Hiking Trails at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve: Through the Eyes of a Steward, a Hiker, and a Nature Lover

North Alabama is blessed with countless places to enjoy the outdoors—Monte Sano State Park, Joe Wheeler State Park, and sprawling wildlife management areas. But tucked just a few miles south of Tuscumbia lies a hidden gem: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve (CCCNP).

This preserve, now managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama, is over 700 acres of rugged canyon terrain, waterfalls, bluffs, and some of the most biodiverse habitats in the state. It’s a place where history, geology, and ecology converge—and where hikers can feel like they’ve stepped into another world.

A Little History

The preserve exists today thanks to the passion of Jim and Faye Lacefield. About 45 years ago, they bought 40 acres of canyon land—steep, hard-to-reach terrain that most people overlooked. Piece by piece, they expanded their holdings until the property stretched across 713 acres, full of waterfalls, side canyons, and rare plants.

Jim, a biology and earth science educator at the University of North Alabama, often said that they knew early on this land was special. They envisioned a preserve where people could hike, learn, and experience the natural history of Alabama firsthand. Over the years, they welcomed thousands of visitors and even developed 25 miles of trails.

Eventually, the Lacefields entrusted the land to the Land Trust of North Alabama, which manages several preserves around Huntsville. The Lacefields still live nearby, on 20 acres at the preserve’s edge, overlooking the place they poured their lives into.

Who We Are

Today, Cane Creek Canyon is stewarded by myself, Will, and my fellow land steward, Kat. Our role is unique—unlike other Land Trust preserves, we’re on site to greet visitors at the kiosk during open hours, share the history of the preserve, help with trail recommendations, and answer any questions.

But our work doesn’t end there. We spend several days a week out in the woods, maintaining trails, clearing storm damage, refilling freshwater stations, cleaning privies, and picking up litter to keep the canyon as pristine as possible. There aren’t many hiking destinations that provide that level of care, and we take pride in treating this land like it’s our own.

Cane Creek Canyon is the furthest west preserve managed by the Land Trust, and unlike others that are open daily, we are only open Friday through Sunday, 7 AM to 5 PM, and the same hours on most holidays (no matter what day they fall on).

What to Expect On Our Hiking Trails

The preserve covers nearly 700 acres and offers 25+ miles of hiking trails ranging from short scenic strolls to all-day treks. Elevation changes here are no joke—there’s about a 350-foot drop from the canyon rim to the floor—so come prepared for some serious up-and-down hiking.

Good hiking shoes or boots with tight laces are essential, especially if you’re headed deep into the canyon. Hiking sticks are available at the entrance kiosk, and they can make a big difference on the steeper sections.

My Favorite Landmarks

The Citadel

On the preserve’s west boundary sits the Citadel, a massive sandstone bluff about 350 feet above the canyon floor. From here, you can take in sweeping views of the valley, while surrounded by mountain laurel, sparkleberries, and low-bush blueberries.

One of my favorite memories here was spotting a massive timber rattlesnake—easily the largest I’ve ever seen in the wild. Over time, we discovered it had given birth, and soon there were a dozen tiny rattlesnakes nestled near their mother. Encounters like this remind me how alive and untamed this land really is.

A hike to the Citadel and back ranges from 5 to 7 miles, depending on your route.

Karen’s Falls

The north end of the preserve holds Karen’s Falls, which you can reach on a 7-mile round trip. This is one of my favorite hikes because it leads through Devil’s Hollow—once a hideout for bootleggers—before reaching my favorite waterfall on the property (when it’s flowing).

On the way, I recommend taking the Shelf Trail at least once. This path hugs the east canyon wall, leading you beneath tall bluffs and through a tranquil forest of loblolly pines, persimmons, old hardwoods, and cedar-glade St. John's Wort. It’s a hike that blends scenery with serenity.

The Point (Lacefield Point)

For first-time visitors, The Point is a must. Just over a mile round trip from the entrance, it’s one of the most accessible hikes and gives a good sense of the terrain without being too strenuous.

From the overlook, you’ll see the canyon stretching away with rolling hills in the distance. It’s a view that can stop you in your tracks, and one that’s perfect for introducing new hikers to what Cane Creek has to offer.

Wildlife and Plant Life

Part of what makes Cane Creek Canyon so special is its incredible biodiversity. Because the preserve sits at the intersection of multiple physiographic regions, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

• Wildlife: White-tailed deer, foxes, flying squirrels, redhorse trout, and turtles like the red-eared slider. Snakes are common too—copperheads, cottonmouths, ring-necked snakes, and hognose snakes. Bird lovers can also spot a wide variety of songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.

• Plant life: From rare flowers like French’s Shooting Star and the orange/yellow fringed orchid, to jewelweed, cardinal flower, and mountain laurel, the preserve is bursting with seasonal color. You’ll also find muscadines winding through the understory, black and white walnut trees, mulberries, hackberries, red sumac, and countless wildflowers tucked into every corner.

Every season brings something different—waterfalls roaring in winter and spring, wildflowers in summer, and vibrant colors in fall.

Why I Love It Here

As both a steward and a hiker, Cane Creek Canyon feels like home. It’s not just the waterfalls, bluffs, and trails—it’s the peace you feel when you step away from the noise of daily life and into a canyon filled with life, history, and quiet beauty.

There’s much more I could write about the preserve—the wildlife encounters, the rare plants, the stories hidden in its sandstone walls. And I plan to, in future posts. But for now, I hope this gives you a glimpse of what makes this place so magical—and maybe inspires you to plan a visit.

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is open Friday through Sunday, and on all holidays (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas), from 7 AM to 5 PM. Come ready for a hike, bring plenty of water, and get ready to explore one of Alabama’s most remarkable landscapes. Directions to this location and more!