Winged Deer Park
Site Directions: From Johnson City take Hwy 11-E toward Bristol. After passing the intersection with TN 381, continue for 2 miles, then turn left onto Carroll Creek Road (just before crossing the Devault Bridge over Boone Lake). In 0.4 mile turn either right into the boat launch parking lot or left into a short drive to the woodland parking lot.
Wooded Lot Parking area -
Lat-Long: 36.39216, -82.36841
Boat Ramp Parking - Lat-Long: 36.39328, -82.3604
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality: year round, although spring and fall migration seasons are the best
Fees: none
Site Description: This park is located on the outskirts of north Johnson City. In addition to numerous athletic fields and lakeshore recreation facilities, there is a nice wooded area with paved and dirt trails, including a disc golf course. Walk the woodland trails and the disc golf course to cover the greatest variety of habitat. Early morning is best, especially on weekends, as the park may get crowded. Restrooms are available at the boat ramp.
Wildlife to Watch: A wide variety of woodland and shrub-edge birds occur in season. During spring and fall migration, watch for warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, flycatchers, cuckoos, and others. Nesting species include Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-throated and White-eyed Vireo, Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, Summer and Scarlet Tanager. Winter residents include Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, both kinglets, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
At the boat launch area, Osprey and occasionally Bald Eagle may be seen, while Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher are regular. Both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles nest in the tall trees near the picnic shelter next to the boat ramp.
For more information:
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Winged Deer Park
Information for this site page was generously provided by Rick Knight.
Be sure to check out our Safety Tips page for important information regarding viewing wildlife in these areas.