March 11      West TN Woodland Hike

Join us for an afternoon hike on the 3-mile Woodland Trail. The hike is moderate to strenuous and goes up and down a number of rolling hills though a bottomland forest. Participants will learn about the colorful local history and see some champion trees. Reservations are required. Learn more.

Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, 13 miles north of Memphis, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails as well as one of the largest disc-golf courses in the Southeast. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Mississippi River. Deer, turkey, beaver, fox, otter and bobcat are plentiful. Over 200 species of songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey, including the American Bald Eagle can be seen; the area is a favorite for bird watchers.

The Meeman Museum and Nature Center is named for Edward J. Meeman, courageous conservation editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers who helped establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Biking

There is a scenic 5-mile paved bicycle trail that meanders through heavy forest, and can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Many cyclists use the park roads for extended riding.

Boating

There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.

Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office

Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River

A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Cabins

Meeman Shelby has six two-bedroom vacation cabins situated along the shore of Poplar Tree Lake in a heavily wooded section of the park. These cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping and food preparation. Linens are provided. They are ideal for family vacations or fishing parties and sleep up to six people in each. Reservations should be made in advance through the visitor center.

Cabins can accommodate six people, and are equipped with a VCR, television and linens. Kitchens are fully equipped, there is a fireplace and wood is furnished during the winter months. There is a double bed and two twin beds in each cabin along with two roll-out beds.

Cabins can be reserved up to one year in advance and are usually booked up to three weeks in advance. Cabin is available to accommodate pets for an additional charge. Contact the park for details. To make reservations: 800-471-5293

Cabins available that are accessible to persons with a disability

Camping

The park campground provides 49 campsites equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups. A modern bathhouse provides hot showers. There is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs. Sites are available on a first-come, first served basis, however reservations may be made well in advance through the visitor center. Maximum stay limit is two weeks.

Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215

Events

Guided deep swamp canoe floats are held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
A guided 1.5-mile hike is held every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, June, on TWRA FREE Fishing Day.

Fishing

There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.

Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office

Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River

A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Group Camping

There are two group camps at Meeman Shelby. The groups camps are available to youth groups and can accommodate up to 140 (Piersol Group Camp) and 100 (Mississippi River Group Camp) persons. They consist of a large dining hall fully equipped for food preparation and serving, clusters of group cabins, bathhouses and one with a swimming pool. Campers need only provide linens, food, medical and sanitary supplies and staff. At Piersol Group Camp, bathroom facilities are attached to the bunkhouse and there are 4 showers. At the Mississippi River Group Camp, there are separate showers and restrooms.

Group camps are available from April through October, the camps are rented by the week only during the summer months, and on week-ends at other times. Reservations should be made well in advance through the visitor center.

Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215

Hiking

Meeman-Shelby Forest offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails that meander throughout the park. The 5-mile paved Bicycle Trail is also accessible to persons with a disability and strollers. Hikers will enjoy the approximately 8-mile, wooded Chickasaw Bluff Trail while easy, shorter jaunts can be enjoyed on the Pioneer Springs Trail and Woodland Trail. The 8-mile Horse Trail is open for horses and hikers. The trail meanders along a bluff with the largest loop overlooking Poplar Tree Lake. Trail maps are available at the visitors center. Please abide by the rules and regulations particular to the trails. Trails are open year round, although some trails located in the Mississippi River bottoms are off limits during managed hunts.

Horseback Riding

The 8-mile Horse Trail is open for horses and hikers. The trail meanders along a bluff with the largest loop overlooking Poplar Tree Lake. Rental horses are not available. Visitors must bring their own horse.

Picnic Facilities

There are 300 picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park. Each is conveniently located near restrooms, water fountains and playgrounds. Several picnic shelters are available for rent for large family and other group gatherings. 7 picnic pavilions available

The recreation lodge facility is an air conditioned building with chairs and tables that can accommodate up to 100 people.

For reservation information call: 901-876-5215

Swimming

The pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes mid-August. All park public pools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, except Holiday weeks. Cabin and camping guests will pay half price for admission to the pool. Contact the park for exact closing dates as they vary season to season.

Nature Center

Nature Center Hours:
March-May: Saturday & Sunday 1pm-5pm
May-October: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1pm-5pm
October-March: Sunday 1pm-5pm

Exhibits include live snakes, fish aquarium, stuffed animal exhibit, a touch table and a Native American exhibit.

Special programs at the center include live birds of prey and reptile programs, making bird feeders, homemade ice cream, nature videos, deep swamp canoe trips and pontoon boat rides.

Disc Golf Course

The park has one of the largest and most beautiful disc-golf courses in the Southeast. The 36-hole, wooded course is divided into two 18-hole courses that offer beginners and advanced players a challenging game. Disc golf accessories are available at stores near the park.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome.

Accessibility
The swimming pool, at least one cabin and the group camp are accessible to persons with a disability.