Quick Info
Address and Phone:
1610 Big Gully Road
Maryville, TN 37801
Email: Ask.TWRA@tn.gov
Phone: (865) 856-8691
Kyker Bottoms Refuge
City: Maryville, TN
Region: East Tennessee
Subregion: Knoxville & Middle East
Kyker Bottoms Refuge is a 350-acre area in southern Blount County owned and managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It lies along Nine Mile Creek a few miles west of Tellico Lake and features fields, wetlands, and thickets managed primarily for small game and waterfowl.
For the birdwatcher, Kyker is one of the best places in the East Tennessee area from fall through spring for a large variety of hawks, sparrows, and, depending on water conditions, waterfowl and shorebirds. Rare birds recorded at Kyker include Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, LeConte's Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird.
Kyker Bottoms Refuge is closed to all entry from November 1 through February 14. During this period, use of the hilltop observation platform and parking areas along Garland Road is allowed. Many birds can be seen and heard from these locations, making for an easy birding trip for those with mobility limitations.
From Knoxville or points west via I-40: Take I-140 south to US 129. Then take US 129 south past the Knoxville airport. A few miles past the Knoxville airport, US 129 merges with US 411. Continue south on US 129/411 to a stoplight at which the highways split. Turn left, staying on US 129 South for 7.5 miles to the intersection with Garland Road on the right. Turn right (east) onto Garland Road. The refuge property starts on the right in about 0.8 miles.
From the east on I-40: Exit at US 129-Alcoa Highway and stay on US 129 towards the Knoxville airport. Follow above directions.
From the south on I-75: Take exit #60 (Madisonville, TN 68). Go right at the end of the ramp, onto TN 68. Follow to US 411 and go north on US 411. After crossing over Tellico Lake, take a right on TN 72. At the fork in the road, go right onto Kyker Road or go left onto Big Gully Road and turn into the paved parking lot.
Get turn-by-turn direction using the interactive map above.
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Upcoming events
Date: May 26, 2012
Laurel Dale Cemetery Lantern Tour
Location: Rugby, TN
Date: May 26, 2012
Lightening Bug Tour
Location: Clinton, TN
Date: Apr 27, 2012 - May 27, 2012
ASA Pro/AM Archery Tournament
Location: Oak Ridge, TN
Date: May 25, 2012 - May 27, 2012
White Knuckle Event 2012
Location: Huntsville, TN
See more May events »
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