Birdwatching in North Alabama

The Alabama Birding Trail is made up of eight different trails across the state. Each of our featured towns in this issue of Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns has at least one location on the trails. The birding trail is funded through the Alabama Department of Tourism and is a project in partnership with the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Dept. of Conservation, and Alabama Audubon

GPS: 33.997351 -86.008322 |U.S.411 | Gadsden, AL 35904

From the forested hills of the Ridge and Valley region to the rich pastures and farmlands of its river-carved valleys, the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail provides a wide diversity of habitats for birds, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Especially noteworthy for bird lovers are the many rivers that flow through this region, including the Black Warrior, the Cahaba, the Coosa, and the Tallapoosa.

The James D. Martin Wildlife Park offers exceptional facilities for exploring an extensive backwater of Neely Henry Lake, on the Coosa River in the City of Gadsden. In addition to a walking trail along the shoreline, a network of boardwalks allows visitors to walk out into the 300-acre lake, and even visit a series of wooded islands situated along the mouth of Black Creek, providing superb views of the birdlife of this rich and varied ecosystem. Some of the birds you may see are Bald Eagles, Black-crowned night herons, cormorants, ducks, and resident and migrant songbirds.

TIPS

•The park has a covered picnic pavilion, a playground, picnic tables and park benches to watch beautiful sunsets.

•The paved trails are great for walking, biking and hiking along the lake shore.

•The park is located behind the Gadsden Mall.

•There is a Bark Park! This pet-friendly park offers space for dog fun, exercise and relaxation.