The Black Belt - Seek Alabama

About the Black Belt

The Alabama Black Belt is a region in lower-central Alabama known for its rich, dark soil. The region is a collection of 18 counties—Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter and Wilcox—stretching more than 100 miles. The Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association promotes outdoor recreation opportunities within the region, including birding, fishing, camping, hiking and biking.

Explore

Discover the outdoors in the Black Belt.

Paul M. Grist State Park

Valley Grande, AL

This 1,080-acre, lower-central Alabama state park surrounds a 100-acre lake of the same name and has around 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking use. Visitors can boat, camp, stay at cabins or settle down for birdwatching.

Moundville Archeological Park

Moundville, AL

Owned by the University of Alabama, Moundville Archeological Park is a Native American heritage site and “The Big Apple of the 14th Century” near Tuscaloosa. Guests can visit nature trails, a campground and witness beautiful views of the ancient mounds.

Chickasaw State Park

Marengo County, AL

Chickasaw is a 520-acre roadside park, offering areas to enjoy the outdoors, including playgrounds and picnic areas, and camping opportunities. This state park is also a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail. Keep an eye out for northern flickers, white-eyed vireos and palm warblers.

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

Barbour County, AL

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge boasts several scenic landscapes, allowing visitors to experience wetlands, woodlands and croplands along the Chattahoocheee River. The refuge also offers extensive birding, fishing and hiking opportunities—providing ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Wehle Land Conservation Center

Midway, AL

On more than 1,500 acres, the Wehle Land Conservation Center near Midway offers various recreational opportunities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding. The center is also a great place to observe wildlife, like birds—especially the Forever Wild Portion of the tract.

Sherling Lake Park & Campground

Greenville, AL

Sherling Lake Park and Campground has plenty of camping and fishing opportunities, making it a great location to spend time outdoors. It’s also a unique place for nature and wildlife viewing.

Great Southern Outdoors Wildlife Plantation

Union Springs, AL

Those visiting the Great Southern Outdoors Wildlife Plantation can experience prime hunting of deer, dove, quail, turkey and wild hog. Not into hunting? Anglers can find their place on the lake to reel in fish like bass, bream and catfish.

Chewacla State Park

Auburn, AL

Popular for its exhilarating mountain biking trails is Chewacla State Park in the Auburn-Opelika area. This quaint hiking and biking destination offers plenty of options for time outdoors. Those looking to fish can also find plenty at Lake Chewacla onsite. Anglers can expect to catch bream, bass, crappie and catfish.

Lake Tuskegee

Tuskegee, AL

Discover a place with plenty of fishing opportunities at Lake Tuskegee in the city of Tuskegee. Reel in largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and more. It’s also an easy place to spot birds, so be sure to keep an eye out in the sky.

Holy Ground Battlefield Park

Lowndesboro, AL

Holy Ground Battlefield Park is an extraordinary historical site of the lost town of White Hall and an 1831 battle. Wind through the land and soak in history on paved roads and nature trails. As a stop with the Alabama Birding Trails, those looking to birdwatch can expect to see songbirds, woodpeckers and even bald eagles throughout the year.

Favorite Spots

Head out to one of our favorite Black Belt spots.

Tuskegee National Forest

Tuskegee, AL

With nearly 11,000 acres of beautiful, nationally protected forestland, Tuskegee National Forest is a popular destination for those within the Black Belt region. Bike, hike and enjoy the rich ecosystem. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it within these trees.

Perry Lakes Park

Marion, AL

Seated on the oxbow of the scenic Cahaba River is the 700-acre Perry Lakes Park. Visitors can enjoy birding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more. There are also plenty of picnic tables, making it a great place to take the whole family.

Demopolis Reservoir

Marengo County, AL

Demopolis Reservoir offers 10,000 acres of prime fishing. Part of the Black Warrior-Tombigbee waterway system, anglers can catch striped bass, catfish and more. The reservoir also has numerous family-friendly amenities, making it a great place to take the whole family out on the water.

Pushamataha Plantation

Lisman, AL

Get ready to hunt on Pushamataha Plantation—a family friendly atmosphere with ample opportunities to catch a trophy animal. With over 16,000 acres of wildlife management, hunters can find deer, turkey and wild hogs. Chef’s Lodge, a 12,000-acre camp, is also a great place for hunters to rest.

Lakepoint State Park

Eufaula, AL

Along the 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula lies Lakepoint State Park, a location with plenty of space to run and enjoy the wildlife. The park has campgrounds, playgrounds, a swimming complex, boat launches, and even trails for hiking and wildlife watching.

