North Alabama, Northeast Loop | Marshall | Best Seasons:
The region around Buck’s Pocket State Park, South Sauty Creek, and Morgan’s Cove (Site # 49, Northeast Loop) provides a number of habitats worthy of exploration. The waters of South Sauty Creek are attractive to numerous migratory waterfowl, as well as Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets. Just downstream from the boat landing at Morgan’s Cove, Bald Eagles are known to nest on the forested slopes above the creek. Buck’s Pocket State Park’s wooded pocket canyon is complete with singing Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrushes, and Scarlet Tanagers. The park is also host to some interesting surprises during migration. Morgan’s Cove is part of the state park, too. This secluded cove is the perfect spot to watch Belted Kingfishers diving for their dinner or to launch a canoe and paddle your day away. Be sure to visit Guntersville State Park while in the area.
GPS Coordinates: N 34.4648, W 86.0918
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Handicap Access, Hiking, Canoeing, Boat Access, Fishing, Camping, Picnic Area
Contact Info:
ADCNR: Buck’s Pocket State Park
393 County Road 174
Grove Oak, AL 35975
(256) 659-2000
In addition to the ebird hotspot button, you’ll find information about Morgan’s Creek and South Sauty Creek here:
http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L2612211
Site Accessibility
The park has one ADA accessible campsite and a separate ADA accessible bath house. Portions of the park can be explored via wheelchair, but there are no dedicated accessible trails. There is some birding from the parking area and the area makes a good base camp for exploring around the region.
From the intersection of AL Highway 227 and AL Highway 62 just north of Guntersville State Park, go 4.4 miles east on Highway 227. Turn left at the Morgan's Cove Park Sign and go 1.1 miles down the hill to the cove.
Amenities Available: Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Wheelchair Accessible
Nearby Sites
Guntersville Dam North
The north side of Guntersville Dam is similar to the south side and also provides boat access to Painted Bluff a few miles downstream. However, the north side of the dam is usually better for viewing Bald Eagles. Active eagle nests have been seen on …
Guntersville Dam South
Guntersville Dam (Site #36, Northeast Loop) impounds the 67,900-acre Guntersville Reservoir in northeastern Alabama. The Tennessee Valley Authority manages the dam for electricity production and flood control. The dam makes an excellent vantage point …
Guntersville Peninsula
The reservoir is at its best in winter, when waterfowl is plentiful, often supporting rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Gadwalls, Ruddy Ducks as well as Common Loons and Horned Grebes.
Guntersville State Park, Town Creek and Drive
Guntersville State Park is one of the premier birding areas in northeastern Alabama. Renowned for its Eagle Awareness Weekends, the park is best visited in the winter. During this time, look for dense populations of waterfowl, and the chance to spy a …
Kudzu Cove Cabins
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Murphy Hill
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