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Bartram National Recreational Trailhead: A Journey Through Alabama's Wilderness

Discover Alabama's natural beauty on the Bartram Trail, a nationally recognized hiking experience in Tuskegee National Forest.

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The Bartram National Recreational Trailhead, nestled in Tuskegee National Forest, Alabama, offers an 8.5-mile hiking experience through diverse wildlife habitats. Named after naturalist William Bartram, it's the state's only certified National Recreation Trail, showcasing the area's natural beauty and history.

A brief summary to Bartram National Recreational Trailhead

Local tips

  • Visit in spring or fall for the most pleasant weather and to see wildflowers and flowering trees in bloom.
  • Bring water and snacks, as the trail is 8.5 miles long.
  • Wear appropriate hiking shoes, as the trail surface is primarily soil.
  • Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance.
  • Check the Tuskegee National Forest website for trail conditions and any alerts before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Tuskegee, head north on AL-81/Martin Luther King Hwy. Turn left onto US-80 W/AL-8. Continue to follow US-80 W. Turn right onto Co Rd 35/W County Rd. Continue on Co Rd 35 until you reach the trailhead. Parking is available at the trailhead. There are no tolls or parking fees.

  • Walking

    From within the Tuskegee National Forest, follow marked trails towards the Bartram National Recreation Trailhead. Look for signs indicating the direction of the Bartram Trail. The final approach involves following the trail markers to the designated trailhead within the forest. There are no additional costs for walking.

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Discover more about Bartram National Recreational Trailhead

The Bartram National Recreational Trailhead invites hikers to explore a slice of Alabama's natural beauty within the Tuskegee National Forest. This 8.5-mile trail, the first in Alabama to earn the National Recreation Trail designation, provides a moderate trek through varying forest habitats, offering glimpses of local wildlife and vibrant flora. Named in honor of William Bartram, an 18th-century naturalist who explored the southeastern United States, the trail embodies his spirit of discovery. While the specific section in Tuskegee wasn't directly traversed by Bartram, the trail pays homage to his broader explorations and contributions to natural history. As you walk the trail, keep an eye out for wildflowers, flowering trees like dogwood and magnolia, and the diverse wildlife that calls this forest home. The trail is generally considered beginner-friendly due to the small size of the Tuskegee National Forest. The trail runs from the southwestern corner to the northeastern corner of the forest. The Bartram Trail is part of a larger network of trails across several states, each commemorating Bartram's extensive travels. These trails collectively aim to preserve and highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the regions Bartram explored.

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