An unusual evergreen pocosin community in deep ravines defines Pike’s natural landscape. The Pike County Pocosin covers two areas totaling 333 acres and is home to two distinctive plant communities. The preserve also offers opportunities for birdwatching and observing other wildlife. Here, plant life and wildlife observation provide two different ways to experience nature.
Nature Among Ravines, Wetlands, and Trails
The grounds of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama also combine natural features, including certified wetlands, an observation boardwalk, and wooded trails. The Conecuh River runs parallel behind the boardwalk. Troy University Arboretum offers the public a place for outdoor education and recreation, with more than 8 miles of walking trails. These places show different sides of experiencing nature in Pike—from distinctive plant communities to trails in an arboretum.
Largemouth bass, sunfish, redear sunfish, and channel catfish are stocked at Pike County State Public Fishing Lake. The fish stocking also makes the lake appealing to anglers. Pike offers a range of cultural and natural attractions that you can explore according to the focus of your trip.
History, Architecture, and Local Traditions
The Pioneer Museum of Alabama presents the history of prehistoric Alabama as well as rural life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum includes 22 buildings and numerous historic objects. It hosts Pioneer Days, Spring Plantin', and Old Time Christmas each year. Another way to bring history to life is the Hands on History program: volunteers lead it for children’s groups using original artifacts and traditional techniques. Check with the museum to confirm the program’s availability.
In Troy, the Historic District features thirteen antebellum homes and a restored town square. The Troy Downtown Historic Commercial District offers another perspective on the town’s development: its historic buildings date from the mid-19th century through the 1950s; it was listed on February 21, 2013. The Johnson Center for the Arts is housed in a circa-1910 Classical Revival-style post office building. Admission is free to the general public; check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The performing arts and event culture are also among the things to discover. We Piddle Around Theater presents live stage productions. TroyFest is an outdoor festival on the town square in downtown Troy. In Brundidge, the Peanut Butter Festival is an annual harvest and heritage celebration. Event dates may change, so check the dates for TroyFest and the Peanut Butter Festival before your trip.
Planning Your Visit
Troy is located on U.S. Highway 231 between northern Alabama and the beaches of the Gulf Coast. The Public Relations and Tourism Office in Troy provides visitor information and maps; check the office details before your trip. Roadside parking is available at the Pike County Pocosin entrance on Clayhill Road. Check the access information before your visit.
Troy is also home to Butter and Egg Adventures, an outdoor recreation facility and retreat center on a 48-acre site. Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park features an outdoor display of terracotta warriors; check the latest information before visiting. Together, Pike’s nature, history, architecture, and events offer many reasons to get to know the area.
Discover more destinations: Troy, Brundidge, Covington County, Barbour County, Lauderdale County, Morgan County, Marengo County, Pickens County.
For the main travel overview: Alabama.
