Reelfoot Lake in Autumn

Reelfoot Lake is a shallow natural lake located in the northwest portion of Tennessee. Much of it is really more of a swamp, with bayou-like ditches (some natural, some man-made) connecting more open bodies of water called basins, the largest of which is called Blue Basin. Reelfoot Lake is noted for its bald cypress trees and its nesting pairs of bald eagles. It is the site of Reelfoot Lake State Park.

Reelfoot Lake was formed when the region subsided during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. Several eyewitnesses reported that the Mississippi River flowed backward for 10–24 hours to fill the lake. The earthquakes resulted in several major changes in the landforms over a widespread area with shocks being felt as far away as Quebec.

This fall color view of Cypress trees in the lake was taken from a boat ramp near the Air Park area of the State Park.

Bald Eagle at Reelfoot Lake

There are quite a few Bald Eagles that have taken residence at this popular Tennessee state park. They also have a few at the visitor center, such as the one seen here.

Fiberglass Crappie at Reelfoot Lake

Located at Kirby Pocket at Reelfoot Lake in Obion County is this large fiberglass Crappie. Dating back to the 1970s, it could use a fresh coat of paint.

Reelfoot Lake in Autumn

Reelfoot Lake is a shallow natural lake located in the northwest portion of Tennessee. Much of it is really more of a swamp, with bayou-like ditches (some natural, some man-made) connecting more open bodies of water called basins, the largest of which is called Blue Basin. Reelfoot Lake is noted for its bald cypress trees and its nesting pairs of bald eagles. It is the site of Reelfoot Lake State Park.

Reelfoot Lake was formed when the region subsided during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. Several eyewitnesses reported that the Mississippi River flowed backward for 10–24 hours to fill the lake. The earthquakes resulted in several major changes in the landforms over a widespread area with shocks being felt as far away as Quebec.

This fall color view of Cypress trees in the lake was taken from a boat ramp near the Air Park area of the State Park.