Muscle Shoals Reservation Trails

ADA Accessibility Notes

ADA accessible at Waterfall Walk, Native Plant Garden Trail, Reservation Road Trail

The Muscle Shoals National Recreational Trail system is a 17-mile paved and primitive trail and bikeway located on TVA’s Muscle Shoals Reservation. This National Recreation Trail System connects numerous historical sites including Civil War earthworks, the Old Railroad Bridge, remnants of a steam plant constructed during World War I, the original railroad used during construction of Wilson Dam, trails and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and TVA’s Old First Quarters to name a few. Stop by Hall Memorial Native Plant Garden to learn about plants that are native to the area. Numerous wildlife habitat demonstrations can be seen from the trails.

The Muscle Shoals National Recreational Trail system is part of the northwest loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail. It has received Wildlife Habitat Council’s Conservation Certification for the enhanced wildlife habitat that the area provides.

Waterfall Walk: easy 0.18 mile one way

This accessible trail provides breathtaking views of historic Wilson Dam, the Tennessee River, and a series of waterfalls. There is always a variety of birds playing in the tail-waters below Wilson Dam, and the limestone bluffs are magnificent. The mist from the waterfall cools you down after a long hike.

Joggin Trail: easy 3.13 mile loop

This paved trail provides the public with open spaces and a woodland setting. It is considered the hub of the Muscle Shoals National Recreational Trail system. There are several small primitive trails that can be explored from the Jogging Trail. This trail also showcases The Hall Memorial Native Plant Garden which is home to over 2,000 native plants and is managed by volunteers.

Rockpile Trail: moderate 2.67 mile

This primitive trail showcases the Tennessee River and the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC constructed the stone steps, bridges, and check-dams located along this trail. This trail will take you along the bluffs for scenic views of the river and neighboring Florence, Alabama. Remnants of a fossil plant, Civilian Conservation Corps Park, Civil War earthworks, an old railroad bridge, and state-listed plants are also visible from this trail.

River Heritage Park Trail: easy 1.42 miles one way

Low Shore Trail: easy 0.17 miles

Old First Quarters Trail: easy 0.18 miles

Bicycle Trail: easy 1.48 miles

Southport Historical Trail: moderate 1.29 miles

Native Plant Garden Trail: easy 0.31 mile loop

Eco-Friendly Notes

TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Trace practices.

How to Get There

These trails are located on Reservation Road in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, between Hwy. 43 (Hatch Boulevard) and Wilson Dam.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir//34.78034,-87.65515/@34.7802907,-87.7250401,12z

Pet Friendly Notes

Pets welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet. TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Trace practices, including picking up after your pet.

Trail Distance

17 miles total

Vertical Gain or Loss

Easy to Moderate