Dale Hollow Lake Eagle Watch
Dale Hollow Lake is the second largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Eagle Watch tours are held on the third and fourth Saturday of January. Eagle enthusiasts are transported by open air barge in search of wintering bald eagles. The eagle watch tours are free, but advance reservations are required. Please remember tour spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Changes or cancellations should be made by 8:00 a.m. the Friday before the tour date.
For the morning tour, participants will be picked up at Lillydale Campground launch ramp on the Tennessee side of the lake and then transported for pick-up at the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park on the Kentucky side of the lake. The afternoon tour will depart from Lillydale only.
Dale Hollow Lake is the second largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Eagle Watch tours are held on the third and fourth Saturday of January. Eagle enthusiasts are transported by open air barge in search of wintering bald eagles. The eagle watch tours are free, but advance reservations are required. Please remember tour spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Changes or cancellations should be made by 8:00 a.m. the Friday before the tour date.
For the morning tour, participants will be picked up at Lillydale Campground launch ramp on the Tennessee side of the lake and then transported for pick-up at the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park on the Kentucky side of the lake. The afternoon tour will depart from Lillydale only.
Notifications and Alerts
Dale Hollow Lake Eagle Watch 2025 Tour Dates: January 18 & 25. Times: 9:30 am, 10 am and 12:30 pm Central Standard Time. Reservations open November 15, 2024.
Need to Know
- Departure Times - Lillydale Recreation Area, TN
Departure times from Lillydale Recreation Area, TN. are 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CST at the campground launch ramp. Reserve specific date and time.
- Departure Times - Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, KY
Departure from Dale Hollow Lake State Resort, KY. is 10:00 a.m. CST from the public launch ramp to the right of the marina. Reserve specific date and time.
- Weather and Acceptible Attire
Open-air barge--dress warm and in layers—tour conducted even it if rains. Life jackets required; bring your own.
- Arrival Time
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in before boarding. Tours can last up to three hours.
- Allowed Items
You may bring thermos, snacks, blanket, camera, binoculars, etc. Straw bales are provided for seating. No smoking during the tour.
- Complementary Items
The Friends of Dale Hollow Lake will be on hand the day of event with complementary hot drinks.
- Restrooms
Restrooms: A portable toilet is available in the Lillydale parking lot. Flush restrooms are located at the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park marina. A portable toilet is available on the barge.
- Child Policy
Participation by small children is not advised, unless parents use extreme caution and oversight.
- Accessibility
This is a working barge and the tour does not meet ADA standards. However, those with mobility needs have been able to participate based on the individual’s abilities.
- Closure
Tours may have to cancel in the event of severe weather or mechanical failure. Fees for making the reservation pay for the reservation service and are non-refundable.
- Cancellations
Cancellations should be made as soon as possible in order to open the space for others.
- Contact
For information contact the Resource Manager's Office Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Central Standard Time at 931-243-3136.
Booking Windows
Tickets will release November 16th at 9AM CST.
Changes and Cancellations
Modifications can be made up until start of tour. There are no refunds for cancellations.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
DALE HOLLOW LAKE RESOURCE MANAGERS OFFICE 540 DALE HOLLOW DAM ROAD CELINA TN 38551
Phone Number
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT THE RESOURCE MANAGER’S OFFICE MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 7:30 AM TO 4:00 PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME AT 931-243-3136.
