Find trout in the Sipsey Fork branch of the Black Warrior River.

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information.While Alabama is mostly known as a hotspot for spin fishing, it’s also home to several good places for fly-fishing, and you can chase everything from sunfish to rainbow trout to bass, stripers, and redfish.

Fly fishing is more popular now than ever before, offering anglers a unique challenge and rewarding fight that they just don’t experience when using conventional tackle. For your next fly-fishing trip, consider the following top spots in Alabama.

Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River

The classic image of fly fishing is synonymous with the pursuit of trout, but most water in Alabama is too warm for trout to survive. The exception is the Sipsey Fork branch of the Black Warrior River, the tailwater beneath the Lewis Smith Lake dam. The turbines pull water from the depths of Lewis Smith Lake that’s cold enough to support trout year-round in the tailwater. Since the 1970s, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has stocked rainbow trout beneath the dam several times a year. Fishermen can chase these fish as far as 12 miles downstream. While the Sipsey Fork is a great destination, the whole Black Warrior River system offers great opportunities to catch bass and panfish.

Coosa, Tallapoosa & Cahaba Rivers

Of course, bass are the main focus of any warm-water fishery. Whether it’s a largemouth, spotted, smallmouth or striper, any average size bass puts quite a bend in a fly rod.

The common thread with the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Cahaba rivers is their accessibility and their abundance of panfish, largemouth, spotted and striped bass, as well as the rare redeye bass. Sometimes referred to as the “Bama Brook Trout,” these fish sport vivid blue coloration around the throat and gills and a “chrome” eyelid. Pound for pound they’re some of the hardest fighting fish you’ll encounter in any Southern stream. Redeyes have seven formally acknowledged subspecies specific to the few waterways they natively inhabit, including four in Alabama: the Coosa, the Tallapoosa, the Cahaba and the Black Warrior rivers, making up over half of the “redeye slam.”

Coosa River

The Coosa is one of the longest rivers in the state, forming in Georgia and ultimately flowing 255 miles through Alabama before joining the Alabama River. Largely known for its superb crappie, largemouth and striper fishing, the Coosa has six impoundments forming several lakes, including Weiss Lake and Jordan Lake, which hold some of the best spotted bass fishing in the country. Additionally, some of these lakes have diversion canals that offer the type of small-water fishing that fly fishermen often prefer, even though the canals are sometimes difficult to access.

Cahaba River

Contrary to the heavily impeded Coosa, the 194-mile Cahaba River is the longest free-flowing river in the state, and it provides ample opportunities to catch bass and panfish on the fly. The “fall line” (the boundary between the Appalachian Highlands and the Gulf Coastal Plain) basically splits the Cahaba into two distinct sections. The upper half is generally rockier with clearer water, while the lower half of the river has muddy, sandy bottoms, which makes the water cloudier. Still, with all the elements of its lush biodiversity, such as the “Cahaba Lily,” the entire river is quite scenic and a great fishery.

Tallapoosa River

The Tallapoosa is formed by the confluence of Georgia’s McClendon Creek and Mud Creek and runs 265 miles until it joins the Coosa just northeast of Montgomery. Like the Coosa and the Cahaba, the Tallapoosa has a wide range of warm-water fare, including redeye bass, as previously mentioned. A popular section of the Tallapoosa to paddle and fish is from Horseshoe Bend Military Park to Jaybird Creek Landing, just after the river runs into Lake Martin. The entrance into Lake Martin also presents an opportunity to catch striped bass, which are typically associated with bigger water. The guides at East Alabama Fly Fishing are a proven authority on fly fishing in the region, especially on the niche species of redeye bass.

Wilson Lake/Tennessee River

Tennessee River lakes are widely known for their bass fishing, particularly Pickwick, Guntersville and Wheeler lakes. However, Wilson Lake near Florence is often overlooked, resulting in significantly less fishing pressure. Considerably smaller than the other lakes, Wheeler Lake stretches only about 15 miles between the Wilson Dam and the upstream Wheeler Dam. The tailrace behind Wheeler Dam is a known hotspot for smallmouth, although generally with live baitfish. Using a slow-sinking fly line and any number of baitfish patterns, fly fishermen also stand a good chance of hooking up with smallies as well as stripers here. A kayak or boat increases efficiency in fly fishing a lake like this, but bank fishing is a viable option. Overall, the best time to hook up with a smallmouth on the fly is after the spawn in late spring, when the action on top and shallow water is at its peak.

