Central Loop, North Alabama | Limestone | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Winter
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 access to the Elk River. Swamp, Chipping, White-throated, Savannah, and Song sparrows are plentiful here. Fish crows are often heard alongside with American crows.
The wetlands, river and open fields host a variety of birds. Fall and spring migration attracts a variety of songbirds including Yellow-throated vireos, Red-eyed vireos, Prothonotary warblers and Northern parula. The wetlands and mudflats attract spotted and solitary sandpipers, Wood ducks, Blue-winged teals, Great blue herons, Green herons and Great egrets. A stand of dead trees in the wetlands attracts a variety of woodpeckers, including Pileated, Red-bellied, and, in winter months, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
The trail is about 12 miles northwest of Athens, Alabama, on Hwy. 99.
Site Accessibility
The trail is a combination of boardwalk and gravel. The trail is rated as ADA accessible, but be aware of potential flooding during heavy rains.
Highway 99, twelve miles northwest of Athens, AL
Amenities Available: Boardwalk, Gravel or Dirt Trails, Viewing Platform, Wheelchair Accessible
Nearby Sites
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Round Island Recreation Area
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Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area
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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
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Wheeler NWR – Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
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