Big Hill Pond Birding

Notification Alert

Dismal Swamp Boardwalk is Closed due to Construction

Big Hill Pond State Park

Dismal Swamp Boardwalk was originally built and 1977 and though we have had many people including volunteers and boy scout groups help maintain this asset, it still has some of the same materials from 1977 on it! We honestly can’t say thank you to everyone who has helped keep this asset open and available to the public over the years! With that being said, we, at Big Hill Pond State Park, have exciting news to share with everyone!

Dismal Swamp Boardwalk is being replaced! Last year our park received funding for a new boardwalk which we hope to see started in Spring of 2025! At this time, Dismal Swamp Boardwalk will be closed to the public to prepare for removal of materials and for preconstruction. The new boardwalk will be more user friendly as well as environmentally friendly! If you wish to still hike to the Observation Tower, don’t fret! You can still access the tower by using the blue and red trails.

Travis McNatt Lake Closure

Big Hill Pond State Park

Due to major infrastructure improvements happening at the lake, the Travis McNatt Lake remains closed.

Visitors are welcome to bring small paddling boats to Big Hill Pond Lake during this time.

When the lake reopens, it will be a part of the multi-departmental program, the Bill Dance Signature Lakes, and visitors will find:

A rebuilt bridge on the east side of the lake
A new, wider boat ramp
Two new docks: a fishing pier and kayak-friendly courtesy dock
Spillway repairs
Improved bank fishing areas
Invasion vegetation removal and fish habitat installation
Fishery rebuilding and fish restocking

If you have additional questions, please submit them here: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/ask_tn_state_parks

Aerial view of a lush green forest surrounding a serene, winding river under a clear sky. Sunlight casts warm tones, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

White egret wading in water, turtle on a nearby log, surrounded by greenery.

Birding at Big Hill Pond

The park encompasses 4,498 acres of timberland and hardwood bottomland where a variety of woodland birds can be seen.

Cypress Creek and Tuscumbia River border the park and are known to host nesting bald eagles. There is a 70-foot fire tower. The flood plain adjacent to the river and creek contains small oxbows and swampy areas which are desirable habitat for waterfowl, wildlife and fish. Over 150 species have been observed at the park.

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Featured Birds

Rusty Blackbird
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Acadian Flycatcher
Red-winged Blackbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Prothonotary Warbler
Turkey Vulture
Black Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Osprey
Common Grackle
Bald Eagle
Canada Goose
Northern Pintail
Lesser Scaup
Blue-winged Teal
Bufflehead
Gadwall
Double-crested Cormorant
Chimney Swift
Pied-billed Grebe
Killdeer
Herons
Egrets
Red-eyed Vireo
Pine Siskin
Baltimore Oriole
Hermit Thrush
American Redstart
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Northern Parula
Indigo Bunting
Summer Tanager
Flycatchers
Downy Woodpecker
Kinglets
Kentucky Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Wood Duck
Great Blue Heron
Barred Owl
Eastern Meadowlark
Sparrows

Birding Locations

Turkey Call Trail Dismal Swamp Boardwalk

Featured birds: Rusty Blackbird, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow

This loop trail offers an elevated boardwalk through the Dismal Swamp, then dips into the Tuscumbia River floodplain before heading up the ridge into hardwood forest.  
Tuscumbia Trail Lookout Tower

Featured birds: Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Common Grackle

The 70-foot tall refurbished fire tower offers excellent 360° views of Travis McNatt Lake and Dismal Swamp. 
Fox Hollow Trail

Featured birds: Canada Goose, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, Blue-winged Teal, Bufflehead

The trail starts at the visitor center and skirts along the shore of Travis McNatt Lake.
Rocky Knob Trail Head

Featured birds: Red-eyed Vireo, Pine Siskin, Wild Turkey, Baltimore Oriole, Wood Thrush

Starting in the campground, the trail heads upland through mixed pine forest, crossing Dismal Branch twice. 
Ghost River State Natural Area Mineral Slough Boardwalk

Featured birds: Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Parula, American Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting

This boardwalk forms a loop through a maze of bald cypress-water tupelo swamp. 135 species of birds were identified. 
William B. Clark State Natural Area: Trailhead

Featured birds: Kinglets, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Prothonotary Warbler, Wood Duck

A boardwalk meanders through bottomland hardwood and swamp adjacent to a free-flowing section of the Wolf River, offering floodplains, marshland, and cypress-water tupelo swamp. 178 species of birds identified. 
Shiloh National Military Park: Parking Area

Featured birds: Wild Turkey, Northern Cardinal, Summer Tanager, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird

This historical park memorializes the Civil War with monuments placed among open fields and a hardwood forest. In late spring, 22 species of warblers have been observed here. 141 species of birds were identified. 

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Responsible Birding

Do not endanger the welfare of birds.
Tread lightly and respect bird habitat.
Silence is golden.
Do not use electronic sound devices to attract birds during nesting season, May-July.
Take extra care when in a nesting area.
Always respect the law and the rights of others, violators subject to prosecution.
Do not trespass on private property.
Avoid pointing your binoculars at other people or their homes.
Limit group sizes in areas that are not conducive to large crowds.

Discover More at Big Hill Pond

Explore the Gift Shops

Big Hill Pond has two gift shops and one camp store to serve the needs of our visitors.

Visitor Center Gift Shop

The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Boat Dock Gift Shop

Heading out on the water? The Boat Dock Gift Shop is a great spot to grab boating supplies and snacks for your voyage.
Hours: Seasonal
Camp Store

The park’s camp store is your best spot for finding gear, snacks, and accessories to make your camping experience exceptional. The camp store is your go-to destination for a cold drink, a can of chili, or those matches you forgot to pack.
Hours: Seasonal