Fall Outings: Celebrate autumn with hikes, train rides and pumpkin patches
By Catherine Godbey | Living 50 Plus
The cooler temperatures of fall offer an opportunity for north Alabamians to explore local outdoor treasures.
Whether going on a solo hike at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge or taking the family to a pumpkin farm, check out these adventures.
For the family:
Hidden Rivers Farm
169 Goose Pond Road in Hartselle
The 4-acre farm includes a hay bale maze, nature trails, tire obstacle course and playground, corn pit, scarecrow-making station, live animals and more. The farm run by sisters Mary-Sidney Ritch and Abigail Ritch will remain open through Nov. 1. Hiddenriversfarm.com.
Scarecrow Trail
Isom’s Orchard, 24012 U.S. 72 in Athens
Wander the fields of Isom’s Orchard in Athens to see scarecrows decorated by community groups. The music-themed event will feature scarecrows inspired by artists, Broadway musicals and songs. The trail is open through Oct. 31. Proceeds from the Scarecrow Trail will benefit the Scout Music House — a community musical outreach program — in Athens.
While at Isom’s, stop by the roadside stand where the fourth-generation farm sells apple cider and apple cider slushies. The farm started selling the seasonal favorite 17 years ago. Depending on the variety of apples used, the slushies can range from tart to sweet.
Isom’s Orchard is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day of the week.
Scarecrow Trail
Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. S.W., Huntsville
Dozens of whimsical scarecrows lining the paths of the Huntsville Botanical Garden serve as the centerpiece for Festifall. Expect to see scarecrows inspired by “Little Red Riding Hood,” “The Nutcracker,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Goldilocks,” “Shrek” and more. The festival also features pumpkin and fall flower displays and a historic tractor and wagon. Hsvbg.org.
Gullion Farms
701 Peck Hollow Road in Somerville
Celebrate fall with a trip to Gullion Farms, 701 Peck Hollow Road in Somerville, where visitors can milk cows, fish, jump in hay bales, gather eggs, ride a pony and enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, ziplines, corn pit and roping. Open through Oct. 26. Guests can bring a picnic lunch or eat food prepared on site. gullionfarms.com
Train Rides
North Alabama Railroad Museum, 694 Chase Road N.E., Huntsville
Enjoy fall outings via train through the North Alabama Railroad Museum’s Fall Color train rides. The 5-mile train ride will take place Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. narm.info.
Tate Farms
8414 Moores Mill Road, Meridianville
Pumpkin picking, pumpkin cannons, train rides and hay bale mazes await visitors to Tate Farms. The farm also features a dairy-themed carousel with goats, horses, pigs, roosters, sheep and cows. Open through Oct. 28. Pumpkin destruction day is Nov. 2. Tatefarms.com.
Lyon Family Farms
130 Bellview Road, Taft, Tennessee
An hour north of Decatur sits Lyon Family Farms, a fall destination site with hayrides, a corn maze, petting zoo, monster slide, rat and pig races, pumpkin patch and more. Open through Oct. 27. Lyonfamilyfarms.com.
Hikes
Marbut Bend
Where: Limestone County
The flat 1–mile loop on Buck Island Road in Elkmont takes visitors through a wetland, by a pond created by a beaver dam, through an open field and along the Elk River. Expect to see migratory shore birds, wood ducks, deer, egrets and more. The trail is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Accessible off Alabama 99 near West Limestone High School.
Richard Martin Rails to Trails
Where: Limestone County
For an easy hike accessible to wheelchairs, walk the Richard Martin Rails to Trails. The 11-mile trail from Piney Chapel to Veto, Tennessee, passes by covered bridges, a refurbished railcar, waterways, wetlands and a Civil War battle site. Individuals can access the trail at Piney Chapel, in Elkmont and Veto. From the Elkmont access point, the trail heads north 4 miles and south 6 miles.
Brushy Lake Trail
Where: Lawrence County
The 2-mile round trip hike in Bankhead National Forest features a paved trail which individuals in wheelchairs and grandparents pushing strollers can use. The trail, a prime spot for birdwatching, offers a front-row seat to the fall colors and wildlife of north Alabama.
Flint Creek Trail
Where: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
The mile-and-a-half Flint Creek Trail is shaded by hickory, oak, red maple, sweet gum and poplar trees. Animals and birds often seen on the trail include chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers and northern cardinals. Flint Creek Trail is accessible from the day use area on the north side of Alabama 67, across the road from the center.
Atkeson Cypress Trail
Where: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
A highlight of the ½-mile wheelchair-accessible Atkeson Cypress is the cypress swamp. The trail is accessible on the south side of the refuge’s Visitors Center.
Wildlife Observation Trail
Where: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
The 200-yard wheelchair-accessible trail connects the Visitors Center to the observation building, which overlooks a pond that attracts waterfowl and wildlife.
Hiking & Biking Trail
Where: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
For a longer adventure, hike the 5-mile hiking and biking trail. The trail offers views of Gray Field, Flint Creek, Dinsmore Slough and Flint Creek. Access the trail from the gravel parking lot off Alabama 67 at the entrance to the Visitors Center.
