Fort Pillow Boating

  • Wooden dock by a calm lake surrounded by lush green trees.
  • sullivan lake at fort pillow

    Boating at Fort Pillow

    The Sullivan's Pond boat ramp will accommodate any size boat. 

    The boat ramp just received a 16-foot extension and the sides were widened. Sullivan's Pond is a no wake lake. All Tennessee boating regulations apply. 

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    Water Trails

      • Sunset over a lakeside restaurant, "Bluegill Grill," with glowing orange clouds. A wooden walkway leads to the cozy, welcoming entrance.

      Fort Pillow Lake 

      GPS Coordinates: N 35 37'44.7" W 89 50'37.4" 

      Trails Map: Fort Pillow Lake, commonly referred to as Sullivan’s Pond, is located in Fort Pillow State Historic Park in Lauderdale County, Henning, Tennessee. 

      Directions to Access Point: Take U.S. Hwy 87 west from Henning and continue on to U.S. Hwy 207. Make a right and follow the signs into the park then continue on to the lake. The grass parking lot accommodates approximately 10 vehicles. The closest restroom is located inside the visitor center. The park is closed from sunset to 8:00 AM. 

      Trail Description: Enjoy fishing and wildlife viewing in a serene park setting. Put in at the park boat launch ramp and follow the shoreline. While on the lake you can see the original fort entrance and bluffs created by the same glaciers that formed the Mississippi River. Mileage buoys are located every tenth of a mile on the 1.20-mile lake. The lake may be difficult to navigate during periods of high wind. 

      • cold creek chute

      Cold Creek Chute Short Trail

      GPS Coordinates: N 35° 38' 53.2075" W 89° 50' 5.4657" 

      Directions to Access Point: Take U.S. Hwy 87 west from Henning and continue on to Crutcher Lake Rd. Turn right and continue for 1.7 miles the parking lot and boat launch will be on your left. The gravel parking lot accommodates approximately 100 vehicles. There are no restrooms. 

      Trail Description:  Put in at the Cold Creek boat launch located in the John Tulley Wildlife Management Area and go west on Cold Creek to the confluence of The Chute. Turn south and stay to the left of the island. The Mississippi River Bluffs on your left border the shoreline of Fort Pillow State Historic Park. The park is inaccessible from the lake. At the southern-most end of The Chute turn around and paddle north back to the island you previously passed at the confluence of Cold Creek. Go east into Cold Creek to return to the access area where you began your trip. At times, the current may be too strong or water too high for paddle craft to safely navigate the water. 

      • Snowy waterfall cascading into a rocky stream, surrounded by winter forest.

      Cold Creek Chute Long Trail

      Put in at the Cold Creek boat launch located in the John Tulley Wildlife Management Area and follow Cold Creek to the confluence of The Chute. Go north and follow the shoreline until you reach a fork in the river. Turn around at the fork and paddle south. While on the lake, enjoy fishing and views of bottomland hardwood forests that would have covered a majority of the surrounding area prior to the land being settled. Additionally, enjoy sightings of wading birds, waterfowl, aquatic insects, mammals, and plants indigenous to the wildlife refuge. Take a left at the confluence of Cold Creek and The Chute to return to the boat launch where you started your trip. At times, the current may be too strong or water too high for paddle craft to safely navigate the water. 

    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.

    Address:
    3122 Park Road, Henning TN, 38041

    Hours
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Support the Conservancy

    By supporting the Conservancy, you directly support the Tennessee State Parks system. All donations to the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy are tax-deductible and go directly towards enhancing the State Parks system.
     

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