Alabama Gulf Coast

Saltwater fly fishing usually conjures images of a chartered flats boat chasing tarpon or stalking tailing redfish in the marshes, and those are certainly worthwhile pursuits. However, it doesn’t take a professional guide or even a boat to catch saltwater fish on the fly. Every year, thousands of people flock to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Dauphin Island for beach vacations. Even if you’re staying in a condo, don’t overlook this as a chance to do some fly fishing. Surf fishing in the morning between the breakers and the first sandbar often yields bluefish, ladyfish, whiting, hardtail jack, Spanish mackerel, and maybe even some cruising drum or redfish. If you explore any place where the Gulf connects to a back bay, such as Perdido Pass, you’ll have great access to fish.

The best bet is to watch for action on the surface, like birds feeding, schooling baitfish, or fish simply tailing on the surface. Paired with an intermediate sinking line, a variety of flies can be effective, from baitfish patterns like a clouser minnow or a gamechanger to weighted shrimp and crab patterns.

Whatever species or type of water you prefer, fly fishermen in the South should take a close look at the dynamic waterways of Alabama as they plan their next trip.

Written by Thomas Lambert for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Sipsey Wilderness

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information.

Let’s face it, we all have busy schedules, and most of us struggle to set aside a week or two for a long backpacking trip. But, the good news is that Alabama has some incredible trails where you can enjoy amazing overnight treks.

We’ve highlighted five of our favorite overnighters in the state. While one hike is in a Wilderness area (where you can camp wherever you’d like), four are within national forests, where backpackers must follow Forest Service Guidelines when choosing a campsite:

• Use already established campsites where possible.
• Camp on bare soil if possible to avoid killing vegetation.
• Camp at least 100 feet away from streams
• Be “invisible,” camping a good distance from the trail so that you are not visible from that trail.
• Permits may be required, especially during hunting season. Visit the National Forests in Alabama website for more information on camping rules and regulations.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles to limit your impact on the environment.

So, toss that pack into the back of your car this weekend and head out on one of these beautiful overnight hikes.

1. Skyway, Chinnabee, Pinhoti Loop

The Talladega National Forest encompasses everything that makes the southern Appalachians spectacular—panoramic vistas from rocky bluffs and outcroppings, swift creeks and streams, and amazing roaring waterfalls. And you can experience all of those wonderful features by hiking a loop that connects the Skyway, Chinnabee and Pinhoti trails.

This 17.5-mile loop is a perfect overnight backpacking trip for you to just get away into the wilderness to be with nature. The loop begins at the Adam’s Gap Trailhead on AL 281 South, only 3.8 miles south of Cheaha State Park. For an easier hike, walk the loop clockwise. For something more challenging, go counter-clockwise and you’ll find yourself doing some steep climbs especially at the intersection of the Skyway Loop and Chinnabee trails.

The hike begins on Alabama’s world famous long trail, the Pinhoti, and leads you through an oak and longleaf pine forest. Armadillos will be seen rooting through the underbrush, and you may kick up a wild turkey or two. After all, “Pinhoti” is a Native-American word or “turkey.”

The Skyway Loop climbs up to a ridge for some nice views of the Talladega Mountains. Plus, you’ll cross a few large creeks, the biggest being Barbaree and Hubbard. The trail drops steeply down off the ridge to pick up the Chinnabee Silent Trail, which follows the banks of its namesake creek where you’ll find several cascades and a great swimming hole or two.

Eventually, the trail climbs the side of a rock wall on stone stairs and a wooden catwalk for views of the spectacular Devil’s Den Falls. Then, you’ll ascend another ridge to reach the Cheaha Falls trail shelter and the beautiful tiered Cheaha Falls.

