The perfect place to enjoy Tennessee’s great outdoors is Laurel Hill Wildlife Management Area, where 14,000+ acres are available for fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and more.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Blue and Channel Catfish at the 325-acre Laurel Hill Lake and 22-acre VFW Lake. Laurel Hill Lake includes a youth-only fishing area for 16 and under, and both have handicap-accessible piers.
Laurel Hill Bait & Deli, at the larger lake, offers Tennessee fishing licenses, bait and tackle, and picnic supplies. Boats are there to rent or you can bring your own trolling-motor powered vessel.
Wooded and open areas are home to wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and rabbits. Specific areas are set aside for hunting during appropriate seasons.
Over 30 miles of horseback riding trails pass through woods and meadows, along Laurel Hill Lake, and the Little Buffalo River. Horses are also allowed on all roads open to motorized vehicles. Trails are accessible from three parking lots dedicated to trucks and horse trailers.
Tennessee’s Watchable Wildlife website sings the praises of Laurel Hill’s birdwatching opportunities. Migratory birds spend warmer months there; the Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, and Eastern Bluebird are year-round residents.
Laurel Hill also offers plenty of picnic spots with views of the lake, and primitive camping areas for a closer experience with nature.
