Lake Isom NWR
Abour 3 miles due south of Reelfoot Lake Tiptonville, TNDirections and Description
Site Directions: To access the north end of the refuge, from Tiptonville, take TN Highway 21 east to Greasy Lane (near the southernmost point of Reelfoot Lake). Turn south on Greasy Lane and follow this road to the refuge. An observation tower is located near the end of the road. Lat-Long: 36.2984, -89.4195
To access the south end of the refuge, take TN Highway 78 south from Tiptonville for about 7 to 8 miles. Look for a sign directing you east to the refuge (about a mile north of the town of Ridgely). Turn east on Madie Road at the sign and follow this road and Madie Thompson Road to the refuge at the end of Lake Isom Road. Sign on TN Highway 78 about 1 mile north of Ridgely.
Access is difficult going into the heart of the area, and is possible only by boat. There is a boat launch at the south end of the area.
The NWR is open year-round please note TWRA hunting seasons. License fees fees may apply.
TWRA Contact Information: Region 1 Office: 1-731-423-5725, Toll-Free: 1-800-372-3928, E-mail the office
The refuge was created in 1938 and the habitat present resulted from the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811 and 1812.
Site Description: The refuge consists of about 1850 acres of cultivated farmland, bottomland forests, cypress swamps, and open water. The NWR may contain concentrations of ducks, geese, raptors, wading birds, and shorebirds at different times of the year. Bald Eagle and Osprey nests are present.
