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. On the Harold Banks Canoe Trail, calm water alternates with rapids. On land, trails lead through forests, along the riverbank or to overlooks of Lake Martin. Tallapoosa County can thus be explored in many different ways—on the water, on foot and with a view of the region’s history.
River Trips and Waterways
A 25-mile section of the Tallapoosa River in Tallapoosa and Chambers Counties was named in honor of Harold Banks in 2015; the Harold Banks Canoe Trail is associated with this stretch of river. The river section combines calm water with rapids that rarely exceed Class 1 on the International Scale of River Difficulty. Water conditions are seasonal and should be taken into account when planning.
Section 2 is a 9.75-mile river trip that takes about six hours. It begins at the public access point at Germany’s Ferry Bridge and ends at the public access point at Horseshoe Bend Bridge. The stated duration provides a practical guide to the time required; the actual trip duration depends on water conditions. The lower section of the Harold Banks Canoe Trail is also home to stands of Shoal or Cahaba lilies, and bald eagles can be found in the area. Blooming and wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
Hiking Trails, Forests and Views
Wind Creek State Park has about 30 miles of trails for horseback riders and hikers, with views of nature and Lake Martin. Cherokee Ridge offers more than 11 miles of hiking trails, including a roughly 4-mile trail along the lakeshore. From there, views extend across Kowaliga Bay and Chimney Rock; bald eagles are regularly spotted over the lake. Sightings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed.
Two observation towers offer different perspectives: Smith Mountain Fire Tower is a hiking destination with sweeping views of Lake Martin. The tower and surrounding trails have been open to the public since completion in 2012; check current access before your visit. Jimmy K. Lanier Fire Lookout Tower is 110 feet tall and also offers views of Lake Martin.
Trail lengths make it easy to plan a hike to suit your needs: James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail is a 4.2-mile loop; a shortcut via the connecting route reduces it to 3.1 miles. Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad Trail follows an old railroad embankment that was built and used in the early 1920s for the construction of Martin Dam. Trail conditions can change; check for current advisories before setting out.
The trails at Wind Creek State Park offer opportunities to observe waterbirds, birds of prey and songbirds; bald eagles and ospreys can also be observed there year-round. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. At Alexander City Sportplex, the hiking trails start at the back corner of the large parking lot on Arena Drive. The wooded area provides habitat for migrating songbirds during spring and fall migration; the species you may see vary by season. Holly Hills Trail is a pleasant walking trail with a wide variety of plants and habitats. A wide variety of birds can likely be found there year-round.
Coon Creek Nature Preserve and Recreation Area provides access on the banks of the Tallapoosa River to 320 acres of a wooded creek valley with pine and hardwood forests that drains into Yates Lake. This public recreation and nature preserve has five miles of trails and a boat ramp, and also serves as a study area for environmental issues. For woodland songbirds, the 1-mile Overlook Loop Trail and the 4-mile Wood Duck Trail are of interest. Check current conditions before your visit.
Horseshoe Bend: Trails and History
The nature trail at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is 2.8 miles long and moderately difficult. It loops around the battlefield and passes near Tohopeka Village. Cyclists can use the 3-mile paved Tour Road. Cycling is not allowed on the nature trail, battlefield, in Tohopeka Village or off-trail in the park; check current park advisories before your ride.
On March 27, 1814, the army of Major General Andrew Jackson attacked 1,000 Red Stick Creek warriors under Chief Menawa at a horseshoe-shaped bend in the Tallapoosa River, with 3,300 soldiers. The battle ended the Creek War. The historical context and today’s choice of trails offer two different perspectives on this place: the cycling option described is for the Tour Road, not the nature trail or battlefield.
Parks and Practical Information
Wind Creek State Park has 586 campsites, including 157 waterfront sites and 268 with sewer hookups. All sites have water and electricity hookups. Numbers may change. A 210-foot-long fishing pier is open around the clock; check current conditions before your visit. The beach area has two volleyball nets and several covered picnic tables. It is located in a large cove away from fast-moving boat traffic.
At Wind Creek Community Archery Park, the adult course has seven targets at distances of 20 to 50 yards; the youth course has three targets at distances of 5 to 15 yards. The layout may change, so it is worth checking current advisories. D.A.R.E. Power Park offers pavilions, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, a white sand beach, two fishing piers and an amphitheater. Facilities and seasonal operations may change.
Museums and Local History
The Tallapoosa County Historical Museum in Dadeville preserves the history of Tallapoosa County in two exhibit rooms in a renovated commercial building. It was founded in 1969. The reading room is open to visitors who wish to consult manuscripts, diaries, business ledgers and genealogical records relating to Tallapoosa County. Check current access requirements before your visit.
The Wellborn Musclecar Museum focuses on American automobiles from the 1960s and 1970s. The classic cars on display include the Charger, Road Runner and SuperBee; according to its description, the collection also includes the largest collection of high-performance Dodge vehicles in the country. Cultural discoveries thus range from regional records and history to American automotive culture.
Explore more destinations: Alexander City, Jacksons' Gap, Montgomery, Shelby County, Blount County, Chilton County, Clarke County, Cullman County.
For the main travel overview: Alabama.
