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Horseshoebend National Military Park Alabama

Horseshoe Bend Military Park Alabama, 1 August day More Pictures | Map | GPS

Overview - In 1814, General Andrew Jackson and an army of 3,300 men attacked about one thousand 1,000 Upper Creek Indian warriors on the Tallapoosa River. Over 800 Indians died defending their homeland from the invading whites. This still stands today as the most native Americans killed in a single battle with the United States. This 2000+-acre Horseshoebend National military park in Alabama was set up to preserve the site of the battle. History buffs will appreciate the park.

Outdoor Activities:

Tour Road is 3 miles long and follows the battlefield edge then goes along the Tallapoosa River after which the park is named. Most of the areas reachable from the main Tour Road are designated commemorative areas so you can't do anything but walk around.

Over 550 Creek warriors and 49 soldiers died here so for most it will be a somber experience. It feels as if people are watching you from the trees and their were some kids goofing off so maybe that is all there was to it.

national military park in alabama 6 pound cannon picture

Image shows a 6 pound cannon on display in the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

Hiking - You can hike a 2.8 mile long nature trail around the Battlefield and near Tohopeka Village, the site of an early 1800's Creek Indian camp. If you are hiking here wear good walking shoes, a hat, and a light jacket, and sunscreen. You will need water and bug repellent most of the time. The trail is not long and only mildly rigorous.

Picnicking - Horseshoe Bend has 2 places to hang out and eat. The larger one is by the Visitor Center and there are two covered shelters there. The other one is smaller and has only open air picnic tables. It is near Miller Bridge Boat Ramp on Highway 49. Picnicking is not permitted on the battlefield or in Tohopeka Village site as they are being preserved and maintained to high standards. You cannot reserve the tables and shelters so if nobody is there you can use them.

Boating - 16,000+ people a year launch all kinds of boats and canoes at Miller Bridge Boat Ramp to gain access to the scenic Tallapoosa River. Primarily used by canoeists, the boat ramp area has very rocky shore. The depth changes depending on the current and lake levels of Lake Martin. Camping is not permitted along the Tallapoosa River within the park but you can sit on the banks for an hour without being hassled.

Fishing from the shore is allowed only at the Miller Bridge Boat Ramp. You have to buy an Alabama State Fishing License or risk a healthy fine.

Bicycling is allowed on the paved Tour Road and the 12 miles of unpaved access roads in the park. The unpaved roads are bumpy so you will need a mountain bike or similar bike. The fatter the tires the better for cycles. Cycling is not permitted on the nature trail, the Battlefield, Tohopeka Village, or any cross country locations. Bike racks are provided at the Visitor Center so you can lock them up if need be. Children should have parental supervision when biking here to avoid heat from the locals.

Nature Study - There are 350+ different documented wildlife species in Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. There are also over 900 different kinds of plants so it is quite the green thumb hangout. Most of the park’s natural resources are native to Alabama. Park rangers and staff are trying to eliminate nonnative species to help restore the area. The goal is to make it look as much like it did in 1813 as possible.

Off road vehicles are not permitted anywhere in the park including all unpaved access roads.

Vanabode Special Notes: Horseshoebend National Military Park Alabama is a typical day park where overnight stays are impossible. Children and those with no interest in this type of historical data will be bored. Outlying areas are appropriate for Vanaboding though the warmer months can be rainy and muggy. Not my idea of a great place to Vanabode. Additional information on Alabama outdoor activities.

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