2. McDill Point

The Talladega National Forest offers some incredible views from its many quartzite outcroppings. To string together several great views in an overnight hike, take a 14-mile out-and-back trip that combines the Odum Scout Trail and the Pinhoti Trail. On this route, you’ll explore high ridges to visit several outcrops, including McDill Point, which offers some of the most impressive views in the national forest.

Begin your hike from the High Falls Trailhead just of off Clairmont Springs Road in Pyriton. This is the location of High Falls, a beautiful cascade that includes three 15-foot tiers of falls. After a significant rain, this waterfall can be really impressive.

From there, the trail wanders just below or on top of a ridgeline for about 3 miles, rewarding you with several panoramic views. You’ll then connect to the Pinhoti Trail and proceed to McDill Point, where you can end your day peacefully gazing out over surrounding mountains. After camping at McDill Point, retrace your steps to the High Falls Trailhead.

3. Sipsey Wilderness

Head to the heart of the Bankhead National Forest and spend a night in the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” the Sipsey Wilderness. There are several options for nice loops and out-and-back hikes, but one of our favorites is a lollipop loop that uses Trail 209 (Sipsey Trail), Trail 201 (Rippey Trail), and Trail 202 (Randolph Trail) to make a nice 16-mile circuit.

The hike begins at the Sipsey Recreation Area off of County Road 60/Cranal Road on Trail 209. Remember, there is a $3 fee to park here. The path heads down to the banks of the beautiful cool and clear waters of the Sipsey Fork and follows the river 6.7 miles through an incredible canyon where seasonal waterfalls flow around just about every corner. Take a short side trip to one of the best, Fall Creek Falls, a 90-foot ribbon cascade.

The loop is formed where Trail 209 meets up with Trail 201 and climbs out of the canyon as it heads south to meet Trail 202. When you leave the canyon it seems as if you’ve entered a different world and the route follows a nice rolling path that’s lined with wildflowers in spring. Continuing on, you’ll rejoin Trail 209, which takes you back to the trailhead.

During the hike, you will have to cross Sipsey Fork a couple of times and get a little wet. Usually, they’re easy crossings, but if the water is up and flowing, it could be a challenge.

4. North Loop Trail

The North Loop Trail in the Conecuh National Forest is a perfect overnight trek for seasoned hikers who want to get away for a night or beginners learning the basics.

This 13.8-mile trail is actually the north loop of the longer Conecuh Trail that stretches south another 20 miles. It’s an easy walking journey through a forest of towering longleaf pines where you might encounter gopher tortoises and white-top pitcher plants.

What really makes the hike special are its water features—three beautiful dark green cypress ponds including Mossy, Gum, and Nellie. At each pond, cypress trees draped in Spanish moss line the banks and blooming water lilies float on the surface.

Since the terrain is relatively flat, you’ll find it a quick hike. Most hikers like to start around mid-morning from the south trailhead on AL 137 and do a clockwise circuit. You can hike the first 10 or so miles until dusk and then set up camp at Nellie Pond where the night sky is velvety black, the stars shimmer brightly, and frog song serenades you to sleep. The next morning, it’s a short 3-mile jaunt to the trailhead to complete the loop.

5. White-Blue Loop

For a fun overnighter at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham (just south of Birmingham) take the Blue-White Trail Loop, which you’ll explore the twin ridges of Oak Mountain for incredible views, encounter a waterfall, get a workout with a little elevation gain, and spend a wonderful night with the lights of Birmingham in the distance.

The loop itself is 13.1 miles with an optional 0.8-mile extension to what is known as the King’s Chair Overlook. We say optional, but trust us, you don’t want to miss the spectacular views from the Chair! And yes, a good hiker can do this loop in a day, but take your time and revel in nature and the solitude found here only minutes from a major Southeastern city.

The hike begins at the park’s North Trailhead on the Blue Trail (also known as the South Rim Trail) with a good workout. You’ll climb from 620 feet of elevation to 1,100 feet as you make your way to the top of the eastern ridge. From there, it’s a pleasant walk through the woods with several views, and you’ll reach the extension trail that leads to the King’s Chair.

