Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maps: USGS Summerfield, AL;
DeLorme: Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer,
page 36
H3; brochures available in box at park entrance
Trail contact: www.perrylakes.org
Finding the trailhead: From Marion at the intersection of AL 14 East / Green
Street and AL 175 North, take AL 14 East / Green Street east 0.2 mile and turn
left onto AL 14 East / Martin Luther King Parkway. Travel 2.2 miles and turn left
onto AL 14 East / AL 183 North. In 2.4 miles make a sharp right onto AL 175
North. Travel 2.2 miles and turn right at the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Labor-
atory. Follow the dirt road 1.3 miles to the parking area on the right. GPS: N32
41.883' / W87 15.639'
The Hike
For years Alabama's Perry County had a little secret. It was a secret that was
mainly known to birders and the students of nearby Judson College, but more and
more hikers are learning of it. It's a gem of a park called Perry Lakes Park.
Located on the banks of the Cahaba River between the Alabama Aquatic Biod-
iversity Laboratory and the Nature Conservancy's Barton Beach Preserve, the
park was originally a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was
opened in the mid-1930s as the Perry Lakes Recreation Area. At one time during
its history, it was a US Fish and Wildlife refuge. The park remained open until
1974, when thefts at the adjacent fish hatchery forced its closing. The closing of
the Southeastern Fish Cultural Laboratory in 1994 paved the way for probate
judge Donald Cook, Judson College professor of biology Thomas Wilson, and a
group of dedicated volunteers, environmental groups, and educators to begin the
task of reopening it, and in 2002 Perry Lakes Park was reopened.
Perry Lakes Park is fantastic blend of hardwood forest and water features. In
fact, this is one of the best mature hardwood floodplain forests in the country. A
prime time to visit is in the fall when the beech trees blaze with vibrant yellow
colors. The park also boasts four Champion Trees.
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