Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower

The tower is located at Sundquist Wildlife Management Area (WMA), 70,000 acres of a diverse array of habitats and wildlife. The WMA is also home to Tennessee's Elk Reintroduction Program, and is the first and only public viewing area for elk in the state. Along with deer, bear, and other wild game, Tennessee's early settlers hunted elk regularly for food, decreasing the once-abundant elk population as they moved westward. In 2000 the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reintroduced 50 elk into the rugged and beautiful mountains of East Tennessee after more than 150 years of absence. As the population grew, Tennessee conducted its first managed elk hunt in 2009. Current herd numbers are estimated around 400 statewide, thanks to the TWRA. Best viewing times: early a.m./dusk.