St. Clair County lies at the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Wooded mountains, quiet valleys and areas crisscrossed by clear streams shape the landscape. To the east, the Coosa River forms the county’s boundary. This brings different landscapes together: inland hills and valleys, with water as a defining feature of the region.
The backwaters created by dams offer a variety of activities on the water: fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and swimming. When planning a trip, you can make these activities one focus and balance them with the rocky landscapes and historic sites. The county’s location is also convenient for getting around: Interstate 59 connects St. Clair County with Birmingham and Chattanooga.
Trails and Waterscapes
At Lakeside Park in Pell City, a spacious park meets Logan Martin Lake. The park spans 65 acres and has walking trails and fishing piers. Double Cove Park brings together several hiking trails, a beach and a protected swimming area. The trails range from just over one mile to just under two miles long. Check trail conditions before your visit, as they can change.
Ten Islands Historical Park also combines trails with the lake. A well-maintained trail follows an inlet of the lake; the trails are just under two miles long in total. The park also has a boat ramp and is part of the Alabama Birding Trails. This combination of trails, water access and a trail network offers another way to discover the county’s landscape.
Horse Pens 40 offers a setting unlike any other: a large boulder field of Precambrian sandstone. Self-guided trails wind among and through the boulders, and a raised boardwalk runs through scattered hardwood forests. Visitors interested in climbing can also go bouldering there. The densely packed sandstone formations make for more challenging climbing conditions. The experiences are quite different: trails lead through forests and rocks, while bouldering puts the formations themselves in the spotlight.
Traces of the Past
Ten Islands Historic Park preserves settlement traces from Paleoindian, Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian cultures. The history of its archaeological finds and settlements adds a historical dimension to a visit to the landscape. In Ragland, the Ragland Depot Museum features artifacts related to railroad history and the history of the town. Near Ragland, a monument also commemorates Fort Strother: Andrew Jackson established the supply depot in 1813, and it was used during the Indian Wars.
The Springville Museum explores the history of the town, including its people, events and artifacts. The museum has a children’s area, a historic kitchen and a music room. The John W. Inzer Museum offers educational tours and is part of the Alabama Bicentennial Trail. If you plan a tour, confirm the program details in advance.
Homestead Hollow festivals feature pioneer demonstrations such as wood carving and blacksmithing. They also include demonstrations of wood-stove cooking and tours of original cabins built by early settlers. The program may vary by event date, so check the dates and offerings in advance.
Planning Opening Hours and Visits
The Ashville Museum and Archives is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Springville Library & Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Check the hours before setting out.
The Inzer Home Museum can be visited by appointment arranged in advance through the County Tourism Office. The phone number provided for arrangements is 205-594-2116; confirm your appointment before arriving. When looking for accommodation, your planned focus—water, rocky landscapes or cultural history—can help guide your travel decision.
Discover More Destinations
Pell City, Ashville, Moody, Margaret, Marshall County, Madison, Macon, Sumter County
For the main travel overview: Alabama.
