Tallapoosa County: River, Nature and History

River landscapes, forest trails and history: in Tallapoosa County, you can explore different sides of the region. The Tallapoosa River gives your stay a clear direction—from calm waters to rapids. There are also hiking destinations with views of Lake Martin, opportunities for birdwatching and museums covering regional and automotive topics.

On the Tallapoosa River: Paddling and Scenery

The Tallapoosa River is classified as an Outstanding Alabama Water; its section in Alabama is also designated as part of the Alabama Scenic River Trail. A 25-mile stretch of river in Tallapoosa and Chambers Counties was named in honor of Harold Banks in 2015 and forms the Harold Banks Canoe Trail. Its character combines calm waters with rapids that rarely exceed Grade 1 on the International Scale of River Difficulty. Water conditions vary by season.

Section 2 of the Canoe Trail is 9.75 miles long and designed as an approximately six-hour river trip. It begins at the public access point at Germany’s Ferry Bridge and ends at the public access point at Horseshoe Bend Bridge. The approximate duration depends on water conditions—take this into account when planning your day.

Trails, Views and the History of Horseshoe Bend

On March 27, 1814, Major General Andrew Jackson’s army of 3,300 soldiers attacked 1,000 Red Stick Creek warriors led by Chief Menawa in a horseshoe-shaped bend of the Tallapoosa River. The battle ended the Creek War. At Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, a 2.8-mile, moderately challenging nature trail loops around the battlefield and passes near Tohopeka Village. Trail conditions can vary seasonally.

Cycling is permitted in the park on the three-mile paved Tour Road. It is not allowed on the nature trail, battlefield, in Tohopeka Village or off the trails. Check the current advisories before cycling. The clear distinction between the Tour Road and nature trail is especially helpful when planning your time for cycling and hiking.

For hikes of different lengths, consider these other routes: the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail is described as a 4.2-mile loop; a connecting route shortens the distance to 3.1 miles. Cherokee Ridge has more than 11 miles of hiking trails, including an approximately four-mile trail along the shore of Lake Martin. From there, you can enjoy views across Kowaliga Bay and of Chimney Rock; bald eagles are regularly spotted around the lake, though wildlife sightings vary seasonally and are not guaranteed.

The overlooks also offer different views: Smith Mountain Fire Tower is a hiking destination with far-reaching views of Lake Martin. The tower and surrounding trails have been open to the public since its completion in 2012; check current access conditions before visiting. Jimmy K. Lanier Fire Lookout Tower is 110 feet tall and also offers views of Lake Martin.

Wildlife Watching and Outdoor Activities

At Wind Creek State Park, you can observe waterfowl, birds of prey and songbirds along the trails year-round; bald eagles and ospreys are also spotted there year-round. Sightings are nevertheless seasonal and not guaranteed. The park has about 30 miles of trails for horseback riders and hikers, with natural scenery and views of Lake Martin.

For a shorter nature outing, Coon Creek Nature Preserve and Recreation Area offers five miles of trails and a boat ramp. This public recreation area and nature preserve encompasses 320 acres of a wooded creek valley with pine and hardwood forests along the Tallapoosa River, draining into Yates Lake; it also serves as a study area for environmental issues. The one-mile Overlook Loop Trail and four-mile Wood Duck Trail are suitable for observing woodland songbirds.

Wind Creek Community Archery Park has an adult course with seven targets at distances of 20 to 50 yards and a youth course with three targets at 5 to 15 yards. The beach area at Wind Creek State Park has two volleyball nets and several covered picnic tables. The beach is in a large bay away from fast boat traffic. Facilities and layouts can change; check current advisories before planning your visit.

The state park also has 586 campsites, including 157 waterfront sites and 268 sites with sewer hookups; all sites have water and electrical hookups. A 210-foot-long fishing pier is open 24 hours a day. Since information about facilities and operating conditions can change, checking before your visit is recommended.

Museums and Special Trails

In Dadeville, the Tallapoosa Historical Museum preserves the history of Tallapoosa County in two exhibition rooms in a renovated commercial building. The museum was founded in 1969. Its reading room is open to visitors who wish to consult manuscripts, diaries, account books and genealogical records related to the county; check current access details in advance.

The Wellborn Musclecar Museum is dedicated to American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s. The classic cars on display include the Charger, Road Runner and SuperBee. The museum also features the nation’s largest collection of high-performance Dodge vehicles.

Trails can tell stories too: the Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad Trail follows an old railroad embankment built and used in the early 1920s for construction of Martin Dam. Holly Hills Trail is pleasant to explore on foot and stands out for its variety of plants and habitats; a wide variety of birds can be expected there year-round.

Discover more places: Alexander City, Jacksons’ Gap.

Discover more destinations: Madison, Montgomery, Chilton County, Limestone County, Cullman County, Lauderdale County.

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