The Elk River borders Limestone County to the north and west, while the Tennessee River and Wheeler Lake Reservoir lie to the south. This mix of river landscapes and historic sites offers different ways to explore the region: on the water, on foot, by bike and along the traces of its history.
On the Water and on the Trail
The Canoe and Kayak Trail begins in Elkmont and follows the Elk River for 21.9 miles. Five easily accessible launch and take-out points line the route. Pastures, historic bridges and high cliffs border the river; the stretch is considered a scenic Class I whitewater run. River miles and changing riverside scenery are the focus of this outing.
Rails to Trails offers a different kind of route: the 10.2-mile trail passes the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle. Its trailhead is in downtown Elkmont. The route is open from sunrise to sunset; motorized vehicles are not permitted. It is used by hikers, cyclists, joggers, birdwatchers and horseback riders. Check the current operating rules before your visit.
There are different ways to enjoy the water, too. Cowford Landing is in the Round Island Recreational Area on the Tennessee River and is part of the North Alabama Birding Trail. Visitors can swim, fish and go boating there; the area also has a sandy beach and boat ramp(s) with a floating dock. Wheeler Lake is considered a fish-rich fishing destination; species found there include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish, sunfish, bream and crappie.
History in the Townscape and Along the Trails
Historic Mooresville preserves homes, other buildings, gardens and tree-lined streets. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mooresville Post Office has operated in the same building since 1840 and is considered Alabama’s oldest continuously operating post office building. The Stagecoach Tavern dates to around 1821 and is considered the state’s oldest public half-timbered building.
Several trails highlight different aspects of history. The Athens-Limestone County Civil War Trail is a driving route connecting the sites of the Battle of Athens, the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle and Fort Henderson. The Athens-Limestone County African-American Heritage Trail features places, history, heritage and the legacies of the county’s African American communities. Visitors will also encounter a site connected to this history on Rails to Trails: the route passes the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle.
History and the present also sit side by side in Athens. The city has four historic districts with homes dating from the early 19th century onward. Tours of these districts are offered on Saturday mornings in April; check the dates for your travel year. The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives displays exhibits, memorabilia and accounts from people who served in Alabama’s armed forces. The Athens-Limestone Visitors Center is housed in the historic 1906 Athens Utilities Building.
Athens: Buildings, Music and Local Markets
The College Inn is now a small museum; the Gulf Station serves as the headquarters of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. The College Inn-Newby Gulf Station is a restored 1933 Prairie-style gas station with an ice cream parlor and a jukebox. The Fiddlers Museum features a photo collage on each of three panels about the history of the Fiddlers Convention.
The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is an annual music event and competition held at the historic Athens State University on the first full weekend in October. Since dates vary by travel year, it is worth checking the event calendar. Visits to 1818 Farms require advance arrangements: private tours and workshops are offered upon request.
The Athens Saturday Market also follows a clear seasonal schedule: from June through October, it brings local growers, producers, craftspeople, artists and organizations together every Saturday at the Limestone County Farmers Market Pavilion. Isom's Orchard and Roadside Stand is open from May through August, offering fresh fruit and vegetables as well as specialties such as jams, jellies and preserves. In the fall, it also serves apple cider slushies.
Cycling Routes and Nature Watching
The Noah Bike Trail is an 89-mile loop through the northern Appalachian foothills of Limestone County. Along the way, it passes rolling farmland and fertile river bottoms. In length and landscape, it differs significantly from the 10.2-mile Rails to Trails route near Elkmont.
Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens’ Beaty Historic District also offers specific opportunities for nature watching: visitors can spot ducks, herons and koi, and the park has picnic areas and a pavilion. Limestone County’s varied routes range from a cycling loop and historic townscapes to riverfront and park landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Athens, Harvest, Chilton County, Etowah, Dale County, Franklin County, Sumter County, Jackson.
Return to the main travel overview: Alabama.
