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Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve: Alabama's Natural Black Belt Beauty

Discover Alabama's Black Belt prairie: Hike, birdwatch, and explore the natural beauty of Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve.

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Explore the Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve, a 3,000-acre natural haven in Alabama's Black Belt. Hike through remnant blackland prairie, observe diverse wildlife, and connect with the region's unique ecological history. A true escape into nature's serenity.

A brief summary to Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve

  • Orrville, Alabama, 36767, US

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially for longer hikes, as the trails can be uneven.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for the best weather and to witness peak bird migration.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for birdwatching.
  • Check the hunting season schedule if planning a visit during the fall or winter.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park to explore Alabama's history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Selma, take AL-22 West (also known as Dallas Avenue) for approximately 8.6 miles. Turn left (south) onto County Road 9 and continue for about 2 miles to the first parking lot on the left. Continue on County Road 9 for another mile to reach the second parking lot on the left. For the third parking area, continue on County Road 9 for approximately 0.3 miles to Cahaba Road, then turn right and drive about 0.5 miles. There are no fees for parking at the preserve.

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Discover more about Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve

The Old Cahawba Prairie Preserve is a 3,000-acre protected area in Dallas County, Alabama, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Black Belt region. As one of the few remaining blackland prairies, the preserve offers a glimpse into a vanishing landscape that once covered a significant portion of the state. The preserve features a mix of prairie habitats and pine-plantation forests, nestled between the Cahaba River and Big Swamp Creek. Visitors can explore over 11 miles of trails, including the Federal, Cahawba, and Indian Trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. These trails wind through native grasslands, scrub, and small trees, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The preserve is home to diverse plant and animal life. Birdwatchers can spot Eastern Kingbirds, Indigo Buntings, wild turkeys, and various warblers. The open grasslands teem with winter sparrows, while the waterways offer glimpses of Louisiana Waterthrushes and other aquatic species. Keep an eye out for unique flora, including the Old Cahawba rosinweed, a species found only within a few counties of the Cahaba River. Visitors can also access the Cahaba River via a canoe launch near the Cahaba River Bridge on AL-22, with a take-out point at the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during specific seasons, with necessary licenses and permits. To fully appreciate the preserve, consider visiting the nearby Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Alabama's first permanent state capital. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past and complements the natural beauty of the prairie preserve.

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