Maclellan Island is a privately owned (by the Chattanooga Audubon Society river-island that
is maintained as a wildlife sanctuary. This Island is a habitat for
muskrat, beavers, and river otters, who build their dens in burrows
at the water's edge.
This cache will be found in a D-con container (a waterproof
plastic box about the size of a kitchen match box) near, but above,
the shoreline. Stay back from the water's edge because it is, after
all, a habitat for wildlife.
This is another in a series of caches placed on Maclelland
Island with the express permission and blessing of the Society:
Watch for holes and burrows. Admire the view of the Hunter Art
Museum on the bluffs beyond. See if you can spot one of the iron
rings at various points on the bluffs. These were used by
riverboats in the mid 1800's to tie-up while they waited to dock at
Ross's Landing (the original name of Chattanooga).
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; Call 423-899-1499.) 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!