The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) State Lands Division has opened a multi-use trail system at the Old Cahawba Prairie Forever Wild Tract near Selma, Ala. The Old Cahawba Prairie Tract is adjacent to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, site of Alabama’s first state capital in Dallas County. The trails are open during daylight hours year-round to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The trails are free for all users.

The Old Cahawba trail system is comprised of three trails with a combined length of 11.6 miles. The individual trails are: the Federal Trail, 3.7 miles; Cahawba Trail, 6.3 miles; and the Indian Trail, 1.6 miles.

Visitors to the Old Cahawba Prairie tract can also access to the Cahaba River via a canoe launch at the nearby Cahaba River Bridge on AL-22. There is a canoe take out downriver at the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. The tract is also open to hunting when in season. All hunting season(s) rules and regulations apply.

Directions to the Old Cahawba Prairie Forever Wild Multi-Use Trail System Trailhead: From Selma, take AL-22 West approximately 8.6 miles to Dallas Co. Rd. Turn left on to Co. Rd. 9 and travel approximately 3.3 miles. Turn right on Cahaba Road (Co. Rd. 2) and travel approximately 0.5 miles to arrive at the trailhead parking lot on the right.

In addition to the trailhead parking lot, the Old Cahawba Prairie Tract features two additional parking lots found along Co. Rd. 9. These parking lots allow foot traffic access to the property for users wanting to bird-watch, view wildlife, photograph wildflowers, or hunt. Directions to the Co. Rd. 9 Parking lots: From Selma, take AL-22 West approximately 8.6 miles to Dallas Co. Rd. Turn left on to Co. Rd. 9 and travel approximately 2 miles to the first parking lot on the left. Continue on Co. Rd. 9 for one mile to the second parking lot on the left.

Coordinates for the Trailhead and other property access points:

Multi-Use Trail System Trailhead                    Co. Rd. 9 North Parking lot                Co. Rd. 9 South Parking lot

N 32.305745                                                   N 32.330331                                       N 32.315455

W -87.136846                                                 W -87.131274                                     W -87.126041

For more information about the Old Cahawba Prairie Tract and its outdoor opportunities, visit www.outdooralabama.com. To learn more about Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, visit www.cahawba.com.

Image courtesy Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources