Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ational facilities at the southern end of the dam. A short nature trail called Old River Trail
goes through the woods at this end of the dam along part of the old course of the Yalobusha
River channel; this is a good spot for spring and summer warblers and other woodland song-
birds. Below the dam is a small lake that is used for fishing; ducks and other waterfowl may
be seen here in winter. This lake is reached from the Toe Road (the road at the bottom of the
dam) by two gravel roads that take you to either the north or south side of it. Just beyond
the road that takes you to the north side of that small lake is an unmarked dirt road (a sign
says “No Hunting, Safety Zone”) that leads to a small parking area not 200 feet from the Toe
Road. Going past a gate in the road and through no more than 100 feet of woods, you come
to the impounded areas where so many ducks winter. Be careful not to spook the ducks when
you approach, and you will have good, close sightings of them. There are a number of other
small lakes and wet areas north of these waterfowl impoundments in what is called a quail
management demonstration area. Watch for northern bobwhite, purple martin, and eastern
bluebird in the grassy areas and woodland edges along the bottom of the dam.
Hugh White State Park is on the southern side of Grenada Lake. It is reached from SH 8
by turning north onto a road 2.65 miles past the fork intersection of SH 8 and Scenic SH 333;
2.5 miles down this road is the entrance to the park. The park has lodging, camping, and nu-
merous views over a portion of the lake.
In early winter or during spring migration, these four lakes and their various bird habitats
can keep one busy for many days just covering the most common and accessible areas to bird.
For those times of year, these lakes are highly recommended stops, and during other times,
they are still pleasant places to visit. For detailed maps and brochures on these four Corps of
Engineers lakes, write Sardis Lake Field Office, P.O. Drawer 186, Sardis, MS 38666.
Grenada Waterfowl Management Area
Upriver from Grenada Lake is a state refuge for thousands of wintering waterfowl. A sign
on the northern side of SH 8, 14.8 miles from the road going to Hugh White State Park, marks
the refuge. This area is designed for managing the ducks and for hunting purposes, and bird-
ing it is difficult for all except local people who are familiar with the hunting seasons and the
primitive roads through the area. Parking is extremely limited at this sign.
TRACE STATE PARK
Located approximately 9 miles west of the Natchez Trace where it passes through Tupelo,
Trace State Park is reached by turning north off SH 6 onto Pontotoc County Road 65, which
leads straight into the park. This park covers 2,500 acres, with 600 acres in a lake that is
known for its excellent bass fishing. Camping and cabins are available. Although Trace State
