Dancy Bottoms (Site #33, Central Loop) is an excellent area in the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to visit during spring migration when dozens of warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, orioles, and grosbeaks fill the trees. The area is also good for breeding species, including Barred Owl and Red-headed Woodpecker. Louisiana Waterthrush can be heard singing along the trail as early as March, and Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Acadian Flycatcher soon join them. The potential for this area to turn up unexpected species is very high with Lincoln's Sparrows, Mourning and Connecticut Warblers all recorded recently. Warbler enthusiasts should check close to the ground late in the spring.
Located in bottomland hardwoods near Flint Creek, this 2.5 mile round trip trail offers a wide variety of scenery. During winter months, waterfowl use the slough near the trail and can sometimes be seen. Deer, squirrels, rabbits, woodpeckers, and many other species of wildlife are often encountered along this trail. This is an unimproved trail and is not universally accessible.
Contact Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail
Contact Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail
3121 Visitor Center Road
Decatur, AL 35603
Phone: (256) 350-6639
Service Area
