When the Veteran's Bridge was built in the 90's, Maclellan Island
was used as an anchor for some of its abutments. This created an
unusual environmental feature called a "rain shadow." In a strip
about 100 feet wide across the island, there's almost no rain,
creating near-desert conditions just in this one strip. You can
even find small cactus here. This location has been used as a study
site by environmental scientists.
Note: even though the coordinates coincide with the
highway over the bridge, the cache is on the island and
cannot be accessed from the roadway! Maclellan Island
is a primitive river island in the middle of the Tennessee River,
privately owned by the Chattanooga Audubon Society and maintained as a
wildlife sanctuary.
This is one of a series of caches placed on the Island with the
express permission and blessing of the Society: they want to build
awareness of this unique island preserve, and they want to
encourage you to go there! There is no admission fee for day use,
but you must obtain a permit from the Society before you go. (Call
423-892-1499.) Please note also that other caches may be placed
here only by permission.
The Island is only accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak: it is a
designated stop on the Tennessee River Blueway. Commercial
transportation can be arranged with the Chattanooga Ducks or the
Chattanooga Water Taxi. There's a permanent (non-floating) metal
dock with railings at the southeast end of the island, and there is
a mud beach with a canoe rack on the north side marked by a
prominent sign. The Island is about half a mile long with
well-marked and mapped trails, but there is no fresh water, no
electricity, and at the moment, no toilet facilities. Campsites are
being developed. There is an enclosed shelter building which can be
unlocked for school groups, Scout troops, and so forth; contact the
Society for information.
Remember that this is an uninhabited river island that is being
maintained in largely-natural condition as a wildlife sanctuary.
Children should be closely supervised. Bring insect repellant
during summer months.
