This Little-Known Trail Is Quite Possibly The Best Biking and Walking Path In Alabama
By Lisa Battles|Published December 07, 2023
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
You’ll see a waterfall, lake vistas, nesting raptors, and interesting art along the Yoholo Micco, The Creek Indian Trail. This little-known trail in Eufaula, Alabama is just 3.2 miles end-to-end, which is perfect for a long-ish hike or a brief bike ride. My favorite aspects are the variety of scenery, types of birds, and whimsical side trails leading to hidden surprises off the paved path.
To access the trail, you can park at the Eufaula-Barber County Chamber of Commerce or the trail's endpoint at the Old Creek Town Recreation Area. The trail's namesake is Yoholo Micco, also known as "Chief Eufaula," a leader of the Creek Indian people of this area. They were forced to leave in 1836, and the Trail of Tears pushed them westward. While they eventually settled in Oklahoma, Chief Eufaula did not make it there, as he died in Arkansas in 1838.
This trail is also sometimes referred to by its former name, the Eufaula Rail Trail. The first phase of the project focused on converting one mile of a former railway into a trail. In 2010, the city completed the second phase, which extended the path north to Old Creek Town, the site of a former Creek Indian village.
The main path has several unpaved side trails, with a favorite being the Waterfall Trail. Members of the Eufaula Horticulture Department discovered the small waterfall when building out the trail. It was a pleasant surprise that continues to delight visitors.
You'll also notice quirky folk art that punctuates the trail, including the work of local artist Kathy Hamrick. She created several installations, among them "The Shovelheads - Ralph and Buttercup."
Other side trails lead to a small space called Hopper's Hollow, where you'll find another of Hamrick's sculptures, "Jimmy Hopper." Down another path, there's a Tree Hugger Park with tables for picnicking. And yet another side route leads to an old cemetery.
While the side trails and features add dimensions of interest, you can stay on the main path and see plenty. From the starting point by the chamber office and downtown Eufaula, most of the first half of the trail includes waterfront views of Lake Eufaula. The trail eventually crosses the water at Chewalla Creek.
And if the history, art, and beautiful lakefront views aren't enough, you'll get intimate views of nesting raptors like bald eagles and ospreys. Meanwhile, you'll have a soundtrack for your walk or ride, thanks to birds such as pileated woodpeckers, winter wrens, common ground doves, anhingas, and common loons. These and many other types of birds are documented here by the Alabama Birding Trail, of which this trail and its end point at Old Creek Town are both official sites.
The variety of habitats at Old Creek Town means there's an extensive list of birds you'll find there. They include wrens, sparrows, and kinglets in the wooded areas, Eastern towhees, brown thrashers, and common ground doves in the grassy areas. Look for cattle egrets and white ibises when water is present in low areas. Near the playground, you may see pine warblers, flycatchers, and brown-headed nuthatches. On the water, there are ducks, gulls, and loons. If you've started a birding list, bring it. If you haven't, this is the time.
