Overview
A grant from the State Wildlife Grant Program permitted the purchase of the Turkey Creek-Thomas Tract, which provides a buffer for the unique aquatic diversity within Turkey Creek. The two acquisitions in Jefferson County feature mixed pine and hardwood forest along Turkey Creek.

The tracts are cooperatively managed as a Nature Preserve with the State Lands Division, the Freshwater Land Trust, Birmingham-Southern College, the City of Pinson and local citizens groups supporting the conservation of the Turkey Creek Watershed.

Turkey Creek is home to three endangered species of fish: the Vermilion Darter (Etheostoma chermocki), the Watercress Darter (Etheostoma nuchale), and the Rush Darter (Etheostoma phytophilum). 

Currently, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and all major holidays. For complete hours of operation, events and additional information, please visit their website. 

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve also offers Educational Programs.

Article about Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Trail Map

Birding
The Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a stop on the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail and offers the possibility to see tanagers and many different warblers. Visitors also have the chance to see other wildlife, such as the vermillion darter, when the staff are having one the many weekend programs. The entrance to Turkey Creek is located on Turkey Creek Road in Pinson.

Hiking
The Turkey Creek Nature Preserve has a total of 6.23 miles of trail that highlight many of the unique aspects of the tract. Five separate trails take hikers along Turkey Creek and over the small hill on the west side of the creek. The preserve trails can be accessed from multiple points along Turkey Creek Road in Pinson, Ala. Read an article about the trails from RootsRated.

Mountain Biking
Two mountain bike trails at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve give bikers 3.5 miles of riding over moderate trails. The preserve trails can be accessed from multiple points along Turkey Creek Road in Pinson, Ala.

Location
See this tract on an interactive map.

Directions
From Birmingham, take I-65 North to I-59 North. On I-59 North take exit 128 (US 79). Follow US 79 North for approximately 12.1 miles to Jefferson Co. Rd. 131. Turn left on Co. Rd. 131 and either continue straight for approximately 1.3 miles to the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve entrance or follow Co. Rd. 131 for approximately 0.2 miles and turn right on to Turkey Creek Rd. Follow Turkey Creek Rd for 1.1 miles then take a left. Go straight to the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve entrance.

From Huntsville, take US-231 S for approximately 60 miles to AL-79 S. Continue on AL-79 S for 23.5 miles. Turn right onto Narrows Road at the intersection of AL-79 and AL-151. Turn right onto Turkey Creek Road.