Old Hickory Lake - Lock 5 Refuge

Directions: Travel on Hwy 231 north of Lebanon and just after crossing the Cumberland River, there is an access road on the right (east side).  Access on the east side of Hwy 231-  Lat-Long: 36.30374, -86.26255  North Dickerson Chapel Rd access- Lat-Long: 36.30789, -86.23384   South Dickerson Chapel Rd access-  Lat-Long: 36.30298, -86.23336

The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, with access dependent on hunting seasons.   The refuge is closed to all trespass from November 15th through the last day of February.  License fees may apply.

TWRA Contact Information: Region 2 Office: 1-615-781-6622, Toll-Free: 1-800-624-7406, E-mail the office, TWRA Area Manager: Michael Bobel 1-615-444-6673

Description: The WMA is located in Trousdale and Wilson Counties Tennessee, is approximately 900 acres and consists of a tree-lined river and creek banks with cultivated fields that are subject to flooding in the winter.  The main waterfowl area consists of five ponds totaling around 41 acres (1 acre, 1 acre, 7 acres, 12 acres, and 20 acres) on the north side of the Cumberland River at the Hunter's Point Bridge.  These ponds are planted in milo (millet if the season is wet and planting is delayed) and flooded in the fall to provide a refuge for waterfowl in the winter.

Some other areas have gates that can be closed to retain rainfall to provide other wet sites.  Gravel roads for driving and walking are available at these locations.  Waterfowl are abundant in winter with Mallards being the most common species.  Mid-winter counts average >2000 individuals annually.  American Coots are also very common in the area.