Distance: 300 Yards

Difficulty: Easy

Russell Cave National Monument  is one of 1500 caves in Jackson County, Alabama. While the cave pictured above is at least 7.5 miles long, visitors cannot enter the cave. Instead, visitors can hike 300 yards to the Russell Cave Shelter, a large opening where prehistoric people are believed to have used as long as 10,000 years ago.

The National Monument also has a museum at the trail head containing artifacts from the several tribes which used the shelter, as well as information on the natural and geologic developments of an area with more caves per square mile than any other county in America.

Directions:

From Chattanooga, Tennessee:
1. Go West on Interstate 24 for approximately 26.5 miles and take Exit onto Hwy. 72
2. Take U.S. Highway 72 West to County Road 75.
3. Turn Right onto County Road 75 and continue one mile.
4. Turn Right onto County Road 98 for four miles.
5. Turn Left into the entrance of the park.

Distance: 1.25 miles one way

Difficulty: Easy

Located in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge down Fort Morgan Road, the Big Pine Beach Trail is a two mile trail that brings hikers through pine forests, between Big Lagoon and Gator Lake, and to come out along the beach in the Gulf of Mexico.

The hike begins along a gated service road, and its first mile walks through a fledgling pine forest. The sandy dirt road is almost completely flat, and makes for an easy hike. Be sure to pick up the free trail guide at the trailhead as numbered signs correspond with the guides information about the numerous types of flora located in the forest.

Ignore the Centennial Trail sign, and at approximately one mile, a large wooden observation tower overlooking Gator Lake and parts of Big Lagoon can be climbed.

On the day we visited, we saw thousands of schools of minnows in the brown waters by the platform, as well as several large herons.

Crossing over the bridge, hikers can walk across a thin strip of land that divides Gator Lake from Big Lagoon.  Just past this strip of land, hikers can continue along the path way for approximately one mile along the dunes and will eventually reach the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

Alternatively, a sign indicates a second trail that forks to the right known as Gator Lake Trail. The actual trailhead can’t be seen, as it appears to be just a sandy dune, but follow the directions on the sign between the open sections of shrub and trees on the dune, and the trail will quickly become clear again.

This mile long section of trail walks along the southern side of Gator Lake before emptying out onto Mobile Street and a second parking area.  Hikers can loop back to Big Pine trailhead by walking up Mobile street, or simply turn around and walk back the way they came.

Directions:

From Highway 59 traveling South toward the beaches of Gulf Shores:

1. Turn right onto Fort Morgan Road, and travel roughly 8.9 miles.

2. Turn left into Pine Beach Trail Parking for this trailhead.

To hike just Gator Lake, turn left onto Mobile Street (just past Pine Beach trailhead) and parking will be a couple of miles down on the left.

Delta, Alabama

Cheaha State Park is primarily a campground and cabin type of state park. It is a great location, however, for a lot of outdoor activites in the surrounding Talladega National Forest.

Located here, however, is Alabama’s highest natural point, Cheaha. Unlike other states’ highest points, no hiking trail summits the mountain. Instead, the highest point is marked by a tall tower built during the CCC years.

Once inside the tower’s top, near 360 degree views of the Talladega National Forest can be seen through the glass windows of the tower, though the views are somewhat obstructed by the window pane frames.

Directions:

Traveling from From I-20 west towards Talladega National Forest:

1. Take Exit 199 towards Heflin, AL

2. Turn Left on AL-4 for 2.7 miles.

3. Turn right on County Road 4 for 0.1 miles.

4. Turn right on AL-281/ Skyway Mtwy for 19.5 miles.

5. Turn right at sign towards Cheaha State Park.

West End Beach Access

West End Beach Access is located at the west end of Dauphin Island. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit this part of the beach

The reason, for the first time I’ve seen, this beach area decided not only to charge for parking (that’s normal) but also charge a per person entry fee to their beach area in addition to parking.

The fee wasn’t incredibly unreasonable. $2.00 for parking and then $3.00 per person ($8 for my wife and I), but for me a per person fee for beach access is asking a bit much.

Instead, we drove back towards the middle of the island and parked near the pier. Parking there is free, and the beach was very nice (photo above).

Shell Indian Mound

Heading back to the east end of the island, a small park on the left side of Bienville Road (the road running parallel to the beach) provides a nice, almost jungle like, walking path. According to the signs, Native Americans in the area used the mound areas to dispose of bone, charcoal and oyster shells.

