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Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · TN
Hunting Guide

Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area is an expanse of nature's wild embrace, where the spirit of adventure thrives amidst rolling hills and dense woodlands. In the heart of Tennessee, this...

Wildlife Management Area17,0003+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

17,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a sprawling nature reserve in Tennessee, renowned for its diverse wildlife and rugged forested terrain.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area is located in the southern part of Tennessee, offering visitors a chance to explore over 17,000 acres of woodlands and diverse habitats. This area supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts and biologists. Historically, it has served as a crucial habitat for white-tailed deer, turkey, and small game, while also providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and bird-watching. The WMA is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to maintain sustainable wildlife populations and natural resources. The terrain here is characterized by steep ridges, forested coves, and rolling hills that provide habitat diversity. Hiking is a popular activity, with trails offering stunning views of the landscape and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bear Hollow Mountain also intrigues history buffs with its old homesteads and storytelling landscapes.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Sewanee Natural Bridge★ 7.8⌖ 10 miHiking
Sewanee Natural Bridge

Discover the Sewanee Natural Bridge

Explore Sewanee Natural Bridge, a natural arch situated near Sewanee, Tennessee. The moderate trails offer a rewarding experience for hikers and photographers. Best visited in spring and fall for comfortable weather and vibrant surroundings.

Buggy Top Cave Trailhead - Sherwood, TN Natural Gem★ 7.6⌖ 10 miHiking
Buggy Top Cave Trailhead

Buggy Top Cave Trailhead - Sherwood, TN Natural Gem

Located near Sherwood, TN, Buggy Top Cave Trailhead offers a moderate hike through native hardwood forest to a scenic limestone cave. Enjoy cave viewing, wildlife spotting, and forest photography in a quiet natural setting best visited in spring or fall.

Walls of Jericho⌖ 11 miHiking
Walls of Jericho

Walls of Jericho

Explore the 7-mile trail at Walls of Jericho near Hytop, Alabama. Known for its challenging terrain and stunning limestone formations, it's a hike for adventure seekers. Enjoy camping and bird watching along the way, best experienced in spring and fall.

Exploring the Walls of Jericho, Alabama★ 8.3⌖ 12 miHiking
Walls of Jericho Alabama Trailhead

Exploring the Walls of Jericho, Alabama

Explore this 6-mile round-trip trail near Estillfork, Alabama. Considered moderate due to rugged and steep terrain, it ends at a stunning limestone amphitheater. The trail offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing with beautiful seasonal waterfalls.

Hiking the Walls of Jericho Trail in Near Hytop★ 7.8⌖ 12 miHiking
Walls of Jericho Trail

Hiking the Walls of Jericho Trail in Near Hytop

Explore the 6.6-mile Walls of Jericho Trail near Hytop, Alabama. Known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking gorge, this hard trail is perfect for seasoned hikers. Enjoy waterfalls and wildlife with fewer crowds in spring or fall.

Discovering Franklin State Forest: A Natural Haven★ 8.2⌖ 14 miHiking
Franklin State Forest

Discovering Franklin State Forest: A Natural Haven

Explore the scenic Franklin State Forest, located near Sherwood, TN. Enjoy hiking through diverse terrains with trails suitable for various skill levels. This haven for nature lovers offers spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau amidst a peaceful environment.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Stunning views from the mountain peaks✦ Diverse wildlife, including deer and turkey✦ Historical sites with remnants of old homesteads✦ Serene forested trails ideal for bird watching
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideBear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Hunting in Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Embracing the Wilderness: Adventure Awaits in Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area, TN

Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area is an expanse of nature's wild embrace, where the spirit of adventure thrives amidst rolling hills and dense woodlands. In the heart of Tennessee, this sanctuary stretches across an impressive landscape that beckons both the seasoned hunter and the curious explorer alike. As you plan your journey into this beautiful and rugged terrain, imagine the sensation of cool dawn air brushing against your cheeks, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the gentle symphony of birds greeting a new day.

The landscape unfolds like a storybook filled with ancient trees standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time. As you make your way deeper into the forest, the scent of rich earth and the sharp tang of fallen leaves fill the air, invigorating your senses. This area, encompassing over 17,000 acres, provides a diverse hunting experience ranging from deer to turkeys and smaller game like rabbits and squirrels. The terrain is varied, with gently rolling hills transitioning into steep slopes, offering an abundance of options for hunters to test their skills.

Planning a hunting trip here rewards the meticulous adventurer. The area is well-managed and requires attention to proper preparations. Before setting out, ensure you have the appropriate permits, which can be conveniently acquired online or at local outlets. The choice of weapon—traditional archery, modern rifles, or muzzleloaders—can vary with the hunting seasons, so consult the latest regulations to synchronize your plans with the wildlife calendar.

Your pack shall become your best companion in these endeavors. It's crucial to prepare a well-stocked backpack: water bottles to stave off the exhaustion that accompanies even the most rewarding pursuits, lightweight yet nourishing snacks to fuel the body, and a small first-aid kit for unforeseen encounters. Comfortable and durable footwear is a necessity; trails might start soft and welcoming but can quickly transform as rocky corridors challenge your every step.

While hunting stands as the prime draw, the area's allure isn't confined to the pursuit of game. The natural world here is alive, almost breathing beside you. Trails provide an opportunity to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. With patience and keen observation, you might witness hawks gliding silently above, critters scurrying through the undergrowth, or deer leaping gracefully through the open spaces framed by towering treetops. Each sighting is a reminder of the delicate balance of this ecosystem, a world that operates both with and without human presence.

For those who linger, the area promises unforgettable sunsets that paint the skies in hues of crimson and amber, as the last light filters through a canopy of leaves and the air begins to cool. Whether your day concludes around a campfire, sharing tales of the day's adventures under a starlit sky, or in the comfort of a nearby lodge, the sense of accomplishment from a day spent in Bear Hollow’s embrace is evident.

As you consider embarking on this adventure, let the spirit of Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area kindle within you a longing for exploration. It calls to those who seek the thrill of the hunt, the serenity of nature, and an opportunity to connect deeply with the wilderness. The echoes of your journey, filled with both challenge and tranquility, will resonate long after you've left this captivating Southern landscape.

Other Available Activity Guides in Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; hunting permits required seasonally

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Winchester
⌖ 2.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Winchester, Tennessee

A charming small town offering serene outdoor escapes with rolling hills, gentle waterways, and easy access to both hiking and paddling adventures in Southern Middle Tennessee.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Decherd
⌖ 4.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Decherd, Tennessee

A quiet rural town offering easy access to diverse outdoor activities in the scenic Tennessee Valley and nearby Appalachian foothills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Estill Springs
⌖ 8.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Estill Springs, Tennessee

A peaceful small town offering easy access to lake paddling, hiking, and scenic nature spots along the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Sewanee
⌖ 10.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sewanee, Tennessee

A quaint university town offering a rich blend of nature, education, and rustic charm, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Cumberland Plateau.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Sherwood
⌖ 10.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sherwood, Tennessee

A quiet rural town with strong Appalachian heritage, offering rustic trails and river access amidst forested ridges and the Cherokee National Forest.

Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Monteagle
⌖ 15.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Monteagle, Tennessee

A charming gateway to the Cumberland Plateau, offering adventure seekers access to serene trails, expansive views, and rich natural history.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.