Attractions

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Attractions

Brierfield Ironworks

In 1862, a group of citizens calling themselves the Bibb County Iron Company built the Brierfield Ironworks furnace along a tributary stream of the Cahaba River that soon became known as Furnace Branch. The Piper Trestle once connected the coal fields of Blocton to the steel mills of Birmingham. On December 27, 1896 , several rails were removed from the bridge, causing the train to plummet into the Cahaba River below, killing 22 people. A reward was offered for any information about the removal of the rails, but no arrests were made. The trestle was eventually dismantled.

Tannehill

Tucked in the northeast corner of Bibb County and spilling over into adjoining Jefferson County, is one of the premiere state parks centered around Alabama’s early iron industry. More than 1,500 acres have been developed for hiking, camping and other recreation. From March through November the third Saturday of each month is dedicated to Tannehill Trade Days. Other events include a festival, gem and mineral show, woodcarvers show and educational programs for school children.

Talladega National Forest / Cahaba River

The Talladega National Forest and the Cahaba River is a nature lover’s paradise. The free flowing river is the home of the gorgeous Cahaba Lilly. The Cahaba River is the longest free-flowing stream in the State of Alabama. The Cahaba River is filled with numerous fish, and abundant wildlife makes the scenes of the Talladega National Forest breath taking to say the least.

Payne Lake Recreation Area

Lake Recreation Area offers 110 acres of picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Campers can enjoy warm showers, restrooms, electrical hookups, and water. Nine camping sites were upgraded to include water and electric hookups. Payne Lake also has an additional numerous camping sites along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy 56 sites with modern amenities, and 38 sites for primitive camping.

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is one of nation’s newest National Wildlife Refuges. It was established September 25, 2002 for the purpose of protecting and managing a unique section of the Cahaba River and land adjacent to it.

Bibb County Lake

Bibb County Lake is a 100-acre lake located 7-1/2 miles north of Brent off Alabama Hwy. 5 in Walter Owens Park.

Local Universities

University of Alabama

University of Montevallo

Tuscaloosa, Al 35487

Montevallo, Al 35115

(205) 348-6010

(205) 665-6000

www.ua.edu

www.montevallo.edu

Marion Military Institute