The Forever Wild Freedom Hills Trail System

The Forever Wild Freedom Hills Trail System is located on the Freedoms Hills Wildlife Management Area in Colbert County, 5 miles south of Highway 72 near Barton and Cherokee, Ala. The trail system is open from March 1st until the beginning of Turkey Season and May 1st to September 30th each year. Projects such as these new horse trails help Alabamians experience our rich natural diversity first hand from the unique perspective of horseback.

The trail system was created using existing woods roads that are closed to vehicle traffic outside of the normal hunting season and connecting trails. The trail system offers 14.7 miles of diverse landscape and conditions for horseback riding enthusiast to enjoy Alabama's rich natural diversity first hand. Riders have the option of staying on the main loop called Bugg Mill Hollow Loop for a 6.5 mile trip. This loop begins and ends at the trailhead parking lot located off of County Road 33, near the community of Newsome Springs. There are three additional loops that feed off of Bugg Mill Hollow Loop that provide riders with alternate durations of the riding experience. Blue Hole Rd Loop offers an additional 2.2 miles, Mills Ridge Loop offers an additional 2.2 miles, and McCaig Hollow Loop offers an additional 3.8 miles.

While the initial trail work was performed by the ADCNR staff, this project is intended to follow other successful recreational ventures utilizing volunteers to maintain the existing trails. These efforts have capitalized on the membership of the Alabama Horse Counsel and other local clubs who support horse back riding.

All riders are required to have a valid Alabama Wildlife Management Area License and a Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area permit. Licenses can be purchase online at https://www.outdooralabama.com/license-information or by phone at 1-888-848-6887 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit https://www.outdooralabama.com/

Additional Information

Activities

Horseback Riding

Hunting

National Recreation Trail Details

Length: 14.7 Miles
Loop Trail: Yes
Primary Trail Type: Equestrian Trail
Additional Trail Types: -
Agency: State
Entry Fee: -
Fee Notes: Horse riders must have a valid Wildlife Management License and valid WMA Permit
Parking Fee: -
Permit Fee: 16

Trail Use Notes:
None

Seasonal Use Notes:
See Wildlife Management Area Permit for Closure Dates

Location: Located in the Forever Wild Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area in Colbert County, 5 miles south of HIghway 72 near Barton and Cherokee, AL.
County: Colbert
State: AL
Townships: -

Driving Directions:
From Muscle Shoals; Take Highway 72W for approximately 13 miles. Turn Left onto County Road 33 and follow for approximately 3.8 miles to the Trailhead parking lot on the Right.

Average Grade: 5%
Maximum Grade: 15%
Elevation High: 900 Feet
Elevation Low: 700 Feet
Elevation Gain: -

Average Width: 48 Inches
Minimum Width: undefined Inches
Primary Surface: Soil, Compacted
Additional Surfaces: Crushed Rock, Grass or Vegetation, Gravel, Rock, boulders, Rock, smooth, Sand, Soil, Water, still

Year Designated: 2012