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Reporter |
Summary: This is a nice short hike for the family. The trail is in the city of Prattville, AL. This park was the 1st wilderness park dedicated inside a city limits in the United States. This occurred in 1982. This park is full of very large bamboo. the bamboo is unusual in the area. A majority of the stalks are taller than 65 feet. The loop is less than 1/2 mile so it is a nice hike for the whole family. The trail is paved and there are a few benches to sit down and take a rest. Please take the time to read the info about the park at the trailhead. Trailhead: From I-65 South exit #186. Turn Right off exit and go approximately 1 mile and turn right on Autauga county road 85. At fork, bear left on Upper Kingston Road. The parking area for the park is on the left approximately 2-3 miles ahead. (Lat:32.28717 Lon:-86.28857) Trail Guides for Wilderness Park Short Hike: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: City of Prattville 334.365.9997 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Randy R. Johns, who has posted 1 other hike on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review Very interesting hike from an ecological perspective. It's awesome to see how the bamboo is taking over the native forest. Tulip-trees seem to be tall enough to survive the deep shade of the bamboo. Trailhead position is reported as 32.28717, -86.28857 which is actually south of Montgomery; I suggest position should be in degrees,minutes,seconds (32〫28' 72", -86〫28' 86") I fell in love with this special place the first time I went there in the 1990's - both the city and especially this grove. It is so different from the native woods. The descent into the bamboo area feels like trip through a time machine. The paving has deteriorated further since the original reviewers photo - not very accessible now. Even in 2002 it was a challenge to get through with two adult men pushing my wife in a wheelchair, over the old dam structure; it is no serious challenge for the willing and able-bodied. Best time is when the wisteria is blooming - or in the Fall when the changing yellow leaves give a golden glow to the air. Minor vandalism and some trash is a distraction - would be a good Eagle Scout project to restore.. Nice short walk. Unusual to see such large Bamboo here. Some damage in 2005 from hurricanes. Not crowded but is well used. Many mosquitos in early evenings during summer. Good place to hike with your K9 friend. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Alabama Hiking, Alabama Trails, Alabama Hikes, Autauga County Hiking, Autauga County Trails, Autauga County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||