Cotton Creek Marsh Nature Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Fox Trail Park Converse Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cotton Creek Marsh Nature Preserve is a beautiful wetland area located in the state of Tennessee.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and hikers. The preserve covers an area of over 600 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Some good reasons to visit Cotton Creek Marsh Nature Preserve include its tranquil and serene environment, its diverse range of flora and fauna, and the opportunity to see rare and endangered species such as the prothonotary warbler, which is a type of songbird that nests in the area.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at the preserve include the observation platforms, which offer stunning views of the wetlands and the wildlife that inhabits them. Visitors can also enjoy hiking along the various trails that wind through the marsh, or take a guided tour to learn more about the ecology of the area.
Interesting facts about Cotton Creek Marsh Nature Preserve include that it is one of the largest remaining wetlands in Tennessee, and it is home to over 180 species of birds, including several that are rare or endangered.
The best time of year to visit the preserve is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the birds are migrating through the area. However, the preserve is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different experiences depending on the season.
Overall, Cotton Creek Marsh Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the beauty of Tennessee's wetlands.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
The Hollows Conservation Area campground
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Camp Reinberg
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Mud Lake West
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Fox Trail Park
Converse Park
Bates Fen Nature Preserve
Grek Park
Fox River Valley Gardens