Bartram National Recreation Trail

Located in the smallest of Alabama's national forests, the Bartram Trail is a path with a split personality. The first half of the trip travels through thick forests of pine and dogwood over gentle hills; muscadine vines line the path.

The second half of the trip heads down into large marshes along the banks of Choctafaula Creek over several boardwalks. Magnolias and a wide variety of wildflowers bloom here in the spring, filling the air with a wonderful fragrance.

The trail is an easy walk. It is well blazed with entry points easily identifiable at each end of the trail and mile markers along the route. While the hike can be easily done as a point-to-point dayhike requiring a shuttle at the opposite end, you may opt to do half the trip, turning around at the picnic area halfway through and returning to the original trailhead. You can also do the trip as an easy overnight backpack trip. Remember that camping is by permit only and only at designated areas. Hunting is also allowed during the fall and winter. Contact the Tuskegee National Forest for information.

The trail itself is named for William Bartram who was named the official botanist to the Colonies in 1765 by King George III of England. Between 1775 and 1776, Bartram traveled over 2,400 miles through what is now the Southeast United States, exploring and documenting the natural environment of the region. This trail approximates his travel through this area.

Remember that the second half of the hike is a multi-use trail. Be aware that mountain bikes also use this portion of the trail. Also, this section of the trail through the marshes brings out the mosquitoes and snakes in the summertime. And being in bottomland, the trail tends to be thick in mud after a good rain.

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Trail Type:: 6.5-mile point-to-point or 13-mile (total) out-and-back
Difficulty:: Easy to Moderate
Hours:: Open all year.
Maps:: Available at ranger office.
Fees:: No fees for hiking. Fee for camping permit. Contact Tuskegee Nat. Forest.
Events:: Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area – 125-acres set aside for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. The area is located at the intersection of US 80 and AL 83.