Bashi Creek Public Use Area
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationBashi Creek Public Use Area, also known as “Campbell Landing,” provides the birder with access to the floodplain forests along Bashi Creek. Birders can immerse themselves in excellent riparian habitat by canoeing/kayaking east up Bashi Creek in the spr …
Bells Landing Park
Located in Monroe County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationBells Landing Park’s 320 acres contain a variety of habitats, ranging from pine forest atop the uplands at the entrance to river bottom hardwoods along Tallatchee Creek. Continue west 0.4 miles to the parking area at the boat ramp and park.The road to …
Birding Choctaw County
Located in Choctaw County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationChoctaw County is rich with bird-life. There are three stops along the Black Belt Birding Trail here: Bladon Springs State Park, Choctaw Wildlife Refuge and the Corps of Engineers site Service Park (also known as Coffeeville Lake).
Birding Marengo County
Located in Marengo County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationHome to beautiful cities like Demopolis and fascinating locations like the Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston, Marengo County is also home to the rich soil that the area is named for. Consequently, it is rich with diverse animal and plant life, making it a wonderful place to search for birds at places like Chickasaw State Park, the Dempolis River Walk, Foscue Creek Park, and Spillway Falls Park.
Birding Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Dallas County, Alabama
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationOff The Porch with Judy and Don Self Northern Parula, photo by Joe Watts Old Cahawba Archaeological Park near Orville was chosen as the site for the Black Belt Birding Trail Advisory Group’s May meeting and, as a bonus, we conducted a 2-hour bird walk …
Birding Old St. Stephens
Located in Washington County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationBird watchers will want to make sure they bring their binoculars and cameras! The Old St. Stephens Historical Park is also home to one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Alabama. Old St. Stephens Historical Park in northeaster …
Birding the Wetlands Around Jackson
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationExploring among the cypress in Parker Lake Off the Porch with Judy and Don Self Alabama birders have long enjoyed birding the Jackson Water Treatment Ponds (see page 65 of A Birder’s Guide to Alabama, Porter editor, 2001). But we only recently stumbled …
Birding Wilcox County
Located in Wilcox County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationWilcox County, Alabama, is likely best known for its numerous outdoor opportunities. The rural landscape boasts an impressive selection birds. The county has more miles of riverfront than any other county in south Alabama. It includes four sites along the Black Belt Birding Trail: Chilatchee Creek Park, Gees Bend and the Gees Bend Ferry, Roland Cooper State Park, and Shell Creek Park, also known as Millers Ferry Park.
Bladon Springs State Park
Located in Choctaw County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationOpened as a private spa in 1838, visitors to Bladon Springs traveled from all over the country to benefit from the “curing” properties of the park’s 4 mineral wells. In 1846, a large Greek Revival hotel was built to accommodate the influx of visitors. …
Bloch Park
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationThe park offers a wooded picnic area, walking trail, and plentiful nature. You may spot spring and fall migrants, as well as Mississippi Kites around the park. The bridge is a perfect spot to see Eastern Phoebes year-round. You will find Louisiana Wate …
Brooklyn Access and Southern Terminus of the Sepulga River Canoe Trail
Located in Escambia County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe Brooklyn access is the southernmost take-out for the Sepulga River Canoe Trail. In the undergrowth at the boat ramp, look for Brown Thrashers, Gray Catbirds, and White-eyed Vireos. Northern Parulas are common in spring and early summer. Also watch …
Bull Slough Bridge Canoe Put-in
Located in Conecuh County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationBull Slough Bridge lies across the beautiful Sepulga River in the southeast corner of Conecuh County. This bridge, built in 1924, is 252-feet long and has a pony truss design. This site is on the Sepulga River Canoe Trail. At one end of the bridge is …
Chickasaw State Park
Located in Marengo County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationChickasaw State Park consists of 520+ acres, of which several acres are open mature mixed pine-oak woodland. The majority of the Park has been converted into the Turnipseed-Ikenberry Physically Disabled Hunting Area, all of which is on the west side of …
Chilatchee Creek Campground
Located in Wilcox County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationIn Alabama’s Black Prairie Belt, Chilatchee Creek Campground offers excellent fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. The park also provides good bow hunting opportunities for whitetail deer and wild turkey. Numerous fishing tournaments and an …
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Choctaw County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwest Alabama along the Tombigbee River approximately 80 miles north of Mobile. The Refuge was established in 1964 on lands acquired by the Corp of Engineers in conjunction with the Coffeeville Loc …
Claiborne Lake Dam Site East Park
Located in Monroe County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationClaiborne Lake Dam Site East Park’s 500 acres contain a variety of habitats and amenities. The area near the entrance is loblolly pine plantation. Here visitors can view Summer Tanagers, Pine Warblers, Indigo Buntings, and Eastern Bluebirds in the spri …
Claiborne Lake Dam Site West Park
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationThis is a favorite fishing spot for locals, especially for catfish. The park has an observation deck with a round pavilion that provides a good view of the water overflowing the lock & dam and fishermen casting their lines into the churning water b …
Coffeeville Lake (Service Campground Park)
