Tucked into the southeast corner of Chattanooga is the 130-acre Elise Chapin Sanctuary or Audubon Acres. Karen and I spent an afternoon walking the grounds to take in the exquisite fall colors.
Robert Sparks Walker was born in the Spring Frog Cabin in 1878. He founded the Chattanooga Audubon Society in 1944 to preserve this pristine property and is buried on the land he loved.
The cabin was built in the 1700’s and named for Cherokee Chief “Too-an-Tuh” or “Spring Frog.” It is part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
There are four-miles of hiking trails with labels on many of the native trees and plants with their names in English and Cherokee.
The Wildlife Sanctuary borders the south side of Chickamauga Creek. The water’s many natural curves allows floaters to travel a mile within the property.
Hiking trails along both sides of Chickamauga Creek provide lovely views of the slow-moving water.
Audubon Acres is a private property, Chattanooga’s oldest Wildlife Sanctuary and offers educational opportunities for groups of all ages to learn about the native plants, animals and people.
Walker Hall is available for group reservations and houses “Avian Jewels” the world’s largest collection of bird egg replicas.
Audubon Acres receives no tax dollars and operates on $6 admission fees or yearly memberships. It’s an oasis in the city that provides a peaceful respite and encourages conservation and education to prolong Tennessee’s beautiful outdoors.