Spillway Falls Park

Demopolis, AL

Found below the Demopolis Lock and Dam is Spillway Falls Park—a park with a beautiful birds-eye view of the spillway below. The spillway is a great place to see a few birds, so be sure to bring a spotting scope to catch them with your eye.

Dallas County Public Fishing Lake

Sardis, AL

Dallas County’s public fishing lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and other fish species—a perfect place to fish for individuals and families. Launch a boat, enjoy time at the pier or even birdwatching.

Top Trails

Hit one of the top trails in the region.

Bartram National Recreation Trail

Tuskegee, AL

Winding through Tuskegee National Forest is the Bartram National Recreation Trail—the first Alabama trail to be nationally named. This moderately challenging 8.5 mile out-and-back offers great hiking and biking opportunities for the outdoor goer.

Alligator Lake Nature Trail

Midway, AL

Within the Wehle Land Conservation Center, Alligator Lake Nature Trail allows for extraordinary viewing opportunities for birds, alligators, beavers and other wildlife. Those visiting Wehle should visit the trail during open weekends.

Pleasant Hill Trail

Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee National Forest is home to many trails, and Pleasant Hill is a great option for area mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners.

Black Belt Mural Trail

Black Belt Region

Explore over 100 public art murals across Alabama’s Black Belt towns, celebrating culture, history and other native elements. Visit Alabama Black Belt Adventure’s website to see the locations of each mural and information about each.

Taska Recreational Area

Tuskegee, AL

Taska is a proclaimed “must-stop” recreation area in Tuskegee National Forest. It’s also part of the Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail. Only allowed use during daylight; guests can enjoy picnic tables, grills and an interpretive kiosk.

Bold Destiny & Bedford Cash Memorial Trail

Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee National Forest is home to the Bold Destiny & Bedford Cash Memorial Trail. The trail offers 15 miles of horseback riding and is also open to hikers. Just remember: Hikers should yield to horseback riders.

Demopolis River Walk

Demopolis, AL

Enjoy scenic views and plenty of birds at the Demopolis River Walk. This West Alabama spot has paved paths that run alongside the Black Warrior River, offering visitors a peaceful time in the outdoors.

For the Family

Find the best family friendly adventures in the Black Belt.

Bladon Springs State Park

Choctaw County, AL

This historic mineral spring park is another stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail, with birds like songbirds, woodpeckers and raptors being great to spot. Baldon Springs State Park also has day-use picnic areas and accessible trails, making it a great place to take the whole family.

Foscue Creek Park Campground

Demopolis, AL

This 52-site campground on the Tombigbee River is the perfect getaway for anyone wanting to escape outdoors. The day-use area has boat ramps, docks, areas for fishing and pavilions to cool off under. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails around the park and campground.

Pike County Public Fishing Lake

Troy, AL

This 45-acre fishing lake is a great destination for anglers hoping to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

Old Cahawba Archeological Park

Orrville, AL

Alabama’s first capital and famous ghost town is in the Alabama Black Belt region, and it’s owned by the Alabama Historical Commission. Learn about the location’s history at the visitor center, wind through historic cemeteries, eat lunch at picnic areas, and hike and bike on accessible nature trails.

Roland Cooper State Park

Camden, AL

Southwest Alabama’s best fishing is found off Dannelly Reservoir at Roland Cooper State Park. With many amenities, the park is a beautiful place to launch a boat or even camp. It’s also an excellent birding location, offering glimpses at bald eagles and osprey.

Barbour County Public Fishing Lake

Midway, AL

This Midway public fishing lake is 75-acres and provides anglers with the opportunity to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

Lagoon Park

Montgomery, AL

This large Montgomery city park has a golf course, softball complex, a fitness trail that winds through the woods and plenty of lagoons. Lagoon Park is a wonderful place to spot seasonal birds, especially around the water.

Oak Park

Montgomery, AL

Oak Park is a 40-acre day-use park in the capitol city of Alabama. Visitors will notice its peaceful environment at the playground, around its pond and on the walking trails that circle the park. This wide-open space is also a great place to spot birds during migration season.

Payne Lake Recreation Area

Moundville, AL

Found in Moundville near Tuscaloosa, Payne Lake Recreation Area is a scenic, tranquil area with a lot to offer. Those spending some time at the park enjoy campsites, a swimming beach at the campground and plenty of picnic tables. The lake is also a great place to boat, fish and spot some seasonal birds.