Directions: The intersection of County Line Road and I-565 west of Huntsville, AL, lies between I-565 Exit 5 and 7. Note: There is no interstate exit at the intersection, as here US Hwy 72 parallels I-565. County Line Road may be accessed from I-565 Exit 7 by traveling west on Hwy 72, or from I-565 Exit 5 by traveling eat on Hwy 72 for a short distance. From the intersection, go south on County Line Road for 5.9 miles. Turn left (east) on Jolly B. Road. T access the west side of Blackwell Swamp, continue on Jolly B. Road 0.6 miles to the Wheeler NWR sign and continue on the refuge access road for another 0.8 miles to a small canoe landing. To access the east side of the swamp, turn left (east) on another refuge access road Off Jolly B. Road a few hundred yards before the Wheeler NWR sign. This road will carry you to the north and east sides of the swamp. An eastern viewing and canoe access point is 1.7 miles down the road.

Description: The flooded woodland and marsh of Blackwell Swamp can be explored by car, on foot, or by canoe. This extensive area hosts a variety of wetland species including Great Blue and Green Herons and Great Egret. The striking Prothonotary Warbler can be plentiful in spring when the males are actively singing from every feasible vantage point, in hopes of courting a mate. Withe numerous dead trees in the area, look for Red-headed and Pileated woodpeckers as they flash their red, white, and black colors in this sea of green.