Oxbow Lake Park

Elevation: 1427 ft.

Oxbow Lake Park is a city-owned park that includes a wetland and forest complex adjacent to the Clinch River. Because of its well maintained trail system, it is a popular destination for many of Saint Paul’s residents. The Oxbow Lake trail is a paved, wheelchair-accessible mile-long loop. Restroom facilities are located at the parking area. The park provides residence to a large selection of big and showy dragonflies including blue dasher, slaty and widow skimmers, and prince baskettail. Butterflies include black swallowtail, zebra swallowtail, eastern tailed-blue, and clouded sulphur. The lake holds a few feral ducks and geese but could be better for waterfowl in the winter and during migration. The surrounding fields, bushes, and hardwood forest hold orchard oriole, ruby-throated hummingbird, eastern kingbird, red-eyed vireo, and wood thrush. The lake itself can attract barn and rough-winged swallows as well as the occasional purple martin. The east end of the lake provides access to three additional trails that traverse both riverine and mountain habitats.