North Alabama, Northeast Loop | Jackson | Best Seasons: Fall | Winter
Gorham’s Bluff (Site #45, Northeast Loop), a planned community, rises on the southern side of Raccoon Creek, a very scenic arm of Guntersville Reservoir. The Bluff provides an incredible vista of the creek and the surrounding area, as well as exemplifying how the Tennessee River has cut through the Cumberland Plateau over millennia. Birds to look for in the area include Bald Eagles, which nest nearby. Other raptors can be seen soaring in the air currents along the bluff. On the northern side, explore areas within the valley by boat so you can visit the numerous small bays and inlets in the area. Waterfowl can be numerous in winter, and Canada Geese and Wood Ducks both nest along the creek. Quiet exploration by boat could lead to close encounters with Green Herons, Great Egrets, and other wildlife.
GPS: N 34.7350, W 85.8347
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Information, Viewing Area, Cabins/Lodge, Restrooms
Contact Info:
Gorham’s Bluff
101 Gorham’s Drive
Pisgah, AL 35765-6891
(256) 451-8439
From Scottsboro at the junction of US Highway 72 and AL Highway 35, take Highway 35 south for 3.2 miles until just across the Tennessee River. Turn left (east) onto AL Highway 40 and go 6.8 miles to a four-way stop. Turn left onto AL Highway 71 and go north for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto CR 58 and go 5.5 miles. Turn left onto CR 357 and go 1.2 miles. Turn left on CR 457 and drive 0.8 miles. Turn right into the Gorham's Bluff community and follow the signs to the lodge.
Amenities Available:
Nearby Sites
ACES-Graham Farm & Nature Center
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 …
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 …