Maclellan island

Maclellan Island
Two hikers on Maclellan Island in winter
Maclellan island is located in Tennessee
Maclellan island
Location within Tennessee
Maclellan island is located in the United States
Maclellan island
Location within the United States
Geography
LocationChattanooga, Tennessee
Coordinates35°3′22″N 85°18′2″W / 35.05611°N 85.30056°W / 35.05611; -85.30056

Maclellan Island is an 24 acres (9.7 ha) island on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is named after Robert J. Maclellan, who donated the island to the Chattanooga Audubon Society in 1954.

In 2023, the Chattanooga Audubon Society began the process of culling the invasive species populations, primarily honeysuckle, English ivy, and privet. When herbicide treatment and controlled burns failed, six goats were brought to the island to clear out plants by eating them.

Though one of the city's major bridges crosses it, the island is only accessible by boat.

References

  1. 1 2 "Restoration Timeline". Chatanooga Audubon Society. Retrieved 2026-10-19.
  2. ↑ Bush, Hamilton (2021-01-14). "The History of Maclellan Island". Choose Chattanooga. Retrieved 2026-10-19.
  3. ↑ Buckley, Cara (2025-09-22). "Forget 'Love Island.' Tennessee Has an Isle of Goats". New York Times. Retrieved 2026-10-19.