Location
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Park Office / Visitor Center
910 Riddick Road
Millington, TN 38053
901-876-5215
Monday - Sunday 7AM - 7PM
Park GPS Coordinates (probably takes you to the visitors center)
35.3439, -90.0327
If you are traveling north on Watkins Ave. it is more direct to turn left (west) at Fite Rd. which becomes Island Forty Rd. when it swings north again. Bear right onto Benjestown Rd. and turn left into the park on Grassy Lake Rd.
Minimum Levels for safe paddling
It seems to be a controlled level lake. There is a dam near the boat ramp.
Put-Ins, Take Outs
There is a ramp at the lake with a kiosk for paying a launch fee or renting boats. It’s called Boat Dock/Boat House below. The launch fee was $2 and boat rental was $7 for 2 hours as of 03/10/2010. A link to the Boat House on the part site is here.
There are also cabins. Boats could probably be launched from behind some of the cabins.
Highlights of the Lake
A 3.6 mile paddle with Bird watching.
Potential Danger Spots
None noted
Places to Camp In the Area
There are a variety of camping opportunities throughout the park. As noted above, Meeman-Shelby Forest has six two-bedroom vacation cabins situated along the Shore of Poplar Tree Lake surrounded by woods. The cabins are ideal for family vacations or fishing parties and sleep up to six people in each.
The park campground provides 49 campsites equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups. Meeman-Shelby Forest also offers one group camp available to youth groups and can accommodate up to 140 persons. However, although the these camping areas are within the park they are not at Poplar Tree Lake.
Places to eat
A favorite local restaurant is Shelby Forest General Store at 7729 Benjestown Rd. Their website is here.
Other things to do
Hiking is probably the other main attraction. Meeman-Shelby Forest offers more than 20 miles of trails that wind throughout the park. Trails range from moderate to very rugged and some are multi-use. The Chickasaw Bluff Trail offers a longer trek while the Pioneer Springs Trail and Woodland Trail offer shorter jaunts. The multi-use Horse Trail is open to horses and hikers, and meanders along a bluff with the largest loop overlooking Poplar Tree Lake. The Horse Trail closes for inclement weather and wet conditions. The multi-use Bike Trail weaves through the forest and accommodates strollers. Trail and topography maps are available at the visitors center.
Other activities include disk golf and fishing There are usually ranger led activities as well. Here is a link to the Event Schedule on the park website.
Medical Facilities
Memphis probably offers the best source of assistance.
Methodist North Hospital
3960 New Covington Pike, Memphis, TN 38128
Open 24 hours Phone: (901) 516-5200