Discover Elmore: Nature, Rivers and History

The Coosa River drains Elmore County. A few miles south of Wetumpka, the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers converge to form the Alabama River. These river connections frame a stay that can unfold around nature watching, trails and several aspects of regional history. To help choose a focus, consider two different perspectives on the water: a protected area and hiking trails along the Tallapoosa, or a riverfront promenade and birdwatching along the Alabama River.

Rivers, Trails and Birdwatching

Forever Wild Gothard-AWF Yates Lake WMA protects three miles of shoreline along the Tallapoosa River. Activities available there include hunting, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing and wildlife viewing. The area also currently has two hiking trails totaling 7.4 miles. The John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail is a 4.7-mile loop; its start and finish are at the northern parking area on Goldmine Road. For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish between the two figures: 7.4 miles is the combined length of both trails, while 4.7 miles describes a single loop.

Along the Alabama River, Cooter's Pond Park offers a riverfront promenade, as well as access to picnic areas and boat ramps. The park is a good place to watch songbirds, bald eagles and osprey; in winter, the focus is primarily on waterfowl. Here, a riverfront area with specific recreational facilities combines with a seasonal focus on birdwatching.

Archaeology and History

Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park is located in Elmore County and is designated a National Historic Landmark. It is also an important archaeological site. The park includes a reconstructed French fort dating from 1751; visitors can also see a Native American mound that is about 1,000 years old. The William Bartram Nature Trail runs through the park. The contrast between the fort and the much older mound brings the different time periods represented here to life.

Museums and Local History

The Elmore County Museum is housed in Wetumpka's original 1930s post office. Its exhibits cover Native American history, local industry, agriculture and education, military service, and everyday life. The Elmore County Black History Museum offers a different historical perspective: it is housed in the historic Elmore County Training School, a former Rosenwald school. The museum preserves an archive of African American obituaries and funeral programs from Elmore County that is open to the public for genealogical research. The Thread My Needle Quilters also meet there to quilt by hand in traditional styles.

More Nature and Recreation

In Millbrook, which is within Elmore County, the Alabama Nature Center offers five miles of scenic trails and access to the interactive Discovery Hall. Crenshaw Community Park has a baseball field, a playground, a basketball court and a covered pavilion. After the school year ends, Crenshaw Park runs a summer program for children and young people aged six to 15. The attractions have different focuses: the Alabama Nature Center combines trails and Discovery Hall, while Crenshaw brings together sports and play facilities with a seasonal program.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Millbrook, Titus, Wetumpka, Marshall County, Barbour County, Clarke County, Dekalb County and Dale County.

For the main travel guide: Alabama.