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Situated 13 miles north of Memphis, Meeman-Shelby preserves one of the last significant canopy forests left along the Mississippi River. Two-thirds of the 12,867-acre park are covered by bottomland hardwoods, including large oak, cypress and tulip poplar.
These woodlands, situated along a major migratory route for neotropical songbirds, offer such high-quality cover that birders have counted more than 200 species in the forest.
Among them is wild turkey, so well-established here that the park has supplied birds for restocking other areas in the state.
Plenty of trails lead hikers close to wildlife. There are 20 miles of trails through a variety of terrains, including the bluffs that overlook the mighty Mississippi. A three-mile paved trail is shared by cyclists, hikers and wheelchair users.
The park is named for Edward J. Meeman, a journalist who championed conservation efforts that included the establishment of this park and the Smoky Mountain National Park.
Piersol Lake, at 12 acres, is used by rowers and anglers, who try for bream, bass and catfish. Poplar Tree Lake, covering 132 acres, is open for bass, crappie, and bream fishing. It offers a nature center.
There is a boat ramp on the Mississippi. Canoeing is by reservation. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is open in summer.
Campers find six cabins and 49 campsites with water and electricity. There is a trailer dump station at the park and a store within a mile of the entrance.
Outdoor Activities |
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers two lakes, as well as a boat ramp on the Mississippi River.
Picnickers enjoy their day at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.
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