Length: 2.3 miles (loop)
Drive from Mobile: About 20 minutes
Continuing our quest to find the best local hiking trail, we explored the trail at the Muddy Creek Wetlands Management Area. This one is great for geocaching (we found 11!) and for old-fashioned tree climbing. The creek is muddy as promised, and the wooded trails and boardwalks are well-marked and include interpretive signs about the plants and wildlife, which at some point included beavers. (Which we did not see, but we did see a garter snake and a banana spider). This trail is kid tested and dog approved.
Scenery: I've lived in Mobile for 20 years and never knew this trail existed. It is a well-maintained trail in between industry along the Theodore Channel. It is so peaceful that you would never know you were close to Evonik and other plants. There are oak trees, pine trees, even magnolia trees. You cross the river and beaver pond on boardwalks, but the rest of the trail is natural.
Wildlife: The boys were excited doing their geocaching, so we probably scared most of the wildlife away. We did see a banana spider and a small garter snake. There are bugs, so bring bug spray. I know this review of wildlife does not make the trail seem appealing, but I promise it is worth hiking. Muddy Creek is part of the Alabama Birding Trails, whose website states that birds you may see here include: vireos, warblers, Northern bobwhite and parula, Eastern wood-pewee, wood duck, and common yellowthroat.
Highlight(s): We loved the geocaching as the caches were easier to find than what we have looked for on other trails. We found 11 of them, mostly micro-sized. Bring an ink pen if you plan to geocache so you can sign your name on the rosters inside the caches you find. There were a couple of larger containers that you could add a souvenir inside. My boys also enjoyed climbing a big magnolia tree.
Trail markings: You can use Google or the AllTrails app to easily find the trailhead. To get here, take highway 193 as if you were driving to Dauphin Island. But take a right on Evonik Road, then a left, and then the trailhead will be on your right. The trail is a well-marked loop with several maps posted and three boardwalks. Some trees were down due to hurricanes, but the path was completely passable.
About the Trail: The Muddy Creek Wetlands Management area includes about 200 acres of restored wetlands. It is managed by the Alabama State Port Authority to mitigate impacts of industry along the Theodore Channel. Those mitigation efforts included removing invasive species and replanting 20,000 native trees, according to the Alabama Birding Trails organization. For more information, visit: https://alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/muddy-creek-wetlands-management-area/
G says: It was super fun, and we totally recommend the geocaching.
L says: It's a good way to get exercise. Also, there were a ton of geocaches in tricky, but not hard, places to find.
Comments