The Most Remote Urban Island In Tennessee Is A Must-Visit This Summer
By Chris Dodge|Published July 14, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Imagine this scene with me for a moment: the faint glow of the sun is barely visible on the horizon, and already the birds have risen. You get lost in the sound of hundreds of birds singing a glorious morning hymn. Accompanied by that is the soft calming sound of water gently lapping up along the shore. Now light begins to chase away the darkness, and along the water, you see mirrored reflections of the trees and the sky making for a beautiful display.
This sounds like a perfect morning and one you would find far away from all civilization, right? But no — what I am describing is only minutes away from our fourth biggest city in the state. You can camp on Maclellan Island in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and have the whole place to yourself. It is a dreamy must-see spot in the Volunteer State and a hidden gem right in plain sight.
Maclellan Island sits right in the middle of the mighty Tennessee River with two sides of the city on either side.
Chattanooga is pretty blessed with some incredible scenery already with the river, but the famous Lookout Mountain stands like an ancient guardian towering in the background. You possibly might have seen this island many times if you live in Chattanooga or frequent the city often, but you might not have ever given thought to the island itself. Maclellan Island is first and foremost a bird sanctuary, but there are many ways you can enjoy a trip out to this remote urban area.
The reason why I call it "remote" isn’t that this island is found miles and miles away from society, but because of its relative inaccessibility.
Many people could easily assume that Veterans Bridge provides an easy way to drive onto the island, but this bridge simply crosses over the island without any off-ramp leading down. In fact, there are no cars found on the island at all, because the only way you can get onto the island is by taking to the waters!
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Take your vessel of choice whether it is by boat, canoe, or kayak, but you'll navigate your way to the shore and what you will find when you arrive is a wholly different world than the busy city you left behind.
You see, the island is an important bird sanctuary, but you can easily consider this island oasis to be a sanctuary for people as well. You can leave all your cares on the shoreline of the urban jungle and step out onto a refuge from all busyness of life.
There is only one group of campers allowed on the island at a time, so if you would like to book a retreat for a large following of friends you can do that, or you can get away with your spouse for a romantic getaway on a private island. No one else will be staying on the island with you so you can have the whole place to yourself!
The unique and diverse ecosystem will allow you a great chance to see some fabulous wildlife. Catch glimpses of birds singing high in the trees, or see a scurrying possum make his way down the path; these sightings are a great way to immerse yourself in the animals' world. Meanwhile, you will only be minutes from the city, but the peace and quiet will lend itself to feeling a million miles away.
The unique experience of Maclellan Island in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a scenic sanctuary to get away from the busyness of life. You can enjoy the island for just the day or really make this a peaceful place for the night and reserve a night for a one-of-a-kind camping trip! To learn more, make sure to head on over to the Maclellan Island website.
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