The mounds area is small, but walking paths intertwine a very dense wooded area plentiful with large oaks, magnolias, and other thick growth.

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

An even better set of hiking trails is just East of the Indian Mounds on Bienville Road.

Lake Trail: 550 feet

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a preserve with several hiking trails and beach access. Starting in the parking area, the first trail I advise is towards Gaillard Lake.

The Lake Trail provides a boardwalk and several informational signs with information about the migratory birds and pine forests ecosystem. At the end of the trail, a nice pier with views of the lake, possible alligators, and definitely several turtles.

Continue to the right of the lake for two additional, closer views of the lake, as well as beach access.

Beach Access Trail:

After passing the lake, a second boardwalk area takes hikers over the sand dunes and to beach with splendid views of the Gulf of Mexico.

DO NOT CROSS THE DUNES except on the boardwalk. Crossing the dunes can harm the natural formations.

Returning back from the beach, the trail continues towards the Tupelo Swamp.

Tupelo Swamp Trail: Approximately 3500 ft.

This trail is the longest in the sanctuary, but will loop back to the parking area.

This trail brings hikers along the edge of the dunes (including some very hot sand), and eventually around to an observation platform for the swamp.

With the drought affecting the area, the swamp was almost entirely dry. I’d skip this section of the trail until the drought is over if your only goal is to see the swamp. But if you enjoy a good hike through the forest, with some great views of the dunes, it’s a good hike.

Estuarium at Dauphin Sea Lab

After hiking through the woods, a great place to cool off is the Estuarium at Dauphin Sea Lab. This estuarium does an excellent job of simultaneously educating the public of the Mobile bay river delta and the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and providing an excellent view of the fish, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians that inhabit the area.

This place is very well put together and a great place to visit.

Fort Gaines

The final stop on Dauphin Island is just past the Estuarium (in fact you can walk there from the parking area), Fort Gaines is part of the coastal defense system. Built over a period between 1814 and 1850, the fort, along with Fort Morgan, provides defenses at the mouth of Mobile Bay.

This fort is nearly entirely brick fortified. Admission is $6. Once inside, visitors can can tour the inside bakery, battery, artillery and bastions. Hiking along the top off the fort walls, visitors can see excellent views of Mobile Bay and the Sand Island lighthouse.

Directions:

From Mobile:

1. Dauphin Island is located South of Mobile.

2. Following Highway 193 over the two bridges.

3. Bienville Road runs along the length of the island East (left) and West (right).

From Gulf Shores:

1. Following Highway 180, visitors can take the Mobile Bay Ferry at Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island for a fee..

Fort Morgan sits along the eastern edge of the mouth of Mobile Bay. Built in 1832, this fort has provided American costal defenses in both the Civil War and both World Wars. It may be best known, however, for its involvement in prompting the famous line, “Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.”

Visitors to the fort are free to explore the massive batteries and defenses on their on, or wait for one of the guided tours. In either event, admission to the fort is $5.

When visiting Fort Morgan, I suggest beginning with the museum to see several great artifacts from the fort’s long history. Also, it’s a great way to learn about the costal defense systems the U.S developed after the War of 1812.

While the entire site covers numerous acres, the central part of the fort is located just across the drive from the museum.  After walking through its two entryways, it really becomes surprising how big the fort is.

Following the free walking pamphlet from the museum, the natural progression is to walk along the bottom left half of the fort in a clockwise motion before climbing to the top of the battery for several splendid views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Seeing the narrow mouth of the battery, it becomes very obvious why this fort provided such excellent protected to Mobile Bay.

The path then continues along the top before bringing visitors back down to finish exploring the numerous dark covers, the exterior dry moat, and finally the exterior wall of the fort.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the fort really provides a lot of interesting things. There are several locations where one can get out onto the beach and relax, hike around the rest of the park, fish, or just enjoy the scenery.

Also, don’t forget to check out the lighthouse off the coast that sits near the mouth of bay as well.

Another interesting feature of the bay and ocean views are the numerous oil rigs that dot the ocean. There aren’t a lot of places in this part of the county where one can see our domestic oil production at work (for better and for worse).  It’s an eye opening experience if you’ve never seen them.

