Buck’s Pocket State Park-Overlook/Abandoned Campground

Buck’s Pocket State Park-Overlook/Abandoned Campground

Before I give you directions, you should know that Buck’s Pocket State Park is no longer “open”, however you can still visit…just don’t go looking for a trail map or guests services. It’s boring, but if you would like to read the details, this is straight from their website. http://www.alapark.com/bucks-pocket-state-park Otherwise, skip the next two paragraphs.

The Alabama State Parks has implemented operational changes at Buck’s Pocket State Park. Vehicular traffic is open to the Point Rock scenic overlook and the Morgan Cove boat ramp as normal. The campground is currently closed to campers, but open as a walk in day use area only. The campground bathrooms have been closed. To access the trails please use the Point Rock scenic overlook and the trailhead near the campground parking area. The primitive road is currently closed due to flood damage. All areas of the park are closed at sundown.

Although we closed portions of Buck’s Pocket, we also operated “business as usual” and as a part of this, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs submitted and were awarded federal grants on behalf of the state parks system. As a result, Buck’s Pocket received a $526,000 grant for an ATV trail system. We will keep working towards creating new and exciting forms of outdoor recreation while improving our traditional amenities as well. We take pride in serving the people of Alabama and hope these grants will support us in eventually reopening the campground at parks like Bucks Pocket. Thanks for your support.      

Where? 

393 County Road 174

Grove OakAL 35975

34° 25′ 6.222″ N86° 5′ 1.2912″ W

Trails? There are 15 miles of trails.

POINT ROCK-Length 2 miles one way-not a loop. Degree of difficulty
moderate to easy. This trail begins in the floor of Buck’s Pocket Canyon &
ends 400 feet above the canyon floor on a sandstone formation called Point
Rock. Natural features include Little Sauty Creek, varied plant life including
wildflowers and ferns and special geologic formations estimated to be between
200 & 250 million years old. The trail starts across Little Bridge in the
campground & terminates with a spectacular view of the canyon as seen from
Point Rock.
INDIAN HOUSE-Length ½ mile one way-not a loop. This is an easy trail with
mostly level terrain. Historically, the Cherokee Indians frequently occupied the
rock overhang at trail’s end. Catawba Rhododendron is abundant along this
trail & bloom in early Spring.
HIGH BLUFF-Length 1/2/ mile one way-not a loop. Degree of difficulty easy to
moderate with some grade. There is a huge Beech Tree located in front of the
overhang which is of historical significance. A small stream is located next to
the overhang which flows during the Fall & Winter months.
SOUTH SAUTY CREEK-Length 2 ½ miles one way-not a loop. Degree of
Difficulty moderate to difficult & boots are recommended. Four primitive
campsites are located at the trail’s end & backpacking is encouraged. Natural
features include two waterfalls(which run in Fall/Winter), abundant plant life
and varied scenery. The trail starts across from the main creek bridge on the
right.
PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND-Total length 2 ½ one way, & 6 miles to Morgan’s
Cove. The trail starts on the campground side of the main creek. Degree of
difficulty is moderate to easy with a tread way being an old road bed. This trail
offers perhaps the best of views of the canyon with huge boulders located in
the creek bed, an abundance of plant and animal life and a view of Lake
Guntersville at Morgan’s Cove. This also an excellent area to view bald eagles
in the winter months.

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