S S n Stark Count Stark County

Meander along the Meander along the Canal Country Wine Canal Country Wine Trail. Trail.

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Enjoy bike trails and Enjoy bike trails and waterways and refresh along waterways and refresh along the way at Dragonfly Winery the way at Dragonfly Winery and Cherry Road Winery. and Cherry Road Winery.

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Relax on the farm at Maize Relax on the farm at Maize Valley Winery & Brewery. Valley Winery & Brewery. Continue on to the on to the Adirondack inspired Lost Adirondack inspired Lost Trail Winery for more fresh Trail Winery for more fresh autumn air, live music, and autumn air, live music, and wine. wine. n n

Escape for a luxurious spa Escape for a spa retreat at Gervasi Vineyard retreat at Gervasi Vineyard Winery & Resort, and save Winery & Resort, and save time to visit nearby Forever time to visit nearby Forever Craft Urban Winery. Craft Urban Winery.

Quake Lake

REELFOOT LAKE

TIPTONVILLE, TENNESSEE

Tucked into the far northwest corner of Tennessee lies Reelfoot Lake, an unassuming, 15,000-acre expanse of water with a big history. Earthquakes in the region during 1811 and 1812 were so violent they sank a lowland cypress swamp in the area, causing the Mississippi River to reverse course and ll the basin.

Gnarly cypress trees, some predating the earthquakes, rise around the lake, while others are submerged in the shallows — their vegetation creating a great habitat for crappie and bluegill to ourish. For more than a century, Reelfoot Lake has attracted anglers and waterfowl hunters, but visitors have discovered a whole new reason to explore: It is a prime spot for bald eagles.

Pollution from the insecticide DDT eliminated almost all nesting bald eagles in the Lower 48 states by the 1960s, but a few would spend the winter here. ey were such a rarity that Reelfoot Lake State Park initiated eagle tours in 1973. A hacking program (human–assisted hatching and rearing of eagles) began in 1981, and those eagles saw this area as their home. Park rangers estimate there are 40 nests on the lake and approximately 150 nearby, making it a great location for eager birders. e state park o ers eagle tours by van and bus in January and February and organizes an eagle festival the rst week of February. Fishing guides become eagle guides in winter to lead visitors through the tour, sharing knowledge about the birds and showing o the best places to spot them.

Lodging choices on the lake are modest. Campers will nd two campgrounds at the park that have electricity. For something cozier, cabins at the state park are available as well as rooms at privately owned locations in the area. Reelfoot Lake State Park: 2595 Highway 21 E., Tiptonville, Tennessee 38079, 731/885-5455, tnstateparks.com — Tom Adkinson