Cheatham Lake WMA

Directions: Hudgen's Slough: Travel southwest on Hwy 49 for 2.4 miles and turn right at the Bluff Creek Launching Ramp site. Lat-Long: 36.1832, -87.1042 

Dyson Ditch: Go north on Hwy 12 for 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Chapmansboro Road at the Sycamore Creek Recreation Area sign. Go straight and continue over the bridge stay right on Chapmansboro Road for 4.6 miles and turn into the parking area at the Cheatham Reservoir WMA sign. Dyson Ditch and Pardue Pond are closed to all forms of trespass from early November through the last of February. Dyson's Ditch Refuge: Lat-Long: 36.1845, -87.0930

Cheatham Dam: Take Hwy 12 north 7.4 miles and turn left on Cheatham Dam Road. From here, travel 4.5 miles to the lock and dam.  Cheatham Lake - Lat-Long: 36.1912, -87.1321

The Bicentennial Trail (3.7-mile-long trail, mostly paved) runs along the edge of the WMA and is accessible via several access points in the WMA.

The WMA is open during daylight hours, some access points are 6 am to 10 pm.  It is open year-round, however, some sites are closed to the public from 15 November through the last day of February, while other areas should just be avoided during hunting seasons.  License fees may apply.

TWRA Contact Information: Region 2 Office: 615-781-6622, Toll-Free: 1-800-624-7406, E-mail the office

Description: Approximately 5,200 acres are primarily managed for wintering waterfowl.  Many sportsmen harvest deer and turkey as well.  Prescribed fire is used annually throughout WMA. Cheatham Lake is a large body of open water, with various sloughs and marshes connecting to the main water body. Pine and hardwood forests are on higher ground and accessible via roads.

Cheatham WMA consists of primarily upland hardwood forests with some pine stands present. There are also open fields, scrub-shrub, and food plots where wildlife may congregate. In addition to the sites listed above, there are other units of Cheatham Lake WMA.  Camping, picnicking, restrooms, and boat launching are available at Cheatham Lock and Dam.

Cheatham Lake supports abundant waterfowl in winter, including Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Black Duck, Gadwall, among others. In wet fields in winter, you can find Horned Larks, Swamp Sparrows, and American Pipits. Pine stands to support Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and rarely Long-eared Owls in winter. Cliff Swallows nest on Cheatham Dam in summer.  Bald Eagles have nested in the area for many years and are seen year-round at Cheatham Lake.