Guntersville State Park (Site # 34, Northeast Loop) is one of the premier birding areas in northeastern Alabama. Known for 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 vagrant such as a Red-necked Grebe or an unusual gull. And, of course, Bald Eagles!
Check the woodlands through the park during migration for a variety of warblers, vireos, tanagers, and grosbeaks. Migration is also the best time to search for shorebirds on any exposed mudflats. Wading birds, such as Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets, occur year-round and nest on islands in Guntersville Lake.
GPS: N 34.3697, W 86.2169
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Food, Restrooms, Handicap Access, Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Boat Access, Driving Trail, Fishing, Camping, Swimming, Picnic Area, Beach
Contact Info:
ADCNR, Lake Guntersville State Park
7966 Alabama Hwy 227
Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 571-5444
http://www.alapark.com/lakeguntersville/
From the intersection of US Hwy 431 and AL Hwy 227 in Guntersville, AL, take Hwy 227 east for 5.6 miles to the birding trail orientation kiosk at the state park.
Nearby Sites
Buck’s Pocket State Park, Morgan’s Cove, and South Sauty Creek
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 …
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
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Murphy Hill
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