Located in Choctaw County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationService Park (a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility) sits on the shores of 97-mile-long Coffeeville Lake, the third largest lake on the Black Warrior- Tombigbee reservoir system and the last reservoir on the Tombigbee River before it reaches the Gulf …
Dallas County Public Lake
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationDallas County Public Lake is a compact site housing a good variety of habitats around a 100-acre lake-emergent lakeside edge, both second-growth and mature woodland and open pine-oak woods. Upon leaving AL-41, look to the left on County Road 6. The cu …
Demopolis River Walk
Located in Marengo County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe Demopolis River Walk is among the most open and accessible birding sites in the state. A paved path along the banks of the Tombigbee River, it has planted shrubs and small hardwood trees along its course. There are also several benches and a shelte …
Emmet Woods Lake
Located in Washington County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationThe Washington County State Public Lake (or Emmet Wood Lake) is a 84 acre lake located 2 miles west of Millry, Alabama. Clean public restrooms and concessions are available, including a wide variety of fishing tackle, live and artificial baits, and oth …
Foscue Creek Park
Located in Marengo County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationFoscue Creek Park is located at Demopolis, AL on the forested lake shore of Demopolis Lake, the largest lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway. This beautiful park is managed by the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers. It has 54 campsites, all of which …
Gees Bend Ferry
Located in Wilcox County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationTake a two mile ferry ride to Gees Bend and enjoy the rich history of the area where the world famous Gees Bend Quilters reside. Along the way, enjoy the natural beauty along the river and keep your eyes open for a variety of birds.
Haines Island Park
Located in Monroe County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationHaines Island Park is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Whether you’re inclined to drive, hike, canoe or kayak, Haines Island offers a fantastic opportunity to observe nature in a natural setting. Birding can be spectacular. Extending thro …
Holyground Battlefield Park
Located in Lowndes County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationHoly Ground Battlefield Park, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day-use recreation area, is quiet and well maintained with paved roads, restrooms, an interpretive activity related to birding, extensive trails, lakes, creeks, and more! Expect to see a broa …
Kimbell Lake
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThis is a great site for viewing Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Downy Woodpeckers, and Great Crested Flycatchers. In spring and early summer, Red-bellied and Pileated woodpeckers can be seen and heard around the area. Northern Parulas, Prothonotary Warblers, a …
Lake LU and Nature Trails
Located in Sumter County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationLake LU is a 54 acre lake on the UWA campus which provides facilities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Surrounding the lake are the Nature Trails which are made up of the lake, prairie, forest, and Alfa trails. The trails are used for hiking, runn …
Leon Brooks Hines Public Lake (Escambia County Public Lake)
Located in Escambia County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe area offers a public boat ramp, fishing pier, pavilion, concession stand, and restrooms. The lake is 184 acres surrounded by over 700 acres of pine forest. Here you can see Bald Eagles, Wood Ducks, and Eastern Screech-owls. In the spring and summer …
Little River State Forest
Located in Escambia County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationLittle River State Forest is located off U.S. highway 21 North. Little River offers approximately 2,100 acres of long-leaf pine forest, and provides a unique setting for many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking swimming, camping, boating, fishin …
Live Oak Cemetery
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Birding | Historical | Outdoor RecreationLive Oak Cemetery in Selma is a stunning image of the old South- antebellum mausoleums and grave sites framed by row upon row of massive live oaks, all draped in Spanish moss. The mature hardwoods are spaced in such a way as to provide excellent sight- …
Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve
Located in Escambia County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationNature lovers will enjoy the rustic beauty and all that Magnolia Branch has to offer. Convenient to Gulf Coast residents from all over, the reserve is only one hour from Pensacola, Fla., and Mobile, Ala. Coming from Navarre, Fort Walton Beach or Destin …
McDuffie Landing (Permit Required for Entry)
Located in Monroe County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationMcDuffie Landing is a 116-acre tract of land owned and operated by the US Corps of Engineers. A written permit is required for entry. Permits are free of charge and are issued annually after September 1 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. You can stop b …
Monroe County Lake
Located in Monroe County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationThe Monroe County Lake is a 94-acre manmade lake with an unpaved access road on its east and south sides. Upland loblolly pine forest surrounds the lake on three sides. A hardwood swamp extends north from the lake up its main tributary. Drive (walk) no …
Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Archeological | Birding | Historical | Outdoor RecreationThe Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve is a 3,000-acre tract of remnant blackland prairie, one of the remaining half dozen such areas in the entire Black Belt. The western portion of the parcel is almost five square miles of predominately native grassland, …
Old Lock 1 Park
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Historical | Outdoor RecreationThe Old Lock 1 Park is located at the remains of Old Lock 1 on the Tombigbee River between Jackson and Coffeeville. This park lies in a grove of large pecan trees. Major improvements at the park site from 1999–2004 include a picnic pavilion, restrooms, renovated boat ramp, paved roads, parking lots and a park host campsite.
