Central Loop, North Alabama | Limestone | Best Seasons: Winter
The Decatur Hospitality Nature Park (Site 17, Central Loop), nearby US Highway 31 Causeway, and the Decatur Boat Harbor provide a great opportunity to scan the waters of the Tennessee River for winter waterfowl and shorebirds. This area is one of the first sites to develop mudflats in the fall as water levels begin to drop. Scan any suitable perches for Ospreys, which prey on the abundant fish. In years past, this area has turned up some exciting rarities for Alabama; be sure to carefully scan the rafts of Canvasbacks, Common Goldeneyes, and mergansers for Greater Scaups, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, and other surprises. At the day use park, be sure to check out the walking trail which winds through an impressive bottomland hardwood forest.
GPS: N 34.6277, W 86.9580
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Handicap Access, Canoeing, Fishing, Boat Access, Picnic Area
Contact Info:
City of Decatur
Decatur CVB
Decatur, AL
(256) 350-2028
In north Decatur at the intersection of US Highway 31 and AL Highway 20/Alternate US Highway 72 (this is at the south end of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the Tennessee River), take US Highway 31 north across the river for 1.7 miles. The park is on the left (west) at the north end of the causeway.
Amenities Available:
Nearby Sites
Marbut Bend Trail
A 1.1-mile gravel and boardwalk A.D.A.-accessible trail meanders through a wetland created by a beaver dam and along the shoreline of two embayments of the Elk River. The trail loops around an open field. Two raised wooden overlooks provide viewing …
Round Island Recreation Area
Round Island Recreation Area (Site #22, Central Loop) provides access to the north side of the Tennessee River and an excellent vantage point for viewing winter waterfowl as well as cormorants, loons, and grebes. The pine woodland that surrounds the …
Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area
Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area (Site # 21, Central Loop) on the Tennessee River is managed for waterfowl and small game, although it supports many more species. Mudflats can be covered with shorebirds, serving as a key attraction to this area in …
Wheeler NWR – Arrowhead Landing
Arrowhead Landing (Site # 23, Central Loop) is located on Limestone Bay, another corner of the fertile Wheeler Reservoir and the Tennessee River. There is an outstanding view of the bay and the wooded areas on Beaverdam Peninsula. Watch the open wat …
Wheeler NWR – Beaverdam Peninsula Tower
A visit to the Beaverdam Peninsula Tower (Site #24, Northeast Loop) in the summer may make visitors wonder why the tower is even mentioned. This broad observation platform sits in wheat and corn fields dotted with a few Red-winged Blackbirds. While a …
Wheeler NWR – Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
The Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk (Site #25, Central Loop) leads the visitor into the heart of the largest Tupelo Swamp in Alabama. While exploring the boardwalk, watch the canopy for active flocks of Tufted Titmice, Red-eyed Vireos, and warblers. The sw …