Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The trail begins on the north side of the Shoal Creek Preserve parking lot, shar-
ing the starting point with the preserve's horse trail and the Jones Branch Loop.
This is a huge gravel parking area with ample room for fifty cars.
The path starts out as a wide gravel road but soon turns into a narrow, hard-
packed dirt footpath, which it remains for the remainder of the hike. Only a few
yards into the hike, the horse trail splits off to the northeast and you will be on a
hiking-only trail from here on out. Forever Wild was careful to place large orange
signs warning equestrians not to use the trail at each intersection between the two
paths.
The trail actually uses the west side of the Jones Branch Loop as an approach
trail for 0.6 mile. The entire trail is well blazed, using single red paint blazes on
trees along this stretch and an occasional yellow diamond marker tacked to a tree
that reads “Lawson Branch Loop” with the image of a red blaze on it. Where the
trail crosses the horse trail, you will find the crossing well marked on the opposite
side so there is no confusion.
This first section is a nice walk in the woods, especially in the fall when the
hardwoods blaze with color. Then you reach the junction with the Jones Branch
Loop. Here you will cross Lawson Branch over a log footbridge with a handrail,
and the actual Lawson Branch Loop begins. The blazes now turn to double red
paint blazes. For a portion of the loop, you will be walking alongside the beautiful
wide stream, passing several cascades including a really nice horseshoe of water
tumbling over rocks. You will also be treated to excellent views of Indian Camp
Creek as it merges with Shoal Creek from a high bluff. The best time for these
views is in late fall and winter.
Don't forget that Forever Wild properties are also open to hunting. I highly sug-
gest that you visit the Forever Wild website (www.alabamaforeverwild.com) for
dates and additional information about hunting season. And if you do go out on a
hike during hunting season, please remember to wear safety orange at all times.
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