Experience Reelfoot in the Fall

Story by Chelsea-Catherine Croom. Photography courtesy of Blue Bank Resort.

Tucked high in the northwest corner of Tennessee, lies one of the country’s, if not the world’s, most beautiful landscapes. It is unique in its beauty, wildlife and topography. But, perhaps the most unique of all, it’s story.

Reelfoot Lake was created in the winter of 1811-1812 when a series of powerful and ferocious earthquakes, followed by aftershocks, caused 15,000 acres of cypress forest to sink. The nearby waters of the Mississippi washed rapidly to the depression of land.

Many stories have been told of the way the water looked while rushing to the basin of new lake, how it seemed to flow backwards and how it’s difficult to tell where the water truly begins and ends. One thing is for sure, the entire series of events was dramatic, shocks were felt as far away as Washington, D.C. nearly 900 miles away, changing the landscape along the New Madrid fault line drastically. Rivers changed course and land slid in great quantities. Fallen trees formed massive logjams, islands were created and subsequently demolished and great holes were opened in the earth.

Standing along the great body of water’s banks today and gazing into the bayou-like landscape, it is easy to see the beauty brought on by the literal earth-shattering change that occurred over two centuries ago.

The lands brim with abundant life. Bald cypress trees erect out of the shallow waters toward the sky, attracting a myriad of animals, including hundreds of bald eagles who call the lake home. They find plentiful food year round, especially in the winter when migratory birds like ducks and geese make their way to the area. During the upcoming cold months, you’ll find hundreds of eagles perched high in the tip-top branches along the lake.

Visitors come from all over the country to witness the beauty of these majestic birds of prey, typically about 100 nesting pairs. Bald eagles mate for life, and each pair often uses the same nest again and again.

Tourism is the main source of income for Lake County, where Reelfoot is located, and Bre Roser, the events and marketing director for Blue Bank Resort, says they like to think of their establishment as “the swiss army knife of resorts.”

Their resort features five acres and 750 feet of waterfront right on the lake’s bank, and the resort is rich in history and family tradition.

Bird-watchers from all over, along with hunters, fishermen, families, garden enthusiasts, butterfly lovers and even kayakers find plenty of activities to support a full getaway while still feeling relaxed from the beautiful and peaceful environment.

Fishermen delight in the ideal pan fishing the lake offers for crappie, bass and bluegill, and hunters look forward all year to coming to Reelfoot to take advantage of the plentiful deer and duck populations. Even folk hero Davy Crockett, known as the “King of the Wild Frontier” spent long periods of time in the area long ago trapping and hunting, making camp on Bluebank Bayou.

Much like the winged bright flits of kinetic color, visitors flock to the upper west corner of the state to watch in awe of the beautiful creatures. Located along the monarch migration trail, the area also boasts an ever-expanding half-acre butterfly garden, rich with beautiful blooms and active with gorgeous butterflies.

Roser also adds that the resort “prides [them]selves in offering fresh fruits and vegetables grown onsite, as well as partnering with many local farmers and growers for a fresh farm-to-table dining experience.”

Blue Bank has a full service restaurant and bar with indoor & outdoor seating options so guests can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views on the water’s edge.

“We know you’ll find, when it comes to lodging, fine dining, clean, affordable facilities, and fishing and hunting...there’s no better outfitter on Reelfoot Lake.”

Blue Bank also offers professionally guided boat tours at $325 per day for two people. It is said that boat is the best way to get the truest experience of the area. In the guided tours, guests are provided all needed to fish the lake.

“It’s impossible for us to explain its natural beauty,” Roser finished. “It truly is a hidden gem in West Tennessee.”

Blue Bank Resort is located at 813 Lake Drive in Hornbeak, Tennessee. You can reach them by phone at (877) 258-3226 or by their website at www.bluebankresort.com.