North Alabama, Northeast Loop | Jackson | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring
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 woodland species such as Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, whose song is accompanied by the insect-like croaking of Yellow-billed Cuckoos. During migration, almost any eastern warbler or vireo is likely to make an appearance. In addition to its extensive birding, the national monument also offers an excellent interpretive facility detailing the lives of northern Alabama’s early human inhabitants
GPS: N 34.9770, W 85.8056
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Handicap Access, Hiking, Viewing Area, Picnic Area, Visitor Center
(Site #4, Northeast Loop)
Contact Info:
National Park Service
3729 County Road 98
Bridgeport, AL 35740
256-495-2672
From the intersection of US Highway 72 and AL Highway 279 in southern Scottsboro, travel east on Highway 72 23.7 miles to CR 69. Turn left onto CR 69 and drive north for 1 mile to CR 75. Turn right onto CR 75 and follow it north for 5.2 miles to the national monument on the left.
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 …
Skyline Wildlife Management Area
Skyline Wildlife Management Area (Site # 41, Northeast Loop) is an extensive tract of wild lands in northeastern Alabama, which hosts the state’s only population of Ruffed Grouse. This carefully managed area also supports older hardwood forests util …