Horseshoe Bend Nature Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · Views

There are no services along the trail, so make sure to carry enough water and any snacks that you need.

Most of the trail is gravel with the exception of one or two short sections, so this is a nice, clear trail where you can run. There are several road crossings that you need to be wary of, but it is a nice clear trail for those looking to run in the park.

To access the nature trail in Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, drive into the park and park at the overlook parking lot. The trail starts on the right side of the parking area and enters the woods on a fairly wide gravel path that wanders through the woods. The trail rolls through the woods as it approaches the first major stop on the trail, which is a monument to Andrew Jackson and the artillery deployed at that location.

From here, you can see the line where the Red Stick Creek Indians built their log barricade, represented by white markers today. Descending the hill, you come to the only grave in the park, that of Major Lemuel P. Montgomery, who was killed when he stormed the log barricade. The trail crosses the road and re-enters the woods where in the fall or winter, you can catch glimpses of the Tallapoosa River.

At about a mile, the trail crosses the road again and approaches the Village overlook. From here, you can see the field where the Tohopeka Village was located. The trail starts to circle back up the peninsula, crosses the road again and descends down a hill into the bottomland below the road. Following the road on the left hand side, and the Tallapoosa River further on the right the trail is fairly level through this part of the park.

The trail climbs up the hill and approaches the overlook, where you overlook the battlefield and can see the barricade line in the distance. There is a nice display there providing information on the battle that you can enjoy, before descending down to the parking lot and your vehicle.