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Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge: A Southern Appalachian Treasure

Explore Alabama's Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge: A unique blend of Appalachian and coastal ecosystems with hiking and wildlife viewing.

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Nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountain Range, between Atlanta and Birmingham, lies the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge [4]. Established in 2003 on former Fort McClellan military training lands, the refuge is a sanctuary for the imperiled mountain longleaf pine ecosystem [4, 13]. These forests once stretched across 90 million acres but have been reduced to a fraction of their former range due to logging and fire suppression [2, 13]. The refuge's location creates a unique blend of southern Appalachian and coastal plain environments, fostering rich biodiversity [3, 13, 14]. Explore over 18 miles of trails, including the popular North Ridge Road Trail and the Smoky Mountain Trail, each offering hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities [2, 10, 13]. Birdwatchers can spot Bachman's Sparrows, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and various migratory birds [3, 13]. The refuge is also home to rare plants like the white fringeless orchid and the common juniper, the only known occurrence of the plant in Alabama [2, 13]. While exploring, be aware that approximately two-thirds of the refuge is currently closed to the public due to ongoing cleanup of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from its time as a military training base [6, 9, 13]. Obey all warning signs and stay on marked trails for your safety [13]. Despite these limitations, the open areas offer stunning vistas, diverse landscapes, and a commitment to conservation, providing an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts [4, 13]. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has instituted a prescribed burning program to maintain the longleaf ecosystem [11, 14]. These forests, some almost 250 years old, offer a glimpse into the past and showcase a natural fire-maintained longleaf pine forest [11].

Local tips

  • Bring maps, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water when hiking [3].
  • Be aware that a large portion of the refuge is closed to the public due to ongoing UXO cleanup [6, 9, 13].
  • Wear mosquito repellent, especially during warmer months [7].
  • Visit in the spring or fall for pleasant hiking weather and blooming wildflowers [17].
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A brief summary to Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge

Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, you'll likely be driving from nearby cities like Anniston or Oxford. From I-20, take exit 185 (Anniston/Oxford) and head north on Highway 21 for 12 miles. Then, follow the signs for Fort McClellan [3, 6]. Once through the Fort McClellan entrance gate, follow the road to Bains Gap Road and the refuge entrance [6]. Be aware that some areas of the refuge are closed due to ongoing cleanup efforts [6, 9, 13].

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