Your Guide to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Near Birmingham

For those in the know, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a summertime treat and one of the most popular outdoor destinations and hiking areas near Birmingham, located a mere 30 minutes away. It supports no less than twelve imperiled species thanks to the beautiful creek that carves its way through the preserve for over a mile. And many of the same characteristics that sustain Turkey Creek’s amazing biodiversity, also draw in the crowds.

Every summer, these clear and cool waters offer more than 50,000 visitors a chance to cool off and enjoy one of the best natural outdoor experiences near Birmingham, providing relief from the often aggressive heat and humidity of Alabama.

So how can you get in on the fun and experience a summer day at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve? And what do you need to know to make your trip successful and memorable? Don’t worry, everything you need to know, including some pro-level advice, is right here.

Getting to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve from Birmingham

The Falls at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Located just outside Birmingham, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is an easy 30-minute drive, making it a perfect day trip for locals and visitors looking for hiking, scenic trails, creekside relaxation, and outdoor recreation.

While many visitors enjoy the creek, there are no lifeguards on duty, so guests should use caution and make safety a priority at all times.

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the summer months. View the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve webpage for any special hours.

The preserve closes promptly and the back gate locks at 5:30 p.m., so please be aware of how long it will take you to get to your vehicle and out of the preserve at the end of the day.

Turkey Creek Road is one-way and cuts through the preserve from the front gate to the back gate. The roadway frequently has heavy foot and bike traffic, so please be aware of others on the road and drive carefully.

Parking is available ONLY at the Blue Hole (gravel) parking lot, The Falls (asphalt) lot, and at the Highland picnic area by the back gate. There are two ADA spots available at The Falls lot.

Roadside parking is never permitted, even after the big rocks stop.

All parking is first come, first served, and we do not allow vehicles to wait in lots for spots to open. During summer weekends, Jefferson County Greenways staff at the preserve will direct you to available parking when you arrive. Please follow their instructions and park where directed.

Things to Do at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Biking and hiking trails at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Scenic driving: The tree canopy overhead and creek running alongside it keep the road much cooler than ambient temperature. Even on the hottest days, slowly driving through the preserve with windows down is a wonderful experience – a cool breeze, the soundscape from the creek and birds, and the shadows of the trees dancing can make it magical.

Hiking and biking: We are more than a creek. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve offers nearly eight miles of shaded hiking trails and biking trails, all winding through a beautiful, healthy forest.

Speaking of healthy forests, Jefferson County Greenway recently started a prescribed burn program at the preserve to ensure the woods remain vibrant and strong. If you would like to check out a recently burned area, take a short hike around the east loop of the Narrows Ridge Trail (Map of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve). After the burn in March, the area is bursting with regrowth!

Exploring the creek: Many visitors enjoy spending time along the creek, especially near The Falls, where the rock formations and flowing water create a natural rock slide, one of the most scenic spots in the preserve.

If the rocks in or out of the creek look wet, they are probably slippery. Be careful out there! We highly recommend water shoes or sandals for walking into the creek. Seasoned creek walkers have been known to put socks on OVER water shoes to improve traction on wet rocks. If you are getting in the creek, you might want to bring a tube or float.

Picnicking: We have two wonderful areas for a picnic. Most people know The Falls, but the Highland picnic area at the back gate also has several picnic tables. It is also very well shaded and stays nice and cool.
Birding: Getting here early helps you park and it also helps you enjoy the summer birds. Birding along the banks of the creek or anywhere else in the preserve is amazing. Get here as soon as we open to get the full experience.

Pro Tips for Visiting Turkey Creek

The preserve WILL fill to capacity during the summer, especially in the afternoons and on weekends. When that happens, we unfortunately have to turn people away. To help ensure you can get a spot, plan on arriving before 11 a.m.

There is no running (potable) water accessible to the public, so make sure you bring plenty of water for your party and STAY HYDRATED!

We want everyone to have a fun and safe time, so we have some rules we ask all visitors to follow to help protect the preserve’s wildlife and natural environment. The staff always tries to be as nice and friendly as possible, but violating rules can result in you being asked to leave the preserve. To make sure you can enjoy your visit for as long as you want, it’s best not to try your luck.

We do not permit alcohol, glass containers, charcoal/wood grills, loud music or smoking/vaping within 200 feet of the creek. A full list of rules are posted at every kiosk.

If you have to park at the Blue Hole lot and think anyone in your party may struggle to walk the half mile to The Falls lot, let the staff at the gate know and they will direct you to drop off your party at The Falls and then circle back to the Blue Hole lot.

Portable toilets are located at both the Blue Hole and The Falls parking lots. There are two ADA accessible toilets at The Falls lot. The staff tries to keep toilet paper stocked, but we don’t always succeed. It is usually a good idea to bring some extra toilet paper just in case. And hand sanitizer or wet wipes, too.

Trash cans are located at the Blue Hole parking lot, Vermilion Run, The Falls, and the Highland Picnic area.

Great Egret, *Ardea alba* at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Respect the Preserve

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a treasured place for our community and wildlife. Help protect the beauty and biodiversity by following a few simple guidelines:

Leave no trace. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Pack out everything you bring in.
Leave plants, rocks, and the natural surroundings undisturbed. Removing anything from the preserve is not only a bad idea, it's also illegal.
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not touch or approach animals.
Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive habitats.

There is no fee to enter the preserve, but if you are able, we ask visitors to consider making a suggested donation of five dollars per person. And, joining as a member provides sustainable support for preserving and protecting Turkey Creek Nature Preserve as a refuge for our wildlife and community all year long. Any and all donations are certainly appreciated!

We hope to see you at the creek soon!

Find more information about Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Donate to Jefferson County Greenways and help preserve Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

Brandon Grisaffi
Park Manager (Turkey Creek Nature Preserve)
Jefferson County Greenways

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