The Blue Trail ends at the beautiful Peavine Falls, a 65-foot cascade that tumbles down to a cool, clear pool at its base. From here, you’ll join the White Trail (aka the Shackleford Point Trail), which leads you to the summit of the tallest mountain in the park, Shackleford, that measures in at 1,260 feet tall. The path then winds its way back downhill to the trailhead and gives you a chance to stop at the peaceful oasis known as Maggie’s Glen with its natural spring, beautiful white beech trees, and dogwoods.

In the state park, backcountry camping is only allowed in designated areas. For this hike, there is one spot located about midway on the White Trail. Because backcountry sites are on a first come, first served basis, you should get there early. There is a $6 per person backcountry camping fee, and your group must also purchase a trail map for $1.

Written by Joe Cuhaj for Matcha in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Since 1974, rainbow trout are stocked several times a year in the Sipsey Fork.

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information.

When you’re on the Sipsey Fork wading in cool, clear water on a rock shoal fighting a rainbow trout, you might forget you’re fishing in Alabama. In the fall, when the humidity lifts, the Sipsey Fork branch of the Black Warrior River hardly resembles a typical Alabama stream.

Since 1974, officials have stocked the Sipsey Fork with rainbow trout several times each year, placing the fish below the Alabama Power Company’s Lewis Smith Lake Dam, about 14 miles northeast of Jasper. The dam’s turbines draw water from deep in Smith Lake, and it’s cool enough to support trout in the tailwaters year-round for about a 12-mile stretch. Many people are surprised by the fact that Alabama has one of the southernmost year-round trout fisheries in the nation.

According to OutdoorAlabama.com, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) stocks the Sipsey Fork with around 3,000 8- to 15-inch rainbow trout every month through agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alabama Power Company. They alternate between batches of 7- to 13-inch fish and bigger 11- to 15-inchers, depending on the month.

While it’s certainly a far cry from Yellowstone, the Colorado River or other famed fishing destinations, the Sipsey Fork’s unusual conditions make it a trout oasis for fishermen in the Deep South.

Fishing Regulations

The creel and possession limit of five fish is one of the few restrictions on trout in the Sipsey Fork. Also, there is no size limit, trout season restriction, or trout stamp requirement. (Of course, an Alabama freshwater fishing license is mandatory.) However, culling trout from a cooler, livewell or stringer is illegal.

Needless to say, a “put and take” fishery like the Sipsey Fork gets a lot of fishing traffic, but you can generally find some luck, as the stockies are not as finicky as wild trout. Some fish do make it out of the immediate tailwater area and move further downstream to deeper water. Holdover trout that survive the first year after stocking evolve into more elusive and exciting fish to catch.

River Access

The Alabama Power Company owns the land on either side of the Sipsey Fork upstream of the Highway 69 Bridge, and anglers are allowed to access the river from this land. If you want to access the river from land below Highway 69, be aware that much of this is private property, and you might have to get permission from landowners.

The portion of the river that you can wade lies above the Birmingham Water Works Pump Station located at the end of County Road 95, where there is also a designated parking area. From the dam to the pump station there are four access points, which provide most of the best fishing.

There are also well-maintained access points at several locations from the pump station downstream to the Highway 69 Bridge. All of these access points consist of metal staircases and walkways that stretch from the banks to the water, and one structure even accommodates those with physical disabilities. While it’s not possible to wade all the way across the river in these spots, you’ll have ample opportunities to pursue fish that are sitting in deeper water farther away from the dam.

Downstream of Highway 69, you’ll need a boat for fishing. There’s a private boat ramp just below the bridge, where anglers can launch non-motorized vessels for a small fee (collected at the Riverside Fly Shop). If you wanted to spend a full day on the water, you could float downstream to the confluence of the Sipsey Fork and the Mulberry Fork, where there is a public ramp.

