North Alabama, Northeast Loop | Jackson | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Summer | Winter
Fantastic birding opportunities abound at the 491 acre Nature Center. Sightings of Cerulean Warblers, American Redstarts, and Worm-eating Warblers have all been reported. Flycatchers are typically seen during summer months. Loggerhead Shrikes can be spotted hunting along fence rows and Eastern Bluebirds nest on the property. Swallows soar overhead during summer and early fall and Northern Cardinals, American Crows and others are everyday visitors. A variety of hawks, including Cooper’s Hawks, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered are year-round residents. Northern Harriers can sometimes be seen in winter months patrolling the skies above the fields. The location sits on a century-old farmstead, providing access to rolling hills, a stream and a variety of forestland.
The Nature Center has an extensive trail system of nearly 8 miles, traversing wetlands, fields, meadows, & forest land. A climate controlled temporary restroom & shower facility is available as of Spring 2020. Camping & kayaking opportunities are available if scheduled in advance. A picnic area is available as well. Public WiFi is available in the picnic area. The facility is in very close proximity to Walls of Jericho as well as the Skyline WMA.
The tranquility you will experience simply cannot be adequately expressed, it must be experienced! The trails are multi use trails. Visitors can walk, hike, or bike our trail system. The site offers exceptional photography opportunities.
GPS: 34.86914 -86.21412
Site Accessibility
A small portion of this property can be birded from the parking lot and additional access is via the little used paved roadway leading to the house. It is currently has pretty limited handicap access, though.
Graham Farm & Nature Center's physical address is 420 County Road 27; Estillfork, AL 35745
From Huntsville, AL traveling Highway 72 East turn left at State Highway 65. Crossing over the railroad tracks, travel approximately 19 miles on Al Highway 65, turn left onto County Road 27; continue a short distance and a gravel parking lot will be on the right.
From Scottsboro, AL traveling Highway 72 West turn right onto State Highway 79 travel approximately 19 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 146 and travel approximately 6.5 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 65, travel approximately 1/3 of a mile, after crossing the bridge turn right onto County Road 27, continue a short distance and a gravel parking lot will be on the right.
Amenities Available: Restrooms
Nearby Sites
Goose Pond Colony
Goose Pond Colony (Site # 38, Northeast Loop) is a public recreational development built on a peninsula on the northern side of Guntersville Lake south of Scottsboro. This location makes for some excellent birding, especially during the winter. Stop …
Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area
Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area (Site #42, Northeast Loop) has numerous impoundments that are likely to turn up a great variety of species. Access roads leading into the area also make Mud Creek easy to bird. Check the ponds in fall and winter for …
North Sauty Creek WMA / Sauta Cave NWR
North Sauty Creek (Site #39, Northeast Loop) has an excellent display of waterfowl and wading birds that occupy the area. Park on the roadside and scan the creek for waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, especially during migration or in the winte …
Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve
The Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve (Site # 40, Northeast Loop) was a working farm until Mr. Whitaker, wishing that future generations be able to enjoy the farm he loved so much, sold it to The Nature Conservancy who now manages it for cons …
Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave National Monument has been home to wildlife and man for thousands of years. This peaceful setting combines food, water, and shelter with tranquility and beauty. Following the elevated boardwalks and nature trails can lead to eastern wood …
Skyline Wildlife Management Area
Skyline Wildlife Management Area (Site # 41, Northeast Loop) is an extensive tract of wild lands in northeastern Alabama, which hosts the state’s only population of Ruffed Grouse. This carefully managed area also supports older hardwood forests util …