Soddy Lake
Site Directions: Take Highway 27 N or Highway 153 N; travel 15 miles north of 27/153 intersection to northern Hixson Pike exit, turn left. Turn right at light and lake is on the right. Pull well off the road onto shoulder before exiting car.
Lat: 35.289278°N Long: -85.152025°W
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none
Site Description: This embayment is part of Chickamauga Lake a few miles north of Chattanooga. The access at Soddy Lake provides views of open water habitats. Views of the lake can be made from the east and west side of Hwy 153.
Wildlife to Watch: Fall and winter provide the best birdwatching as many species of waterbirds can be seen in the shallow waters and mudflats on the west side of Highway 27 as it passes over the lake. When the water is low in spring and fall, shorebirds may be present on the mudflats. At sunrise on winter mornings Bald Eagles might be viewed as they leave a roosting area in a gorge to the west. On the east side of highway is a reliable place for Ruddy Ducks throughout the winter. In summer Cliff Swallow nest beneath a bridge on the causeway.
For more information:
Chattanooga Chapter of Tennessee Ornithological Society site description
Submit your data to eBird and help us build a list of birds seen at this site
Be sure to check out our Safety Tips page for important information regarding viewing wildlife in these areas.
