Singing Waters and Calling Woods
Ride your mountain bike, take a scenic hike, laze away the day fishing and boating, toast marshmallows in your campfire. Stroll landscaped, paved walkways among the cypress, and soft elms, trees. Or head into the wilds where nature thrives untouched for centuries.
Natchez Trace Parkway
An ancient trail perhaps created by bison and giant sloths thousands of years ago, and for the last 2000 years journeyed by Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Creek Indian, preachers, bandits, soldiers, and slaves, then farmers and boatmen traveling from Tennessee to south Mississippi. Pristine and untouched by time, this scenic parkway connects 444 miles of primitive campsites, bike trails, footpaths—all part of a scenic byway that’s RV and family friendly. Find the secrets it holds, feel the spirit of the Natchez tribes, walk in explorers’ footsteps.
Then, discover just beyond the trees and serene landscape communities waiting for you—filled with attractions, unique events, inviting accommodations, and famous southern-style cooking.
More information at www.scenictrace.com or www.nps.gov/natr
Veterans Memorial Park
Twenty-two campsites and picnic areas with fireplaces, six lighted tennis courts and a softball complex. Plus the only disc golf course in north Alabama—all it takes is a Frisbee and a lot of fun. You’ll probably take this game back home to enjoy forever! Park information, call 256-760-6416.
http://florenceal.org/City_Departments/Parks_Recreation/index.html
McFarland Park
The Tennessee River laps upon the shores of this serene park with 60 campsites tucked in it, playgrounds, fishing piers, a driving range, boat ramps, picnic shelters with fireplaces, paved, lighted jogging trails surrounding the marina, soccer and baseball fields, a floating restaurant and bar. Call 256-760-6416.
http://florenceal.org/City_Departments/Parks_Recreation/index.html
North Alabama Birding Trail
A quiet morning walk might turn into weeks of exploring tupelo swamps, blazing fields of wildflowers, or towering forests of oak and hickory—each filled year-round with neotropical songbirds, flashy Pileated woodpeckers, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Swainson’s warblers, Sandhill Cranes. Even large roosts of Bald Eagles, waterfowls, and gulls. Nine stops along this birding trail delight birdwatchers with 397 species seen in Alabama. Get your North Alabama Birding Trail brochure.
Call 888-FLO-TOUR (356-8687) or visit
www.northalabamabirding.org
Shoals Creek Preserve
Three-hundred acres of woods, waterfalls, creeks, and bluffs just north of Florence. Challenge yourself over 4½ miles of rugged terrain and trails for horses, hiking, mountain bikes. This preserve’s natural beauty is unsurpassed. From Cox Creek Parkway, take Hwy 47 (Next To Martin’s Department Store) and turn left on Butler Creek Road/County Road 61 and the preserve will be on the right.
Call 888-FLO-TOUR (356-8687).
Joe Wheeler State Park
Wake up in a cabin and listen to songbirds in the woods. Sip your first cup of coffee by the campfire or fill a thermos and find the perfect fishing hole. Glide over the lake with the wind, spot a deer or an eagle as you hike on miles of secluded trails. Tranquil and natural with boat rentals, parks, and marina along the Tennessee River in the quiet town of Rogersville just 27 miles east of Florence.
Call 256-247-5641 or visit
www.joewheelerstatepark.com
Wildwood Park
Secluded, breath-taking views of Cypress Creek just a couple of minutes from downtown Florence and the University of North Alabama. Nature trails, picnic tables, pavilion, 3 to 5 miles of beginner and advanced mountain bike trails. Call 256-760-6416.
http://florenceal.org/City_Departments/Parks_Recreation/index.html
Tennessee Valley Authority Reservation
Tennessee Valley Authority Color Map
Vintage restored railroad bridge over glistening water, a natural waterfall, over 11 miles of foot trails.
One of the most scenic settings in the Tennessee River Valley with wildflowers, bird watching, campsites, natural woods. Call 888-FLO-TOUR (356-8687) for information. |
