Chickasaw State Park

Chickasaw State Park is a small public recreation area in Gallion, Alabama, less than 2 hours from Montgomery.

This 520-acre park has trails, campsites, a playground and picnic pavilions. And it is a bird watcher’s paradise with many native and migrating birds clearly visible.

If you are more interested in hunting rather than observing, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Turnipseed-Ikenberry Place Physically Disabled Hunting Area lies adjacent to the park. This is one of many prime hunting spots in the area.

Both Chickasaw State Park and Turnipseed-Ikenberry Place are operated by the state on land that was acquired in 1819. The park land was developed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The CCC built 2.6 miles of roads with bridges and culverts, a bathhouse, shelter, picnic area and 3.2 miles of trails with foot bridges.

They planted 1,000s of pine and hardwood tree seedlings to encourage new growth. Many of their structures still exist today and are visible throughout the trails.

Activities

Chickasaw State Park is full of lush green spaces and wooded areas and is a popular place for hikers and birdwatchers.

It’s also a great place to spend the day – have a picnic and explore the trails.

Many tables and grills are located throughout the park.

A playground and 4 large pavilions are also available that can be reserved for groups. One of the pavilions has a built-in BBQ pit.

Here are a few of the activities that you can do at Chickasaw State Park:

Hiking at Chickasaw State Park

There are 6 miles of trails that wind through the pine oak woodlands, over footbridges and past plants and wildflowers inside of Chickasaw State Park.

Many of these trails cut through the tall grass and briars so you may want to wear pants or tall hiking boots to protect your legs from scratches.

While you’re exploring the trails keep an eye out for the many native Central Alabama plants, trees and wildflowers.

The bigleaf magnolia tree is especially beautiful during the spring (when it has fragrant ivory flowers) and in the fall (when it’s bursting with red fruit that attracts many birds).

One popular trail here is:

The Nature Trail – An easy 2.7 mile loop that is accessible year round and welcoming to dogs.

The park is a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail. The name Black Belt refers to the rich black soil that is found along this 210 mile pathway that spreads across the center of Alabama.

Swimming at Chickasaw State Park

There is a small wading pool inside the park. It’s a nice way to cool off on a hot summer day.

If you’re looking for a larger area to swim, boat and fish take a 20 minute drive north to Demopolis Lake.

Wildlife Viewing at Chickasaw State Park

Chickasaw State Park is a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail and many species of native and migrating birds can easily be spotted here.

While birdwatching and sightseeing keep an eye out for Bobwhite Quail, Indigo Buntings, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, wild turkeys and warblers.

Also be aware of the hunting area nearby while you are sightseeing and birdwatching so that you don’t accidentally walk into the wrong area.

When you’re hiking and exploring the trails or camping out inside the park you’ll be sure to see many deer, raccoons, squirrels and other small creatures.

Camping at Chickasaw State Park

The small campground inside Chickasaw State Park has 3 modern RV sites with water and electric and 3 primitive tent only sites.

Restrooms are conveniently located nearby but there are no showers available.

Pets at Chickasaw State Park

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed. Dogs may be allowed off leash on some of the trails, check with the park office.

Attractions Near Chickasaw State Park

Round out your vacation plans by including a stop in Demopolis, the largest city in rural Marengo County and only 12 miles west of Chickasaw State Park.

Demopolis has a lot to offer its visitors – parks, a lake, historic sites, museums, shopping and dining. Here are a few of their popular attractions:

• Demopolis River Walk – This trail along the Tombigbee (Black Warrior) River is located in the heart of downtown Demopolis and close to dining and shopping. This paved path is open and easily accessible. As you walk beside the river you’ll see shrubs, hardwood trees, wildflowers and lots of wildlife.
• Spillway Falls Park – A small park located off of Lower Pool Road and below the Demopolis Lock and Dam. Trails lead up to a wide observation deck for a spectacular view of the spillway and rocky shoals. This is an ideal spot for birdwatchers! Other trails cross over the small prairie plot and through the native grasses and wildflowers.
• Foscue Creek Park – Located at 1800 Lock and Dam Road and next to Demopolis Lake, this picturesque park has campsites, trails, a boat dock and picnic pavilions.

If you’re interested in the history of this area check out these two historic houses with museums:

• Gaineswood (805 S Cedar Ave) – A grand plantation house, circa 1861, built in the Greek Revival style.
• Bluff Hall (407 N Commissioners Ave) – An 1832 historic house in both Federal and Greek Revival style.

And for those interested in shopping for art, antiques and other collectibles check out the Social Butterfly Marketplace located at 103 W Washington St.

Park Location

Chickasaw State Park
26955 US Highway 43
Gallion, AL 36742
Phone: 919.630.9239

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Chickasaw State Park in Alabama: