North Alabama, Northeast Loop | Marshall | Best Seasons:
Murphy Hill was supposed to be developed as a power plant. Fortunately for both birds and birders, these plans fell through and the area now hosts a huge variety of habitats ripe for exploration. As you walk through open areas, listen for Yellow-breasted Chats and Indigo Buntings. Once the woods get a little thicker, check the flocks of Tufted Titmice and Carolina Chickadees for migrant warblers and vireos, along with Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and White-breasted Nuthatches. Upon reaching the water’s edge, check the shallows for Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons, and scan the open water for Hooded Mergansers and Common Loons. Overhead, look for soaring Ospreys or Bald Eagles. Both of these birds of prey nest nearby, and one might drop by and impress you with its expert fishing technique. Without a doubt, Murphy Hill will have a few surprises in store, which is why more birders are enjoying this great site.
GPS: N 34.4729, W 86.1722
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Hiking
Contact Info:
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Mailing Address
3696 Alabama Hwy 60
Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 571-4280
From the intersection of AL Highways 227, 62, and CR 67, at the north entrance to Guntersville State Park, go east on CR 67 for 0.6 mile. Turn left (north) at Five Points (CR 582 continues ahead) at the Mountain Lakes Resort Sign staying on CR 67 and go 2.1 miles. Turn left onto a gravel road and go 0.2 mile to the parking lot. Murphy Hill includes the extensive area and trails behind the gate.
Amenities Available:
Nearby Sites
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Guntersville Dam North
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Guntersville Peninsula
The reservoir is at its best in winter, when waterfowl is plentiful, often supporting rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Gadwalls, Ruddy Ducks as well as Common Loons and Horned Grebes.
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Guntersville State Park, Town Creek and Drive
Guntersville State Park is one of the premier birding areas in northeastern Alabama. Renowned for its 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 …
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Kudzu Cove Cabins
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