Old St. Stephens
Located in Washington County | What you’ll find: Archeological | Birding | Camping | Historical | Outdoor RecreationThere are many recreational activities available for visitors, including fishing, RV camping, primitive camping, biking, birdwatching, sightseeing, picnicking, and hiking. A 100-acre quarry lake provides visitors with a fine place to swim, fish, boat, and relax. Take a hike through the woods to view the town ruins, or cool off on the sugar-white beach on an aquamarine lake. There is a boat ramp for fishing or those who want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the water. Bird watchers will want to make sure they bring their binoculars and cameras!
Oyster Ridge
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor Recreation | TripsOyster Ridge offers 1,600 acres of outdoor paradise located in the heart of the Black Belt. Today, there are 1,300 acres of loblolly and longleaf pine trees. The rest of the acreage is for foodplots for deer and grain fields for dove, turkey, and quail …
Parker Lake
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationDuring winter, spring, and early summer, it is possible to canoe/kayak from Parker Lake to Kimbell Lake and other smaller lakes. In late summer and fall and during periods of drought, this may not be possible. The maze of interconnected lakes can be tr …
Paul M Grist State Park
Located in Dallas County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationPaul M Grist State Park encompasses 1,080 acres of mature pine-oak forest with a healthy understory of shrubs and some native grasses. Here you can see Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated, Hooded, Kentucky, Pine, a few Black-and-white Warblers and some …
Perry Lakes Park
Located in Perry County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe Perry Lakes Park and Wildlife Sanctuary along with Barton Beach Preserve contains about 800 acres available to the public for outdoor recreation, education, scientific research, and other activities. Interpretive nature trails (fire lanes and primi …
Prairie Creek
Located in Lowndes County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationPrairie Creek is a well known outdoor recreation destination in Lowndes County. Prairie Creek is located in the White Hall area of Lowndesboro AL. Prairie Creek Campground is lies beneath moss-draped oaks on the banks of Woodruff Lake. The lake is part …
Robert F Henry Lock and Dam
Located in Lowndes County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe Robert F Henry Lock and Dam on the Alabama River in northern Lowndes County is an essential element of any birding trip that incorporates the area between Montgomery and Selma. The habitat features make the site important: there are extensive grass …
Silver Creek Park
Located in Clarke County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationThe park features hiking trails, restrooms, and a primitive camping area. Bobwhites, Eastern Towhees, and Northern Cardinals can be seen year-round, while White-eyed Vireos, Hooded Warblers, and Indigo Buntings are usually present in the spring and sum …
Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center
Located in Escambia County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThe Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, an adjunct facility of Auburn University, functions as a living laboratory to allow students, practitioners, and land owners to get hands-on experience with forestry, wildlife, and natural resources management …
Staples Bridge access to the Sepulga River Canoe Trail
Located in Conecuh County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationStaples Bridge (US Highway 84) is the take-out for the most popular paddle on the Sepulga River Canoe Trail. It is also the put-in for the 13.4-mile paddle to the Iron Bridge. The paddle to the Iron Bridge is lengthy and without amenities or access. Th …
The Sepulga River Canoe Trail
Located in Conecuh County | What you’ll find: Birding | Camping | Outdoor RecreationThe Sepulga River Canoe Trail is becoming increasingly popular with nature lovers in Alabama. With deep water, limestone walls, and a few Class I rapids for fun, Sepulga offers a wilderness kayaking/canoe experience unique to South Alabama. One of the …
Travis Bridge Access of the Sepulga River Canoe Trail
Located in Conecuh County | What you’ll find: Birding | Outdoor RecreationThis site is the northernmost put-in for the 29-mile-long Sepulga River Canoe Trail and the starting point for an 8-mile paddle down the Sepulga River to Staples Bridge on US Highway 84. Under normal conditions, this paddle is classified as “novice” wi …
Turtle Point Environmental Science Center
Located in Escambia County | What you’ll find: Birding | Museum | Outdoor RecreationHands-on science center on 20 acres of wetlands on Big Escambia Creek. Interpretive Wildlife Center, Wetland Trail/Boardwalk, gardens, butterfly/honeybee exhibits, touch tank. Live reptile, fish, amphibian exhibits. Gift shop. Part of the Alabama Birdi …