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Splinter Hill Bog Preserve: A Carnivorous Wonderland

Explore a captivating world of carnivorous plants, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails at Splinter Hill Bog Preserve in Bay Minette, Alabama.

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Discover a unique ecosystem at Splinter Hill Bog Preserve, home to rare carnivorous plants, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails. Explore the beauty of the Gulf Coast's most intact seepage bogs, where pitcher plants and other fascinating species thrive in a protected natural habitat.

A brief summary to Splinter Hill Bog Preserve

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or summer to see the pitcher plants and other wildflowers in full bloom.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as Splinter Hill is a stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
  • Wear waterproof shoes or boots, as the trails can be wet, especially in the bog areas.
  • Apply insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially during warmer months.
  • Check The Nature Conservancy's website for any temporary closures due to controlled burns or other management activities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Bay Minette, head north on AL-59. Turn right onto County Road 47 and continue for approximately 2 miles. The parking area for the George W. Folkerts Bog Trail will be on the left (south) side of the road, about 200 yards past Dyas Creek. Parking is free. County Road 47 is a rural road, so drive carefully and watch for wildlife.

Unlock the Best of Splinter Hill Bog Preserve

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Discover more about Splinter Hill Bog Preserve

Splinter Hill Bog Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, spans over 3,000 acres and protects some of the Gulf Coast's most pristine seepage bogs. This unique preserve showcases a remarkable collection of carnivorous plants, including five species of pitcher plants, two species of butterworts, and several sundews. The white-topped pitcher plant bogs are particularly impressive, creating a surreal landscape where these plants lure insects for sustenance in the nutrient-poor soil. Beyond the carnivorous flora, Splinter Hill Bog Preserve encompasses longleaf pine forests, coastal blackwater streams, and open fields. These diverse habitats support a wide array of wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for Bachman's sparrows, Henslow's sparrows, and LeConte's sparrows, as well as Eastern wood-pewees, brown-headed nuthatches, blue grosbeaks, and indigo buntings. Lucky visitors might even spot an American kestrel. The preserve features well-maintained trails, including the popular Pitcher Plant Loop Multi-Use Trail System, which is over four miles in length and open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The trails are directional, with all traffic flowing counter-clockwise, and are accessible from the west and east parking lots of the Splinter Hill Bog Complex. Visitors can explore the George W. Folkerts Bog Trail. In 2014, the preserve was renamed in honor of Mary Ruth McClellan Abronski, who donated her estate to conservation efforts. The preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk but may be closed periodically for controlled burns.

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