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Muscle Shoals Reservation Trails
Explore over 17 miles of trails around the Wilson Dam reservation located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Some of these include walking and biking trails, a fitness trail, and a Native Plant trail that showcases some of the native vegetation of the region. This National Recreation Trail System connects numerous historical sites and has received Wildlife Habitat Council’s Conservation Certification for the enhanced wildlife habitat that the area provides.
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