Maclellan Island
Chattanooga Audubon Society
900 North Sanctuary Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
900 North Sanctuary Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In 1954, Robert J. Maclellan gave the 18.8 acres island to the
Chattanooga Audubon Society to be used as a wildlife sanctuary.
The Island is located in the middle of the Tennessee River in the
downtown area of Chattanooga. Veterans Bridge crosses over
the downstream third of the Island. Prior to 1954, the Island was
farmed. The vegetation on the Island is comprised of hardwood
trees, many species of vines, a colony of river cane, and some
wildflowers. A two-mile loop hiking trail follows the perimeter of the
Island. At the upstream end of the Island is a Great Blue Heron
rookery. A unique feature of the Island is the existence of a rain
shadow desert, the result of Veterans Bridge crossing the Island.
Facilities located on Maclellan Island
Enclosed Shelter: A concrete block building with a fireplace
serves as an overnight shelter for Boy and Girl Scout troops or
other groups that stay on the Island. There are no utilities
associated with this structure. A picnic area with five picnic tables
and two benches are next to the shelter.
Observation Platform: An observation platform exists next to the
Great Blue Heron rookery, which enables visitors to get close to
the nesting area to observe the colony in action. The capacity of
the platform is 25 individuals.
Boat Dock: A boat dock pier exists at the downstream end of the
Island. The dock is steel construction in order to withstand
floodwaters and is elevated so that commercial tour boats can
load and unload visitors on the Island.
How To Get There
A reciprocal agreement with Chattanooga Ducks, Inc., provides
visitors with an opportunity to view the Island from boat.
Scheduled tours run by the Ducks include a slow transit to the
Island from close inshore. Contact Chattanooga Ducks, Inc., for
current schedule and fees. The Ducks are located at the corner
of 5th and Broad Streets in downtown Chattanooga. They can be
reached at 423-756-DUCK (3825). Please contact the
Chattanooga Audubon Society at 423-892-1499 prior to calling
the Chattanooga Ducks for transportation to the island.
Chattanooga Audubon Society to be used as a wildlife sanctuary.
The Island is located in the middle of the Tennessee River in the
downtown area of Chattanooga. Veterans Bridge crosses over
the downstream third of the Island. Prior to 1954, the Island was
farmed. The vegetation on the Island is comprised of hardwood
trees, many species of vines, a colony of river cane, and some
wildflowers. A two-mile loop hiking trail follows the perimeter of the
Island. At the upstream end of the Island is a Great Blue Heron
rookery. A unique feature of the Island is the existence of a rain
shadow desert, the result of Veterans Bridge crossing the Island.
Facilities located on Maclellan Island
Enclosed Shelter: A concrete block building with a fireplace
serves as an overnight shelter for Boy and Girl Scout troops or
other groups that stay on the Island. There are no utilities
associated with this structure. A picnic area with five picnic tables
and two benches are next to the shelter.
Observation Platform: An observation platform exists next to the
Great Blue Heron rookery, which enables visitors to get close to
the nesting area to observe the colony in action. The capacity of
the platform is 25 individuals.
Boat Dock: A boat dock pier exists at the downstream end of the
Island. The dock is steel construction in order to withstand
floodwaters and is elevated so that commercial tour boats can
load and unload visitors on the Island.
How To Get There
A reciprocal agreement with Chattanooga Ducks, Inc., provides
visitors with an opportunity to view the Island from boat.
Scheduled tours run by the Ducks include a slow transit to the
Island from close inshore. Contact Chattanooga Ducks, Inc., for
current schedule and fees. The Ducks are located at the corner
of 5th and Broad Streets in downtown Chattanooga. They can be
reached at 423-756-DUCK (3825). Please contact the
Chattanooga Audubon Society at 423-892-1499 prior to calling
the Chattanooga Ducks for transportation to the island.