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Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest: A Prattville Treasure

Explore a unique bamboo forest in Prattville, Alabama, a tranquil escape into an exotic landscape perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

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Discover a unique and tranquil escape in Prattville, Alabama's Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest. This 26-acre park features towering bamboo stalks, creating a serene and almost surreal environment, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

A brief summary to Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to avoid crowds.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes for the easy half-mile loop trail.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas with benches and tables.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the unique beauty of the bamboo forest.
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Getting There

  • 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 at 800 Upper Kingston Rd. Note that this is a significant walk, and appropriate footwear is recommended.

  • 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.

  • Public Transport

    While Prattville has limited public transportation, the Capital City Connection bus service operated by the River Region Transit Authority serves key locations in Prattville. Check the route and schedule to see if there's a stop conveniently near your starting point. From the nearest bus stop, you may need to walk or take a short taxi/ride-share to reach the park. A taxi or ride-share from downtown Prattville to the park will cost approximately $10-$15.

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Discover more about Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest

Venture into the heart of Prattville, Alabama, and discover an unexpected natural wonder: the Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest. This 26-acre park, a testament to one man's passion for exotic flora, transports visitors to a world far removed from the typical Southern landscape. Here, towering bamboo stalks create a serene and almost surreal environment, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The story of the Bamboo Forest began in 1940 when 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 landscape into the lush forest we see today. The unique environment caught the attention of many, 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. Dedicated in 1982, it became the first wilderness park developed inside city limits in the U.S. Today, visitors can explore the park's well-maintained trails, immersing themselves in the beauty of the bamboo forest. The main trail, an easy half-mile loop, winds through the dense bamboo, creating a cool, shaded tunnel. Sunlight filters through the thick canopy of leaves, casting dappled shadows on the path below. The park is home to several varieties of bamboo, including Fishpole Bamboo, Henon Bamboo, Robert Young Bamboo, and Yellow Groove Bamboo, each adding its unique character to the landscape. The towering stalks, some reaching heights of up to 60 feet with trunks up to six inches in diameter, create a sense of awe and wonder. The gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves in the breeze provides a soothing soundtrack to your walk. Beyond the bamboo, Wilderness Park boasts a diverse array of plant life, including native trees and shrubs.

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