Which counties are part of the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area?
Natural Destinations
Equestrian
The Black Belt region’s expansive, scenic landscapes are ideal for equestrian trails.
Bold Destiny/Bedford Cash Memorial Trail
Golf
The Black Belt is home to many exceptional public and private golf courses.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Visit the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail online.
Hunting
The Black Belt is home to some of the best recreational hunting opportunities in the United States. With one of the longest deer seasons in the country, the Black Belt offers excellent accommodations and quality hunting expeditions.
Alabama Black Belt Adventures
Alabama Quail Trail
National Forests
Two of the four National Forests in Alabama maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service are located in the Black Belt region of Alabama.
Talledega National Forest – Oakmulgee District, Bibb, Hale, Dallas, Perry Counties
Tuskegee National Forest, Macon County
National Recreation Trail
Bartram Trail, Macon County
The scenic Bartram Trail is the first trail in Alabama to be designated a National Recreation Trail. The trail runs through the Tuskegee National Forest for about eight and one half (8 1/2) miles.
National Wildlife Refuges
There are two National Wildlife Refuges in the Black Belt region that are actively working to preserve the natural integrity of the region.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, Bibb County
Cahaba River NWR is home to five federally listed species including the Cahaba shiner, Goldline darter, Round rocksnail, and Cylindrical lioplax snail. The largest known stand of the imperiled Shoals lily (known locally as the Cahaba lily) also occurs within the Refuge, and restoration of native longleaf pine communities are also a prime focus of Refuge management
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge, Clarke County
Established in 1964, the 4,218 acre refuge encompasses approximately 1,802 acres of lakes, sloughs, and creeks, 2,265 acres of bottomland hardwoods, and 151 acres of croplands and moist soil units. Located along the Tombigbee River, a large portion of the Refuge is accessible only by boat. The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide wood duck brood habitat and serve as a protected wintering area for waterfowl.
River Activities
The abundance of rivers in the Black Belt prompts its reference as Alabama’s River Region. The Alabama, Black Warrior, Cahaba, Conecuh, and Tombigbee rivers have helped shape the history of the region and today support recreational activities, such as canoeing, boating, and fishing.
Alabama Scenic River Trail
Cahaba River Canoe Trail
Scenic Byways
Many people just passing through the Black Belt comment on the beautiful landscape that can simply be seen while driving through the region. There are two scenic byways in the Black Belt.
National Scenic Byway: Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and All American Road
State Scenic Byway: Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail
State Parks
The Black Belt region of Alabama is home to four of Alabama’s 22 State Parks. These areas, maintained by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, provide recreational opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating.
Bladon Springs State Park, Choctaw County
Chickasaw State Park, Marengo County
Paul M. Grist State Park, Dallas County
Roland Cooper State Park, Wilcox County
State Wildlife Management Areas
The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources develops, maintains, and manages almost 150,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas in the Black Belt region of Alabama that support primarily big and small game.