The fort is open from 8 a.m to 7 p.m daily, and is also the location of the Mobile Bay Ferry. This Ferry takes its passengers and vehicles between Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. For more information about the Fort and its history, check out the Fort Morgan- Guardian of the Bay website.

Directions:

Driving South (towards the beach) on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores, make a right onto Fort Morgan Road, Highway 180. There will be several road signs indicating a toll ahead. This is far the ferry, and isn’t paid to visit the fort.  The fort’s entrance is nearly twenty miles from the turn on Highway 59.

Wade Ward Nature Park is a 12 acre park containing small boardwalk area located just off the beach on Highway 59.

The park overlooks the coastal salt marshes that connect Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby. Though located right in the center of a busy commercial area, the park provides its visitors with a good chance of seeing several migrant bird species, as well as the American alligator.

Directions: Drive South on Highway 59.

Boardwalk access is off the sidewalk to the left of Hwy. 59 just prior to the Beach Boulevard intersection.

Noccalula Falls is a part park, part zoo, part hiking trail experience located just outside of downtown Gadsen, Alabama.  The Falls Park requires an entry fee of $6 per adult, but the falls can be viewed from outside the park entrance, at no charge, in a separate location. During the weekday we visited, the park was nearly empty allowing us to explore the entire park without running into anyone but staff.

Noccalula Falls Park

Within the park, visitors can walk along the top of the water fall’s rocky bluffs. Just below the Park’s entrance, visitors can walk along a trail to an old  Pioneer village that has been relocated here. The buildings, unfortunately, are fenced off, and can no longer be seen up close.  The one exception to this being the old covered bridge, where we were told hundreds of weddings had been performed.

Zoo

Continuing down the path, visitors will quickly enter a small zoo. At its front is a large deer pen, and then just below a large female lion in a somewhat small cage. For us, this was a bit of a depressing site. While lions sleep a lot during the day, the pen just felt too enclosed and lacking in resources for such a powerful creature.

Further down the path, visitors will find an enclosed pen and large barn. The pen contains several farm animals, including donkey, llahma and sheep.  Inside the barn are numerous live reptiles, small mammals and birds from around the world. These exhibits are somewhat neat to see, but unfortunately contain little information. Outside the barn, the trail continues around back to a very irritable lynx, some small hens, a peacock, a bobcat, and a lemur cage.

Sadly these exhibits have the feeling of being too small, and somewhat out of date. The animals don’t have a lot of things to play with, and there are no signs to provide any information on the exhibits. I have to say, the zoo addition is something I would prefer to see elsewhere, as these animals really seem to need a better equipped place.

I visited the falls often as a child before the zoo was there, and it stood alone fine without the zoo.

Train

From the zoo and entrance, visitors can opt to ride a small train to the top of the falls. The train is fun, with an elderly gentleman narrating several interesting details about the park.

Alternatively, visitors can continue along a walking trail to the falls. This trail brings visitors by the covered bridge, and around the rocky ledges, boulders, and a garden by the falls.

Noccalula Falls – The Trail

Noccalula falls is a 90 foot waterfall formed by the Black Creek. The historic gorge trail is located just passed the covered bridge on one’s left if walking from the animal habitat.

The trail is a  1.4 mile loop descending to the bottom of the gorge. The trail is closed during periods of high water, such as during my last visit. The reason for the closure is the heightened speed of the water, and the increased dangers when accessing the back of the falls. Additionally, hikers will see past caves, an aboriginal fort, an abandoned dam, pioneer homestead, and Civil War carvings. winding along the difficult trail.

Noccalula Falls – The Legend, according to the Noccalula Falls homepage.

The Legend of Noccalula says that “long ago, on a mountain summit within sight and sound of a rushing waterfall, lived a great Indian Chief whose young daughter, Noccalula, was famed far and wide for her beauty and lovliness of character.”  Many gallant braves sought the old chief for the hand of Noccalula, but only one was favored by the girl’s father, a rich chief of a powerful neighboring tribe, who had much to offer in exchange: wampum, horses,  and blankets.  Vainly Noccalula pleaded that her heart was already given to a young brave of her own tribe.

But this young warrior, though noted for his skill and valor, possessed little in wordly goods.

The old chief refused to listen and ordered his daughter to make ready for the marriage he had arranged.  What was a maiden’s silly fancy against many horses, much wampum and union with another strong tribe?  The girl’s lover was driven from the tribe, and a marrige agreement was made with the neighboring chief.

