Outdoor enthusiasts and hunters frequenting the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area will encounter some changes during their next visit. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced that due to a shift in property ownership, the Titus Creek region of NCWMA will see altered accessibility. Historically open throughout the year, this beloved tract will switch to a seasonal operation, pivoting its use to accommodate those pursuing the big game—specifically during the spring turkey, elk, and deer seasons. The new regulations are set to streamline the area's usage and preserve the habitat within.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, barriers to this natural haven will include a gate at the main entrance along Highway 63, reinforcing the need for regulation and conservation. Off Highway 63, another hindrance will be implemented on the lower end of the Dragon’s Back near Sand Mines, guiding traffic away from delicate areas. For hunters only, the existing access off Old Highway 63 is assured to remain open.
Responding to concerns from the community, TWRA has communicated its efforts to collaborate with local riders and officials. Their goal is to forge an alternate route down from Old Highway 63, which may become a new loop for riders. Despite the restrictive tone, this move signals an attention to balance—integrating recreation with sustainability. It's an adjustment, though, which may frustrate riders accustomed to the old open-access ways.
