Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cold showers. A primitive hiking trail goes along the south and east sides of the lake, and by
following this trail around or by taking a shorter, but harder, route of bushwhacking along the
west side of the lake north of the boat ramp, one can reach the swampy area at the lake's up-
per end and perhaps spot swamp warblers such as prothonotary, hooded, and northern parula.
Just south of the campground, on the trail around the lake, there is an elevated platform that
gives one good views out over the lake; bring a spotting scope. Wood duck is present year-
round, and during winter, various other species of ducks may be spotted on the lake. The
grassy marshes around the lake have king rail during the summer months. During spring and
summer, the woods around the lake are good for eastern phoebe, summer tanager, great-cres-
ted flycatcher, yellow-throated warbler, red-shouldered hawk, and broad-winged hawk.
Yellow-throated Warbler
To reach Chewalla Lake, take Marshall County Road 634 north from US 78 in the com-
munity of Lake Center, a few miles east of the town of Holly Springs. Coming from the west
(Holly Springs), there is sometimes no sign to mark the turn; there is usually a sign on the
other side of the road marking the way to the lake for travelers coming from the east (Hick-
ory Flat). If you are coming from the east, note your mileage at the intersection of US 78 and
SH 349 in Potts Camp; after 5.4 miles, you reach the turn to the right (north) onto Marshall
County Road 634. Go three miles; turn right onto Forest Road 611, and the lake is just over a
mile ahead.
Another good lake and forest area for birders to check out is the Puskus Lake area east of
Oxford. Less developed than Chewalla Lake, Puskus has plenty of quiet spots and only tent
camping is available; many of these camping sites have wonderful views of the sunset over
