TENNESSEE WILDLIFE VIEWING TRAIL » East Tennessee

Whites Mill Refuge

Site Directions: From the intersection of TN 321 and S Washington St at Maryville College, continue east 0.6 miles. At the light at the bottom of the hill turn right on Tuckaleechee Pike. Continue 3 mi and turn right on Whites Mill Rd. After 1.6 miles Whites Mill Rd turns to the right. Follow this 0.4 miles to the bottom. The refuge is on the left before you cross the bridge. There is a pull-off on the right or room for 1 or 2 cars at the entrance. Don't block the gate.
Lat-Long: 35.73429, -83.88277
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality: Closed to all forms of trespass from 15 Nov to the last day of February, but this may vary year to year.
Fees: none

Site Description: This 52 acre tract of agricultural land has been managed for wintering waterfowl by TWRA partnering with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Hunting is not allowed, except for bullfrog gigging during specified times. A dike surrounds the periphery and one cuts across the middle. You may need to step through wet areas to access the dike from the entrance. The dike may only be mowed once a year and has been too grown up to walk in the fall. By walking the dike, visitors can walk around the wetlands and view the wildlife.

Wildlife to Watch: Marsh birds predominate: Breeders likely include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Red-shouldered Hawk, Eastern Screech-Owl, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Indigo Buntings. Transients noted include American Bittern, Sedge Wren and Prairie Warbler. The habitat looks promising for Sora, Virginia Rail and Willow Flycatcher. Many species of amphibians and odonates have been seen and heard.

NOTE: Please refer to TWRA Hunting Guide about hunting seasons and public access dates. Access dates vary by site.

For more information:

Ducks Unlimited wetland restoration information

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