The wedding day came and a great feast was prepared.  In silence Noccalula allowed herself to be arrayed in festive wedding robes.  It was incredible!…To be sold to a stranger by the father she loved!  Her chosen lover forever banished!  Overcome with grief, she quietly slipped away from the merrymakers during the festivities..the soft rhythmical rush of waters called her…a moment she stood poised upon the brink of the yawning chasm.  One leap – and her troubles were over.

Heartbroken, the remorseful father gave the great cataract his daughter’s name.  Since that day the waterfall has been called Noccalula.

A statute immortalizing the legend can be seen sitting atop the falls.

A Free View of the Falls

The falls can be viewed without paying an entrance fees. Drive past the park entrance and over Black Creek toward the Noccalula Falls campground. Just before the campground entrance is a parking area with a large wooden chapel, picnic shelter, and a bridge over the creek. From here the falls can be seen for free, but the trail and other park amenities cannot be accessed.

In the picture above, the free parking area can be seen just to the right of the chapel on the left side of the frame.

Other Park Amenities:

RV and Tent Campground

Miniature Golf Course

Ball Fields

For more information, visit the park’s website: Noccalula Falls

Directions:

From US 411, take US 278 Ramp West.

Turn right onto Noccalula Road next to shopping center.

Follow road up mountain approximately 1.4 miles.

Park Entrance and parking will be on left.

For free parking area and view, pass park entrance, cross creek and follow signs to campground.

Fort Payne, AL

Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, and Camping in Northwestern Alabama.

DeSoto Falls State Park is an Alabama State Park located in the foothills of Northwestern Alabama.  This state park offers a number of outdoor activities, including some very technical mountain biking trails, 15 miles of hiking trails, geocaching, and 20 primitive camp sites. Running through the park is Little River cutting the the valley below.

Hiking Trails:

Included in the 15 miles of hiking trails are 4 waterfalls (Indian Falls, Laurel Falls, Lost Falls, and Lodge Falls).

Mountain Biking

The 3.6 mile, mountain biking trail loop is a somewhat technical climb if ridden clockwise. Begin at the parking area next to the visitor’s center, and begin climbing the quarry trailed blazed by white diamonds. The trail has a number of short, steep ascents that are slowed even further by rock outcroppings everywhere. This makes for some really fun, technical downhills, but some some pain in the rear uphills climbs. I had a video of this trail, but unfortunately, the disc data disappeared somehow. I’ll post a video of the trail from my next ride here.

Nearby:

Desoto Falls

Directions:

1. Take AL-35 South into Fort Payne, AL.

2. Turn left onto Gault Avenue.

3. Turn right onto AL-35. Follow this road up the mountain, and follow the signs to the state park.

4. Turn left onto County Road 89 to the state park.

Mentone, Alabama

DeSoto Falls, located between Mentone and Fort Payne, Alabama is a steep cascading waterfall that begins as a tranquil pond. The pond was dammed in 1925, creating the first hydro electric power source in Northern Alabama. As water streams over the A.A. Miller Dam, it creates a very nice curtain of water that lands in the first of a series of cascades. From here, the water quickly begins running into three ponds before the longest drop into a deep gorge.

The park provides very easy access to see the entire series of falls.

The parking area sits alongside the DeSoto Lake. On the right side of the lake is the dam, and a series of steps leading down to each of the water falls.

It is important to note that DeSoto Falls is not actually connected to the nearby DeSoto State Park. The two are actually about a 20 minute drive (in the mountains) away from each other.

After climbing down the steps, the hiker will arrive at the final, and tallest waterfall. Unfortunately, the park offers no access to the bottom of the falls. After visiting this park, I was later told that the base of the falls is accessible via a 2-mile trail that begins on private property. There were no rangers on hand when I visited the park, but I have been told that they can provide directions as to how to find this trail to the base of the falls.

Other than views of the falls, the park offers little else to do. It is a beautiful waterfall, worth stopping by if in the area, and a great place for a picnic, but don’t plan your whole day around this very small park. Instead, plan to spend some time here before or after moving on to the nearby DeSoto State Park.

Directions:

1. Follow the Menlo, GA /Alabama stateline, take AL-117

2. Turn LEFT onto CR-89/ DESOTO PKWY/ LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PKWY.

3. In 2.2 miles, turn left again onto CR-613.

4. CR-613 becomes DeSoto Falls Road.