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Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest: A Prattville Oasis

Discover a hidden gem in Prattville: a unique bamboo forest offering a tranquil escape into an unexpected natural landscape.

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Escape to Prattville's Wilderness Park, a unique 26-acre preserve featuring a towering bamboo forest. Planted in 1940, the bamboo creates a serene, almost surreal environment, offering a tranquil retreat and a glimpse of an unexpected landscape in the heart of Alabama.

A brief summary to Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the trails.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Prattville, head north on S Washington Street, which turns into Upper Kingston Road after crossing E Main Street. Continue on Upper Kingston Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest will be on your left at 800 Upper Kingston Rd. Look for the park entrance and a gravel parking lot directly off the highway. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    If starting from Prattville City Hall (101 W Main St), walk north on S Washington St, which becomes Upper Kingston Rd. Continue for about 1.5 miles. The park will be on your left. Note that this is a significant walk, and appropriate footwear is recommended.

Unlock the Best of Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest

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Discover more about Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest

Venture into the heart of Prattville, Alabama, and discover the enchanting Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest, a natural wonder that transports visitors to an exotic landscape. This 26-acre park is a testament to one man's passion for unique flora, offering a serene escape from the typical Southern scenery. In 1940, Prattville resident Floyd Smith, captivated by exotic plants, acquired the land and began planting bamboo shoots imported from Washington. Over the next two decades, the bamboo flourished, transforming the area into a lush forest. The unique environment gained attention, even serving as a training ground for the U.S. Air Force Survival Program during the Vietnam War, due to its resemblance to Southeast Asian jungles. In 1979, the City of Prattville purchased the land, dedicating it as a wilderness park and ensuring the preservation of this unique ecosystem. Today, visitors can explore well-maintained trails, including an easy half-mile loop that winds through the dense bamboo. Sunlight filters through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows on the path below. The park is home to several bamboo varieties, including Fishpole, Henon, Robert Young, and Yellow Groove, each adding its unique character to the landscape. Some stalks reach heights of up to 60 feet with trunks up to six inches in diameter. Beyond the bamboo, Wilderness Park boasts a diverse array of plant life, including native trees and shrubs. A tranquil pond sits at the center of the loop, offering a peaceful spot to relax and observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for one of Alabama's largest beech trees.

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