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Turkey Creek Nature Preserve: A Birmingham Natural Escape

Discover natural beauty and endangered species habitat at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, a historic site with trails, falls, and birding, just north of Birmingham.

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Just 15 miles north of Birmingham, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve offers a refreshing escape into nature with over seven miles of trails, a cascading waterfall, and diverse wildlife. It's a testament to community resilience, protecting endangered species and offering outdoor education [2, 11].

A brief summary to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week or early on weekends to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months [8].
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as some trails can be rough and rocky [2].
  • Bring your dog, but keep it on a leash at all times and clean up after it [2, 18].
  • Take advantage of the educational programs offered to learn more about the preserve's ecology and history [3, 5, 11, 12].
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated picnic areas near the falls or back gate [2].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Birmingham, take I-20 E/I-59 N to the Tallapoosa Street exit (#128) [3, 5, 17]. Keep right at the fork to merge onto Hwy 79/Tallapoosa St [17]. Continue on AL-79 N for about 12 miles [3, 5]. Turn left onto Narrows Road, then turn right onto Turkey Creek Road [3, 5]. The preserve entrance will be on your right. Parking is free, but limited, especially during peak season [2]. Parking is available at Blue Hole, the Falls, and the Highland area [2]. Expect limited parking and potential congestion during peak times [2, 16]. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, you can take a bus to Pinson and then a taxi or ride-sharing service to the preserve. From downtown Birmingham, check for bus routes heading towards Pinson. Taxi or ride-share services from Pinson to the preserve (approximately 5 miles) typically cost $15-$25. Check local transit schedules and ride-sharing apps for the most up-to-date fares and availability.

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Discover more about Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, a 466-acre sanctuary near Pinson, Alabama, presents a diverse ecosystem and a rich history, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat [5, 11, 12]. Established in 2003, the preserve stands as a testament to community resilience and conservation [2, 11]. The preserve's history includes prehistoric Native American settlements drawn to the area's resources [5, 11, 10]. In the early 1800s, John Hanby established a grist mill and iron forge along the creek, contributing to the region's industrial development [2, 5, 11]. His son, David Hanby, expanded the operations, further cementing Turkey Creek's role in the local economy [2, 5, 11]. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area thrived as a hub of industrial and community activity, with a railway connecting local mining operations [2, 5, 11]. Turkey Creek is home to three endangered species of fish: the Vermilion Darter, the Watercress Darter, and the Rush Darter [3, 5, 12]. The Vermilion Darter is found only in Turkey Creek, making the preserve a critical habitat [5, 11, 12]. Visitors can explore over seven miles of well-maintained hiking and biking trails through pine and hardwood forests, discover the beauty of Turkey Creek Falls, and admire seasonal wildflowers [2, 3, 11]. The preserve is a stop on the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail, offering opportunities to see various bird species [2, 3, 8]. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve offers educational programs focused on aquatic ecology, water quality, and local history [3, 5, 11, 12]. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences and promote a deeper understanding of the natural world [5, 11, 12]. Visitors can access the preserve through the main entrance at 3906 Turkey Creek Road [2, 17]. Parking areas are available at Blue Hole, The Falls, and the Highland area [2]. The park drive is a one-way loop [2]. Note that during peak season, the park may restrict entrance due to capacity, and roadside parking is not permitted [2].

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