Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maps: USGS Florence, AL;
DeLorme: Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer,
page 17 C7
Trail contact: Tennessee Valley Authority, SB1H, PO Box 1010, Muscle Shoals,
AL 35661; (256) 386-2543; www.tva.gov/river/recreation
Finding the trailhead: Start in Florence at the intersection of US 72 / US 43 and
AL 133. Take AL 133 south 5 miles (you will cross Wilson Dam along the way).
Turn right at the TVA Nature Trail sign onto Thunder Road. The parking lot is
ahead in 500 feet. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot. GPS: N34
46.806' / W87 39.392'
The Hike
While I was in the Muscle Shoals / Florence area researching campsites for my
topic
Best Tent Camping: Alabama
, several people told me I should visit the trails
at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Muscle Shoals Reservation for the next edi-
tion of
Hiking Alabama
. I did a quick drive through and saw a paved jogging trail.
Figuring I was just overlooking something, I made a note to myself that I needed
to come back and check it out in more detail. I'm glad I did.
The reservation sits on the southern banks of Pickwick Lake, which is formed
by the TVA's Wilson Dam along the Tennessee River. The property is only 25
acres in size, and yes, they do have an extensive paved jogging trail, but hidden in
the woods high above the lake are some really neat hiking trails that combine his-
tory with beautiful landscapes to make a great little day hike.
All in all there are 11 miles of trails at the reservation, each interconnecting to
give you several choices from which to create your own loop. This loop, what is
known in the area as the TVA Nature Trail Loop, begins at the large paved parking
lot just off Wilson Dam Highway. There is plenty of parking for sixty-plus cars,
and it's a good thing. This is one popular location for joggers, recreational walk-
ers, and cyclists. Here you will find nice restrooms, water fountains, and an in-
formative kiosk that explains a little bit about the wildlife and history of the area
you are about to walk.
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