Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Nickajack Cave National Wildlife Refuge, located in Marion County, Tennessee, is a sanctuary for various wildlife species, notably serving as a crucial roosting site for the gray bat, an endangered species. The refuge covers a small area surrounding Nickajack Cave, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River. Historically, this cave was significant in Native American culture and later in the 18th century, it became notable during the Civil War. The refuge provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly bat migration during the summer months. The area lacks formal hiking trails but offers a natural setting for those keen on birding, photography, and quiet reflection. Visitors are often drawn to see the spectacle of thousands of bats emerging from the cave at dusk. Access to the cave itself is restricted to protect the bat population, but there is a viewing area for watchers to observe this natural event. The refuge caters mainly to day visitors, offering limited amenities but rewarding those who venture here with an intimate look at a unique ecological habitat.
