Directions: From the intersection of AL Hwy's 227, 62, and CR 67, at the north entrance to Gubtersville State Park, go east on CR 67 for 0.6 miles. Turn left (north) at Five Points (CR 582 continues ahead) at the Mountain Lakes Resort sign staying on CR 67 and go 2.1 miles. Turn left onto a gravel road and go 0.2 miles to the parking lot. Murphy Hill is the extensive area and trails behind the gate.

Description: Murphy Hill was once proposed to be developed as a power plant. Fortunately for both birds and birders, these plans fell through and the area now hosts a huge variety of habitats ripe for exploration. As you walk through open areas, listen for Yellow-breasted Chats and Indigo Buntings. Once the woods get a little thicker, check the flocks of Tufted Titmice and Carolina Chickadees for migrant warblers and vireos, along with Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and White-breasted Nuthatches. Upon reaching the waters edge, check the shallows for Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons and scan the open water for Hooded Mergansers and Common Loons. Overhead, look for soaring Ospreys or Bald eagles. Both of these birds of prey nest nearby, and one might drop by and impress you with its expert fishing technique. Without a doubt, Murphy Hill could have a few surprises in store, which is why more birders are enjoying this great site.