Carl Finkbeiner

Just 15 miles and 20 minutes north of central Alabama’s capital city, Montgomery. You will usually meet someone, but rarely find Swayback Bridge area crowded. It is a classic compact hiking and biking trail in central Alabama. Designed as a single track biking trail system bikers and hikers mingle freely. It has four loops of progressively difficult terrain totaling about 12 miles. The shortest...

Fun kayaking in central Alabama about 20 minutes north of Montgomery. There are several places to rent kayaks locally costing around $25 for a good sit on top. The journey starts below Walter Bouldin Dam and finishes around Wetumpka Alabama. That makes the trip about seven miles. The Dam releases anywhere from 2000 to 10000 cfps during spring and summer. The Coosa River has three major sets ...

Devil's Den Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Cheaha State Park. This is a state park within Talladega National Forest. The easiest access is from Lake Chinnabee which is about one mile round trip from the parking area. It can also be accessed from Turnipseed campground, but that is about six miles. The trail itself has a cool history as it was constructed in 1977 by Boy Scout Troop 29 from the...

This place is an example of finding beauty in the small places. Labyrinth Garden is not in the mountains, but right in the middle of Lewiston Montana. It is a beautiful garden located in Frank Day Park. The sign says it is a seven-circuit labyrinth. The paths are lined with celebration stones. It is not a hike, but a short refreshing walk. It is a place to soak in a little serenity before yo...

The Deadening Alpine Trail, that name just reeks of adventure. It is about half way between Birmingham to the north, and Montgomery to the south, (The Deadening Alpine Trailhead, 354 Long Branch Dr. Dadeville, AL 36853). It runs through an isolated area on Lake Martin, which is a popular playground for both cities. This beautiful 4.2 mile loop trail starts through a lush mostly pine forest b...

This is an iconic spot in central Alabama. It is below the great fishing lake Jordan, and above the most common entry for the Coosa River kayaking adventure. Approximately a one mile hike from the dam to the boat launch. However, the rock formations you have to cross are not for the faint of heart. The dam has a fairly constant release for either power or recreation. The high rain times will ...

Little Lake Willis in the Talladega National Forest is lost in time. It was built in 1954. This place has few visitors. It is a stream fed 22-acre lake. Lost in the forest. Great fishing hole (bass, bream, and catfish) in a narrow southern Appalachian valley. No motorized boats permitted.  It is hard to find. About four miles east of Sylacauga. Take hwy 148 out of town into the National Forest....