1505 Sandbluff Rd.Ripley, TN 38063
(731) 635-7621
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
At the confluence of the Hatchie and Mississippi rivers in Lauderdale and Tipton counties, this refuge consists of bottomland hardwoods, agricultural fields and uplands. Forested tracts, open lands, and aquatic features found on the Refuge provide an important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plant species. Hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, environmental education and interpretation are enjoyed by many people at the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
234 Fort Prudhomme Dr.Henning, TN 38041
(731) 738-2296
John Tully State Forest
John Tully State Forest is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) as a wildlife management area. As the only state forest in west Tennessee, it has some of the state's best hunting and fishing. Hiking and bird watching are other activities that can be enjoyed within the tranquility of the forest.
2258 Dry Hill Rd. W.Ripley, TN 38063
Ripley Park
Spend the day with family and friends at this 50-acre recreation park. A multitude of things to do include four lighted multi-purpose athletic fields, a one-mile walking/jogging trail, sand volleyball, three playgrounds, tetherball, four lighted tennis courts, pavilions with grills and picnic tables, swimming pool, waterslide with two kiddie slides, and a nine-hole disc golf course.
New pickleball courts and a splash pad are coming in summer 2024.
Ripley, TN 38063
(731) 635-4645
Sunk Lake
Part of the southern unit of the Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and officially classified as Sunk Lake Class II Natural-Scientific State Natural Area, this area supports bald cypress swamp, bottomland hardwood forest and marsh aquatic habitat. The forests at Sunk Lake surround a series of eight shallow depressional lakes within the Mississippi River floodplain. One of the depressions is known as the “Five Hundred Pound Lake” from a local fisherman’s account of having caught 500 pounds of buffalo fish in one day. A 180-foot boardwalk provides an observation viewing area of one lake. A boat ramp provides access for boats and canoes (gasoline-powered boats are prohibited). Cooperatively managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Tennessee Natural Areas Program.
234 Fort Prudhomme Dr.Henning, TN 38041
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
More than a half-million people visit Fort Pillow State Historic Park every year to enjoy camping, picnicking, paddling, boating, hiking, and fishing, among the many activities available. Rent a variety of watercraft to use on Fort Pillow Lake or bring your own boat to Sullivan’s Pond, which is also stocked with bass, bream and crappie to the delight of anglers. Hike approximately 20 miles of trails, many of which parallel the earthwork fortifications of the Civil War battle site.
3122 Park Rd.Henning, TN 38041
(731) 738-5581
Boating & Fishing
The Mississippi River, which flows through Lauderdale County, is a choice spot for fishing. You’ll never have a better chance to reel in a gigantic catfish than in these waters. Walleye, bass, and crappie are also in abundance. Fish along the shore or put your boat in for a day of fishing you will never forget.
Numerous lakes in Lauderdale County also invite anglers to cast a line in their waters.
- Chisholm Lake
- Open Lake
- Wardlows Pocket
- Goose Pond
- Bee Lake
- Lost Lake
- Cold Creek
- Grassy Lake
- Right Hand Arm
- Swan Lake
- Bettis Lake
- Wood Lake
- Sunk Lake
- Champion Lake
Boating on the Mississippi River makes for another enjoyable outing, whether or not you throw out a line. Boat ramps are available.
