Limestone County: Rivers, History and Trails

River routes, historic sites and extensive trails define Limestone County. To the north and west, the Elk River forms the county’s water boundary; to the south, it borders the Tennessee River and the Wheeler Lake Reservoir. This offers different options for planning your trip: spending time on the water, enjoying activities on designated routes or exploring the history of places such as Athens and Mooresville.

Rivers and Water Activities

The Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail begins in Elkmont and runs 21.9 miles along the Elk River. Five easy-to-reach access points for getting on and off the water are located along the route. The trail is a scenic Class I whitewater run that passes farmland, historic bridges and high cliffs. A single paddling route thus combines a set distance with changing scenery.

Cowford Landing is located on the Tennessee River in the Round Island Recreational Area and is also part of the North Alabama Birding Trail. Visitors can swim, fish and go boating there, and there is a sandy beach, a boat ramp and a floating dock. Wheeler Lake, meanwhile, is known as a fishing destination with abundant fish. The lake is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish, sunfish, bream and crappie.

Trails for Walking, Cycling and Driving

The Rails to Trails is 10.2 miles long, passes the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle and is used by hikers, cyclists, joggers, bird-watchers and horseback riders. Its trailhead is in downtown Elkmont. The route is open from dawn to dusk; motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. Check the operating rules before your visit.

The 89-mile Noah Bike Trail offers a different scale: the loop runs through the county’s northern Appalachian foothills, past rolling farmland and fertile river lowlands. When comparing routes, you can choose between the 21.9-mile paddling trail, the 10.2-mile Rails to Trails and the considerably longer Noah loop. The options also vary in activity and scenery.

Historic Sites and Culture in Athens and Mooresville

Historic Mooresville is entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town features historic homes and other buildings, gardens and tree-lined streets. The Mooresville Post Office has operated in the same building since 1840 and is considered Alabama’s oldest continuously operating post office building. The Stagecoach Tavern dates to around 1821 and is considered the state’s oldest public timber-frame building.

Athens has four historic districts with homes dating back to the early 19th century. Walking tours of these districts are offered on Saturday mornings in April; check the dates for your travel year. The Athens-Limestone Visitors Center is located in the historic Athens Utilities Building, built in 1906. The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives features exhibits, memorabilia and accounts from people who served in Alabama’s armed forces.

Several other sites also reflect the region’s history. Trinity School was built on the ruins of Fort Henderson and later became Alabama’s first high school for African American students. The Athens-Limestone County Civil War Trail is a driving route connecting the sites of the Battle of Athens, the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle and Fort Henderson. The Athens-Limestone County African-American Heritage Trail encompasses places, history, heritage and the legacies of the county’s African American communities.

Events and Seasonal Offerings

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is an annual music event and competition held on the first full weekend in October at historic Athens State University. Check the event dates for the year of your trip. The Fiddlers Museum features a separate photo collage about the convention’s history on each of three different panels.

The Athens Saturday Market brings together local growers, producers, craftspeople, artists and organizations at the Limestone County Farmers Market Pavilion every Saturday from June through October. Isom's Orchard and Roadside Stand offers fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as specialty products such as jams, jellies and preserves, from May through August; apple cider slushies are also available in the fall. The two offerings therefore differ in both season and focus.

1818 Farms offers private tours and private workshops upon request; advance arrangements are required. If you plan your trip around a tour, event or seasonal offering, check the relevant dates or arrange your tour or workshop in advance.

Discover more destinations: Athens, Harvest, Autauga County, Tuscaloosa, Barbour County, Cleburne, Chilton County, Jackson.

For the broader travel overview: Alabama.