Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge: A Sanctuary for Bats and History
Discover a haven for endangered gray bats and a landmark steeped in history at Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge in New Hope, Tennessee.
Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge, near New Hope, TN, protects the endangered gray bat and offers a glimpse into a cave with a rich history. Partially flooded by the Nickajack Dam, the cave and surrounding area provide a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, from Native American shelter to Civil War saltpeter mining.
A brief summary to Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge
- Mapleview Rd, New Hope, Tennessee, 37380, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit between late April and early September to witness the evening emergence of gray bats from the cave.
- Bring binoculars for a better view of the bats and other wildlife.
- Consider a guided kayak tour for a unique perspective of the cave and its surroundings.
- The Maple View Day Use Area is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time from April through October.
Getting There
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Driving
From Chattanooga, take I-24 West to exit 161 for Haletown. Turn left onto TN-156 West. Continue for approximately 5 miles, and you will see Nickajack Cave across the water on your left. The Maple View Day Use Area, where the trail to the viewing platform begins, will be on your left immediately after passing the lake. Parking is available at the Maple View Recreation Area. Limited amenities are available.
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Public Transport
To reach Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge via public transportation, take a bus to Chattanooga, TN. From Chattanooga, you will need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to cover the remaining distance to Mapleview Rd, New Hope, TN. This portion of the trip typically costs between $20-$40, depending on the service and traffic.
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Paddling
For those arriving by boat, two boat launches on either end of the cave's inlet allow for easy access by paddle craft to the mouth of the cave, which provides the best vantage point for viewing the bats. A relatively short paddle from the Maple View Day Use Area boat ramp in New Hope. A slightly longer alternative trip would be to put in at the Cole City Creek boat ramp near Macedonia Baptist Church, on the opposite shore of the bay from Nickajack Cave.
Discover more about Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maple View Public Use Area
0.1 km
Explore the serene beauty of Maple View Public Use Area in New Hope, TN, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Tennessee/Alabama/Georgia Stateline Marker
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Marion County Park
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Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens
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Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse
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Historic Dual Railroad Tennessee River Bridge
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Haunted Old South Pittsburg Hospital Paranormal Research Center
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Lookout Winery Venue
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Russell Cave National Monument
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Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground
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Raccoon Mountain Chattanooga Overlook
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Common Table
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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CC's Antiques
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thread & ink
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Cornerstone Gifts
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Rock City
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Qualex Kodak
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Incline Gifts
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Mad Knight Brewing Company
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Southside Social
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Paloma Bar de Tapas
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Bar & Billiards Room
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Hair of the Dog Pub
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Exile
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Cabana's Night Club & Event Center
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Whiskey Thief
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Acapulco Bar
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Alan Gold's Discotheque
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Diamonds & Lace - Chattanooga Showbar
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