Before you head to the river, always be sure to check the generation schedule. The Alabama Power Company provides real-time info on generation and water levels, and the Riverside Fly Shop is another great resource. You can also call 1-800-LAKES-11 for generation info. These schedules are always subject to change without notice, as water is released on a demand basis. If you happen to be in the river when the generation alarm sounds, don’t waste any time and get out immediately. Water levels can rise 10 to 15 vertical feet in mere minutes. With that said, generation doesn’t mean the end of a fishing trip; it only rules out wading. The Fly Shop will happily rent you a kayak so you can continue fishing.

Fishing Tackle

While conventional tackle with spinners, corn, eggs, or Powerbait will definitely attract bites, fly fishing is a great option that many anglers find more rewarding.

With regard to flies, your best bets are zebra midges, scuds, sow bugs and nymphs. Slumpbusters, wooly buggers and other small streamers see success as well, and olive and black are go-to colors. Ants, grasshoppers and other terrestrials are viable dry fly options, as they’re prevalent on the banks of the Sipsey Fork in the warmer months. Given the year-round presence of midges, a dry-and-dropper rig with a midge is always worth considering. Caddis and mayflies work sometimes, although the hatch of aquatic insects can be unpredictable because of the generation.

On the Sipsey Fork, you can target natural rock ledges and pools that can hold fish, but there are also in-stream rock and wood structures that the WFF installed a few years ago. There are several of these structures upstream of the pump station and even more spread out between the pump station and the Highway 69 Bridge.

For specific directions, water conditions, fishing reports, generation schedule and other details, check out the following resources:

• Riverside Fly Shop
• Alabama Power Company – Lewis Smith Lake
• Outdoor Alabama

Written by Thomas Lambert for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Georgia’s Cohutta Wilderness is home to the popular Jacks River Falls.

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information.

Have you explored every inch of the Sipsey Wilderness? Been there and done that in the Talladega National Forest? Then it’s time to expand your horizons, break through the border, and sample some of the great backpacking treks in the states that border Alabama.

The best part is that you won’t have to travel far to get there. Within a day’s drive you’ll find remarkable stony crags with breathtaking panoramic views and towering waterfalls that roar down rocky cliffs forming rainbows in their spray. Just across the Alabama state line there are plenty of great places to go backpacking, and here are five of our favorites.

1. Blood Mountain Wilderness – Cleveland, Georgia

If you drive about 150 miles northeast of Fort Payne, you’ll reach Georgia’s famous Blood Mountain Wilderness. Boasting rugged peaks and rock outcroppings with awe-inspiring views, the wilderness spans 7,742 acres in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Throughout the wilderness you’ll encounter waterfalls, lakes, and streams, plus a remarkable series of falls and cascades along Blood Mountain Creek, one of which slices through a 20-foot cut in the rock to create a turbulent stream.

The wilderness itself is named for its centerpiece, the 4,459-foot-tall Blood Mountain, the tallest peak in the state, whose summit offers great views, especially in the fall when the trees display brilliant colors.

Even though the mountain is located deep within some challenging terrain, it is still a very popular destination, even for casual hikers, and it can get quite crowded. The reason—the Appalachian Trail snakes its way to the summit where a 2-room CCC stone shelter sits waiting for hikers. (If you can visit mid-week or at times of the year when trail traffic is low, the shelter is certainly worth a visit, as a rock outcrop near the structure offers a stellar view of forested ridges rolling to the horizon.) During peak hiking seasons, you can avoid crowds on Blood Mountain by taking trails that are less travelled. Along the western slope, there are some fantastic trails that wind around the surrounding mountains and lead to Blood’s summit.

One of the best is the 16-mile (round trip) hike to Cow Rock Mountain along the Byron Reece Trail. For a short distance it connects to the A.T. and takes you to the top of Blood Mountain. During much of the trek you’ll enjoy inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, and you’ll have your choice of several backcountry campsites. (The campsite with the best view sits on top of Wolf Laurel Top.)

2. Cohutta Wilderness – Cisco, Georgia

About 100 miles northeast of Fort Payne there is a truly remarkable backpacking destination, where towering waterfalls thunder down weathered sandstone cliffs, cool natural springs offer respite from the hot summer sun, and the views are simply spectacular. It’s called the Cohutta Wilderness, the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River and one of the most remote sections of the North Georgia highlands.

