Black Belt | Wilcox | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Winter
Chilatchee Creek Park and Campground sits adjacent to the 27-mile-long Dannelly Reservoir. The woods are a pine-oak mix of varying densities. The central part of the park is largely open, mature canopy with a grassy understory, while the periphery of the park is all-ages, with dense under- and mid-stories. From spring through fall there are numerous White-eyed Vireos, Carolina Wrens, Hooded and Kentucky Warblers and Common Yellowthroats in the understory. Indigo Buntings, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Blue Grosbeaks are easy to find here, too.
Canopy species present include Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated and Pine Warblers, Brown-headed Nuthatches, Yellow-throated Vireos, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Barred Owls, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Orchard Orioles. You can find Wild Turkeys and Northern Bobwhites all around the property. At the northeast corner of the property is a picnic area with a wooden deck that overlooks a patch of mixed woods; it’s a good spot to take a quick survey of what’s in the area. From here, a sandy dirt path leads to a small pier with a good view of the Dannelly Reservoir. Winter brings a few gulls, Forster’s Terns, some waterfowl and Bald Eagles.
Chilatchee Park and Campground is level and open, with paved roads throughout, and can be birded comprehensively in a couple hours. The campground is popular with boaters and fishermen, and the 33 campsites are in steady demand. There is a fee for campsites, so birders are advised to request free short-term admission at the gate.
GPS 32.143268 -87.288635
Chilatchee Creek Park
2267 Chilatchee Creek Road
Alberta, AL 36720
(334) 573-2562
Site Accessibility
There is an extensive boat ramp area and a campground with some degree of accessibility. The roads are used regularly by the fishermen using the boat launch, so be careful if birding on the paved roadways.
From Selma, take AL-22 west for 23.5 miles. Merge onto AL-5 and drive 4.6 miles. Turn left (south) onto Wilcox County Road 29 and travel southeast for 8.6 miles. Turn left (east) on Chilatchee Creek Road and continue for approximately 2 miles to the campground. Chilatchee Creek Road is an unpaved, clay road and passage may be difficult following heavy rains. Or From Alberta, Alabama, take State Route 5. Turn onto Wilcox County Road 29 and travel southeast for 11 miles. Make a left on Chilatchee Creek Road and continue for 2 miles to the campground.
Amenities Available: Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Wheelchair Accessible
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