Trail Notes

Bucks Pocket

Buck's Pocket State Park is a pretty area hurt by the lack of a really good trail. The park is a narrow gorge cut into Sand Mountain by South Saunty creek. It features dense woods and high bluffs with nice views. Getting to those views is the problem: there are relatively few trails here, and most of the choices are steep and rocky. All the same, the area is definitely worth a look. It's been called the best kept secret in Alabama State Parks.

Location

East of the Tennessee River, just south of Langston. From Guntersville, follow Hwy 227 through Guntersville State Park. Just past the state park you'll need to turn right, though the highway number stays the same. Turn left onto Route 19 and follow it to Route 152, which leads through the park. Once you leave Hwy 227 the roads are not well marked, but you'll see signs guiding you to Bucks Pocket before you leave Guntersville State Park. Once you get to Bucks Pocket the road will split. Keep to the left; a right takes you to the Point Rock overlook.

What's Special

Nice views from high bluffs.

Best Season

Buck's Pocket would make a great fall color hike.

Facilities

Campgrounds
Bathrooms
Showers
Grills

More Information

Park Office

Bucks Pocket State Park

Hike America: Alabama

Joe Cuhaj's book lists several hikes in Buck's Pocket. Highly recommended.

Get it at Amazon.com

Featured Trail: Point Rock Trail

The Point Rock trail leads from the park office on the floor of the canyon to the overlook.

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous. The trail has an elevation change of 400 feet, with the last 100 feet being a steep grade. You'll also have to climb over rocks at several points along the way.

The Hike: The trail follows Little Saunty Creek up the canyon. In fact it crosses through the creek at two points (the creek is dry most of the time). The creek bed is littered with large boulders which make for nice scenery. Unfortunately you'll have to climb over these boulders at several points. Most of the way is shady.

The trail becomes steep for the last hundred feet of its climb. It reaches the top of the canyon and flattens out. Keep to your left and walk along the canyon rim. In about 300 feet you'll reach the park overlook. This is a large rock outcropping with an excellent view down the canyon. A paved road also leads to the overlook, so you'll see many people here. You may want to make your way back by following the road; retracing your steps means a steep descent.

Other Trails

The Primitive Campground trail follows South Saunty creek until it flows into Lake Guntersville. This trail is an easy walk along an old road. The road keeps its distance from the creek, though, so this walk doesn't offer as much scenery. The trail would be good for a large group or for horseback riding.

This page authored by: Tom Dahm

Questions? Contact Us, we'd like to hear from you.
Please don't contact us regarding cabin reservations. We aren't affiliated with the state park system.
See the "More Information" section for the park office phone number.