Covering nearly 37,000 acres, the Cohutta has more than 100 miles of trails that weave their way through a lush landscape of hemlock trees and rhododendron. Its many paths intersect to offer seemingly endless hiking possibilities with challenging climbs, plenty of creek and stream crossings, and incredible panoramic views.

One of the most popular paths is the 18-mile round-trip Jacks River Trail which steeply descends into a gorge to meet up with its namesake river. The trail meanders through an emerald forest lined with fragrant wildflowers in season and crosses the clear, cool river 18 times, affording you plenty of chances for a swim. Keep in mind that the trail passes the popular Jacks River Falls and it can get crowded in the summer when locals and tourists make the trek to cool down in the waterfall’s pool.

Because severe weather has damaged trails and trailheads in the past, you should visit the USDA Forest Service website and check the status of trails. Also, prior to your trip, contact the Conasauga Ranger District to get a map of the wilderness.

3. South Cumberland State Park/Fiery Gizzard – Sequatchie, Tennessee

Located just 78 miles northeast of Huntsville, South Cumberland State Park in Sequatchie, Tennessee, is perched high atop the Cumberland Plateau. It includes more than 90 miles of hiking trails with everything from lazy walks through seas of wildflowers to strenuous, rocky climbs to incredible views from open ridges.

The park is actually comprised of nine different wilderness and natural areas, one of the most popular being Fiery Gizzard and its Fiery Gizzard Trail, which measures 12.5 miles one way. With a name like Fiery Gizzard you know this has to be an amazing hike—and it is. In fact, Backpacker Magazine once ranked it as one of the top 25 trails in the nation, and for good reason. The forest is lush, the views of the rocky gorges and outcroppings are incredible, and rumbling waterfalls and streams tumble through the landscape.

You’ll find maps and additional information on all of the hikes within the park, including Fiery Gizzard, on the Friends of South Cumberland website.

4. Savage Gulf Natural Area — Palmer, Tennessee

Drive 90 miles northeast of Huntsville and you’ll reach Palmer, Tennessee, and the Savage Gulf Natural Area, whose name certainly conjures up visions of true hiking adventure.

Savage Gulf includes more than 15,000 acres of pristine forest with 55 miles of trails that offer what is arguably the best hiking in the South. Along the rugged, rocky trails you can take in some the fascinating history of the region at places like the old Laurel Mill site and the remnants of an old moonshine still.

But, it’s the beauty of Savage Gulf that really lures backpackers, as trails wind among towering sandstone cliffs, including the Stone Door bluffs which rise 150 feet. You can peer into the deep canyon that nature has carved over the centuries and experience the thundering waters of Greeter Falls, where a 15-foot cascade flows down to a lower 50-foot curtain of water.

To learn more about the Savage Gulf Natural Area, visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation website and pick up a map of its trails from the Friends of the Cumberland.

5. Blackwater River State Forest – Munson, Florida

While Alabama is within reach of many challenging hikes, it’s also possible to drive a few hours to reach easier trails that suit beginners but also offer interesting features that advanced hikers will enjoy. From Gulf Shores, if you travel northeast a little less than 90 miles to Munson, Florida, you’ll find great hiking in Blackwater River State Forest.

Blackwater River is the largest of Florida’s three state forests and includes more than 189,000 acres of rolling hills and towering longleaf pines. Several trails crisscross the forest and allow hikers and backpackers to travel a day or more and visit its many lakes, streams, and rivers and view a wide range of wildlife, including the Florida Black Bear.

The forest’s centerpiece is the dark, tannin colored Blackwater River that courses through the pines as it flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. As you follow the 21-mile (one-way) Jackson Red Ground Trail you’ll follow the river, and you can relax on its banks and watch bald eagles and red tail hawks soar overhead.

The orange-blazed Jackson Red Ground trail was originally an Indian trading path and is now part of the Florida Trail, which stretches from Key West to Pensacola. The trail is named for its red soil and General Andrew Jackson, who traveled this route on his march from the Apalachicola River to Pensacola during the First Seminole Indian War of 1816.

Written by Joe Cuhaj for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.