Campgrounds within 1 hr of bham

[Nalgene Ninja]

Dismal Canyon?? PREEETTTY!

and EXPENSIVE!! 2 adults, 3 kids for 2 nights (1 campsite) 80 freakin' DOLLARS!!!  And its up around Russellville, which outside the hour's drive.

[Joshua Szulecki]

NN,

I nearly soiled myself when the lady as Dismals Canyon told me the visit fee for a dayhiker. I don't know if they are overpriced, or their operating expenses (probably insurance) are really high, but the cost for that tiny canyon is in the 95th percentile of prices I've paid at parks.

It is a long ride, but I'd make it at least once if you are living in Alabama. The place is cool during the day, and I imagine the Dismals themselves are awesome to see.

Graceless,

When I visited Ft. Toulouse the camping area was closed so I didn't get a chance to check it out. Is it as built-up and crowded during season as it looked to me?

Everyone,

Speaking of Wetumpka... Where is the furthest inland you've ever seen Cypress trees in Alabama? I saw one near the bridge in Wetumpka, and I was surprised to see one on a river in central Alabama.

[Graceless]

Graceless,

When I visited Ft. Toulouse the camping area was closed so I didn't get a chance to check it out. Is it as built-up and crowded during season as it looked to me?



I have only been actually during reenactments and closer to organized events so its been crowded every time I have gone. But I must say that if you can get in during the events to camp its very fun and interest. All the reenactors are very interesting to talk to and just fun to be around after closing time:)
  It does have lots of trails and stuff and its very interesting but keep in mind none of it is original or real historically its a mock up of the original that Fort Jackson was built over. But the views from the river are awesome and a wonderful fall camping or spring camping area. I am thinking we are going to camp one week this coming spring to let DD1 attend the Zoo day camp they have there each summer. And DD2 to the Gymnastics camp and me and DD3 can hang:)

[PastorLarryT]

When I visited Ft. Toulouse the camping area was closed so I didn't get a chance to check it out. Is it as built-up and crowded during season as it looked to me?


Speaking of Wetumpka... Where is the furthest inland you've ever seen Cypress trees in Alabama? I saw one near the bridge in Wetumpka, and I was surprised to see one on a river in central Alabama.

Joshua,

Ft. Toulouse's camping area was open the last time I visited the park (within last three months).  It is comprised of campsites (RV and/or tent) arranged around a typical loop drive.  The area is flat and should not be a problem as far as crowds or noise (except during reenactment weekends - check their website).  The reconstructed Ft. Toulouse and partially reconstructed Ft. Jackson are very nice and you can combine all of the trails for a nice (and flat) dayhike of 2 miles or so.  One can hike to the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, to a Mississippian Burial Mound, and typical riparian environs.  There are many different types of birds to be seen as well as the usual gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, oppossum, etc.  I have seen white tailed deer on several different occaisions. 

Cypress Trees are in the area -- you can see them near Wetumpka (on the Coosa), on the Alabama (between Prattville and Montgomery), and I'm certain I've seen them on the Tallapoosa as well.  I have seen them at the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Nature Center in Millbrook as well.  Having said all of that... I believe you will only find Cypress trees in or extremely close to water.  I have never seen one otherwise.  (The Cypress trees at the AL Nature Center are not standing in water - but extremely close (and I suspect the water table is just under the surface.)

[Cuffs]

BL67, nice blog!!!