Cordell Hull Waterfowl Refuge

Directions and Description

Site Directions:  Waterfowl Refuge- Lat-Long: 36.37586, -85.68865   Gainesboro- Head west on TN-53S/E Hull Ave (0.7 mi), Turn right onto TN-262W (1.3 mi), Turn right onto Free State Rd (1.2 mi), Main access will be on the left, travel 2.5 mi to second access just east of Edwin Smith Ln.

Hwy 56 Bridge- Lat-Long: 36.37810, -85.65331  Gainesboro- Head north on TN-56N (1.3 mi), Turn left onto TN-135N/TN-56N/TN-85W/Old Tennessee 85 W (0.4 mi), Access will be on the left.

Seasonality: Refuge is closed to all trespass from 15 November through the last day of February.

The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, with access dependent on hunting seasons.   License fees may apply.

TWRA Contact Information: Region 3 Office: 1-931-484-9571, Toll-Free:  1-833-402-4698, E-mail the office, TWRA Area Manager: Johnny Poston 1-615-342-9307

Waterfowl refuge consists of Army Corp of Engineer property adjacent to the Cumberland River primarily consisting of bottomland fields planted in annual and perennial food plots, along with early successional habitat. The refuge also contains manmade and naturally occurring seasonally flooded pools that support a diverse array of waterbirds, including waterfowl.

Regulations & Dates

Public use including all forms of trespass and hunting is prohibited from Nov. 15, 2024 - the last day of Feb. 2025, except as otherwise indicated.

All seasons are closed during refuge closure dates including dog training.

Public entry is permitted while on the main river channel passing through the refuge.

Fishing - by boat is allowed during refuge closure in marked river channels only.

Big game and Small Game -  same as statewide seasons, except as noted.

Deer - Closed after Nov. 14, 2024.

Quail - Closed.

Dog Training - Sept. 1, 2024 - March 15, 2025 daylight hours only. Closed to training during refuge closure dates.