The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Quarry Bog © Byron Jorjorian

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Hiking, Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing View All

Plan Your Visit

Shady Valley is beautiful year-round, but birdwatchers will especially enjoy the number of migratory birds passing through in spring and fall. View All

Get Directions

Why You Should Visit
Orchard Bog and Quarry bog are globally rare remnants of a once vast system of peat wetlands. After the retreat of the last glacial ice sheets, Shady Valley retained rare wetland habitats known more commonly in northern environments.

Location
Shady Valley, Tennessee, in Johnson County.

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Conditions
There is a trail cleared for walking. Some spots may be wet or muddy. Visitors must stay on the mowed trail for their own safety and to protect the sensitive wetlands.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Over the past century, most of the expansive peatland system was drained and converted for agricultural purposes and grazing pastures, leaving only a handful of bogs in the vicinity. In addition to the loss of wetland habitat, the natural water flows of the valley were altered by agricultural practices and the damming and channelization of Beaverdam Creek. The Conservancy works to restore habitat for the valley's rare plants and animals while promoting conservation-friendly agricultural practices on its property.

What to See: Plants
Orchard Bog Preserve also contains several state-rare plants such as Wild Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Tawny Cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), Hoary Sedge (Carex canescens) and Nuttall Pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus).

What to See: Animals
Shady Valley is beautiful in any season, but birdwatchers will be thrilled by the spring and fall migration shows (early April to mid-May, early September to mid-October). The uncommon Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) has been documented on the site, as well as unusual shorebirds during migration.

Things To Do

There are mowed trails leading in and around the wetlands. Look for beaver lodges and dams.

Plan Your Visit

Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. A hat and drinking water are recommended. During warm weather light-colored and light-weight clothing is suggested. Binoculars and field guides are also worth bringing, as the wetlands attract many unusual bird species. For bird migrations, visit in spring and fall (early April to mid-May, early September to mid-October).

Directions

From Nashville or Knoxville, TN

• Travel east on Interstate 40 to Interstate 81 east to Bristol, Tennessee.

From Bristol, TN

• Follow Highway 421 South through town and 18 miles south to Shady Valley. The Conservancy office is located at 10537 Highway 421 South. Stop here first for trail maps.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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