Alabama National Parks The Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Daviston Alabama is home to one of the most unique and fascinating national military parks in the entire country. The beautiful and educational Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is steeped in history, and it continues to make new history year after year as visitors continue flocking to its fields and monuments.

The history on display at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park stretches all the way back to 1814, when General Andrew Jackson led an army of some 3,000 men to attack a force of 1,000 Upper Creek warriors. More than 800 of these brave warriors died defending their home, making it the single bloodiest day in terms of numbers of American Indians killed in a single battle. This unique park pays honor to their sacrifice and serves to educate the public about this great loss.

There are many ways to see the park, but many visitors like to start with the three mile tour road that winds its way through the park. Drivers need to know that the 15 miles per hour speed limit on this road is strictly enforced, but it is unlikely they will want to speed through this important historical venue.

Hikers can get an up close and personal view of the park from the nearly three mile long nature trail that runs through the park. This great trail runs through the battlefield and also runs close to the Tohopeka Village, site of an Indian camp during the early years of the 19th century. The trail can be rigorous in places, so visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water.

After all that hiking visitors will be anxious to relax with a picnic lunch, and the park offers plenty of opportunities for open air dining. There is a large picnic pavilion available near the park’s visitor center, in addition to some picnic tables located near the boat ramp at Miller Bridge.

Speaking of Miller Bridge, each year some 15,000 boating enthusiasts launch their vessels from its boat ramp its year. The area is primarily used by canoeists, but other boats do use the area as well. Boaters do need to be aware that the area around the ramp is quite rocky.

Whether they see it by car, on foot or by boat, many visitors find the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park so fascinating that they keep coming back year after year. This great park is perfect for a day’s getaway or a weekend excursion, and with so much to see and do it is a perfect destination for the whole family.