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Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge: A Montane Forest Haven

Explore Alabama's Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge: A unique blend of Appalachian and Coastal Plain ecosystems.

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Nestled in northeastern Alabama, the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge protects a unique mountain longleaf pine ecosystem. Once part of Fort McClellan, the refuge offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities in a rare southern forest landscape [2, 4].

A brief summary to Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge

Local tips

  • Bring maps, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water when hiking [3].
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on varied terrain [13].
  • Be aware that hunting is allowed in the refuge, so consider wearing bright clothing during hunting seasons [2, 10].
  • Check for trail closures or warnings before your visit [14].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Anniston, take Highway 21 North for approximately 12 miles. Turn right onto Summerall Gate Road, just past the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Follow Summerall Gate Road for about 2 miles, then bear right at the 'T' intersection onto Berman Road. In about 0.5 miles, turn right again onto Bains Gap Road. Continue on Bains Gap Road to enter the refuge [3, 16]. Bains Gap Road is narrow and winding, so drive carefully. Parking is available at designated trailheads and the visitor center [16]. There are no fees for parking [16].

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Discover more about Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge

The Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, established in 2003, spans 9,016 acres in Calhoun County, Alabama [2, 6]. This refuge is dedicated to preserving and restoring a naturally regenerating mountain longleaf pine ecosystem [4]. It is located on the former site of Fort McClellan [6, 8]. This area marks the southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a terrain more typical of the north, while also allowing coastal plain forests of longleaf pine to extend deeply into this highland region [8]. This unique combination results in a biologically rich environment [3]. The refuge provides opportunities for educators, research scientists, and the public to appreciate a rare southern forest type [4]. Visitors can explore over 18 miles of trails [2, 7]. Popular trails include the North Ridge Road Trail near Moorman Overlook and the Smoky Mountain Trail, which leads to a mountain creek [2, 7]. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with opportunities to see rare plants and wildflowers, including the threatened white fringeless orchid and the common juniper [2, 4]. The refuge is also home to various animal species, including the gray bat and the red-cockaded woodpecker [5, 17]. The longleaf pine forests, once widespread across the Southeast, have been reduced to a fraction of their former range due to timber operations and fire suppression [2, 8]. The refuge's establishment and prescribed burning program help maintain this fire-adapted forest type [4, 8].

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