The Horseshoe Bend National Park

Situated in the lovely surroundings of the Alabama region, the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a park that is managed by the National park Service. This is also incidentally the place where the last Creek War battle was fought in the year 1814 on March 27. General Andrew Jackson’s Tennessee militia crushed Upper Creek Red Stick with the help of the 39th U.S.Infantry Regiment, the Lower Creek allies, and Cherokee.

This happened on the Tallopoosa River. This historical victory broke the rule of the Creek Nations here.

Around 800 Upper Creeks gave up their life for their homeland. This was a huge loss for all Native Americans who died fighting for the country. The Creeks signed a pact called the Treaty of Fort Jackson wherein they ceded around 23 million acres of Alabama land and also gave Georgia to the U.S.government.

There are many activities that we can do here while in the park. Take the Tour road and enjoy this lovely 3 mile road which is inclusive of a one way loop. It borders along the edge of the battlefield and goes up the bend of the River Tallapoosa. The park is named after this. The speed here is only 15 miles per hour. Rules have to be adhered and recreational activities are not allowed. One can go by foot. More than 557 Creek Warriors and around 49 U.S. soldiers died in the battle.

The Horseshoe Bend National park is an ideal place for hiking. Hike enthusiasts can go up the 2.8 mile long nature walk that goes winding down the Battlefield which lies near the Tohopeka village. This is the venue of the Creek Indian Camp sometime in the 1800s. The trail is quite exciting and adventurous and the rugged terrain ensures you will have the best time of your life. Wear good, comfortable shoes, proper jacket, and a hat and protect yourself with sunscreen. Take water and snacks along. Not a very rigorous trail yet very exciting and adventurous.

The Horseshoe Bend National Park is also a great place for picnic lovers. There are two areas which are ideal picnic locations. The larger picnic area is situated near the Visitor Centre. There are two covered shelters here. Then there is the smaller picnic area which has picnic tables near the Miller Bridge Boat Ramp. But picnicking is not allowed on the battlefield or in the Tohopeka village.

Go boating here and enjoy this launch service with over 15,000 people capacity. Enjoy the launch vessels at the Miller Bridge Boat Ramp and enjoy the winding flow of Tallapoosa River. Canoe lovers would love this place, canoeing down the stream. The rocky bottom and the currents here ensure that you get maximum thrill and excitement. These areas lying near Lake Martin, gives you ideal travel luxury. You cannot however camp here.

While here at the Horseshoe Bend national Park indulge in some fishing activities. Shore fishing is permitted here at the Miller Bridge Boat Ramp. You need an Alabama State Fishing License to do fishing here.

Another activity here is bicycling which is allowed on the paved Tour Road. There is around 12 miles of stretch that you can cycle on. The roads are not paved and they are rugged with lot of mountainous terrain. Ensure that you wear helmets and other kinds of protective gear while you ride the bike.

Enjoy the study of nature here and see the lovely 354 variety of species here and more than 901 types of plant life.