Congo Falls Park: A Natural and Historic Escape

Congo Falls Park is a revitalized natural haven located within the Congo Nature Preserve, near Fort Payne, Alabama. The park resides within what was once a forgotten historical community named Congo, adding a layer of intrigue to its scenic landscape. The community of Congo got its name in 1890 from the governor of Alabama, honoring David Livingstone and his expeditions to the African Congo. In 1892, a post office and whistle stop were established; Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher, even visited. A fire claimed some of the buildings in Congo, and the post office was abandoned in 1909, but the zip code remained. The town fell off the map for over 100 years. In 2010, the first tracts of land were purchased to create the park. The official process to establish Congo Nature Preserve began in 2017 with efforts focused on cleaning up the area and creating a safe environment for visitors. On May 1, 2020, Congo Nature Preserve was officially entered into the national registry of private nature preserves, with the first trails opening on September 5, 2020. Congo Falls Park officially opened to the public on May 1, 2021, offering swimming and day access. The park's centerpiece, Congo Falls, is a picturesque waterfall with a rich history. In the 1800s, the McClung brothers harnessed the water's power to operate a sawmill and grist mill. Today, remnants of the mills’ rock foundations can still be seen from the top of the falls. Congo Falls Park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages : * **Swimming:** Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming area at the base of the falls. * **Hiking:** Explore the surrounding trails, which wind through the preserve and offer scenic views. * **Sightseeing:** Take in the natural beauty of the area, including the falls, the creek, and the surrounding forest. Visitors should exercise caution while swimming and hiking and obey all park rules and regulations. Jumping off rocks and climbing on the waterfalls are prohibited. Children must be supervised at all times.