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Treetop Nature Trail: A Bird's-Eye View of Conservation

Observe majestic birds of prey up close on an elevated boardwalk at Alabama Wildlife Center's Treetop Nature Trail in Oak Mountain State Park.

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The Treetop Nature Trail at the Alabama Wildlife Center offers an elevated boardwalk experience through a wooded valley, providing close encounters with non-releasable birds of prey. It's a unique opportunity to observe hawks, owls, and vultures in naturally furnished enclosures and learn about the center's vital rehabilitation work [2, 3].

A brief summary to Treetop Nature Trail of Alabama Wildlife Center

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during feeding times (check with the center for the schedule) to witness the birds' natural behaviors.
  • Bring binoculars for a closer look at the birds and their habitats.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the elevated boardwalk.
  • Combine your visit with other activities in Oak Mountain State Park, such as hiking or biking [2].
  • Check the AWC's event calendar for special programs and guided tours [5].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Alabama Wildlife Center is located within Oak Mountain State Park [2, 3, 6]. From I-65, take exit 246 (AL-119/Cahaba Valley Rd) [6, 15]. Follow the signs for Oak Mountain State Park. After entering the park, continue along John Findlay III Dr. and turn right onto Terrace Dr [6, 15]. The Alabama Wildlife Center will be on your left [6, 15]. Park in the designated lot near the top of the hill [15]. Note that there is an entrance fee to Oak Mountain State Park [2, 15]. Oak Mountain State Park Entrance Fee: Adults (12+) $5, Children (4-11) $2, Seniors (62+) $2 [9, 15].

  • Walking

    The Treetop Nature Trail can also be accessed via the Treetop Interpretive Nature Trail, which begins across from the Beach Access Parking lot [7]. Follow the trail to the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center and the Alabama Wildlife Center [7]. This is a beginner-level trail approximately 0.5 miles one way [7].

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Discover more about Treetop Nature Trail of Alabama Wildlife Center

The Treetop Nature Trail, located within the Alabama Wildlife Center (AWC) in Pelham, Alabama, offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Oak Mountain State Park [2, 3, 6]. This 750-foot elevated boardwalk meanders through a scenic wooded valley, providing an up-close perspective on native Alabama birds of prey that have been rehabilitated by the AWC [2, 3]. The trail features spacious, natural habitat enclosures that house non-releasable hawks, owls, and vultures [2, 3]. Due to their injuries, these birds are unable to return to the wild and now serve as educational ambassadors, offering visitors a chance to learn about their species and the challenges they face [3]. Each enclosure tells the story of its resident bird, providing insights into their individual circumstances and the broader conservation efforts of the AWC [3]. The Alabama Wildlife Center, founded in 1977, is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Alabama [4, 13]. As a non-profit organization, the AWC provides medical and rehabilitative care to nearly 2,000 injured and orphaned native wild birds from over 100 different species each year [2, 3, 13]. The center's work is crucial to preserving Alabama's avian biodiversity and promoting awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation [3]. Visitors can explore the Treetop Nature Trail via self-guided tours, observing patients through camera monitors and one-way glass viewing windows [2]. The AWC also offers educational programs and tours, providing opportunities for up-close experiences with ambassador birds [2]. The Treetop Nature Trail is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to visitors of all abilities [4].

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