The Northwest Loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail winds its way back and forth across Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick lakes, as it takes in an impressive variety of habitats and leads visitors to some great birding. A main focus of the loop is three large reservoirs along the Tennessee River, Wilson Dam and Waterloo, in particular, have been noted across the state for impressive congregations of winter birds such as waterfowl. eagles, and gulls, as well as a long list of rare or vagrant species to the state

Another site along this loop noted by avid birders is Leighton Ponds. This assemblage of flooded sinkholes is one of the best sites for shorebird migration anywhere in interior Alabama. Farther downstream the historic Natchez Trace crosses through the far northwestern corner of Alabama offering a wooded scenic byway complete with Barred Owls and Wild Turkeys. The nearby Rock Springs Nature Trail is renowned for its concentration of fall migrating hummingbirds. Each year, hundreds of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are joined by rare visitors from farther west.en enough, Bankhead National Forest hosts some of Alabama's last great wilderness areas providing extensive forested habitats for migratory and resident birds. Habitats in the national forest range from hemlock-cove hardwoods in lush canyons to fire maintained pine and oak woodlands. Visitors can look forward to concentrations of wood warblers, including Cerulean, as wells as vireos, nuthatches, and woodpeckers

Add to these incredible avian attractions an area rich in history and culture. From the earky Native Americans who left us their mysterious mounds to the trials and tribulations of the Civil War, this area has a great deal to offer. Enjoy world-renowned southern hospitality, and be sure to drop by the Coon Dog Cemetary for a bit of local flavor impossible to find anywhere else.

The symbols used here are those of the various signing (official and unofficial) used by the Forest Service in marking recreation and other accommodations throughout the national forests.