By Cayce Lee, Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism
Athens-Limestone County Alabama, has an abundance of trails, waterways, prime fishing grounds, and RV parks awaiting you. These marvelous gems are tucked among the emerald greenways and luscious landscape of our blooming and friendly communities. With Athens-Limestone County located along the Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 72 corridors and centrally located in North Alabama, it makes for a perfect getaway from the havoc of the city, a base station for exploring the region or just a simple daytrip for a change of scenery.
No matter what your escape requires, you’ll find options in Athens-Limestone County. Whether it’s RVing, boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, birding, or just simple relaxation – there’s a playground for everyone. Limestone County is served by not only the Tennessee River but the Elk River and offers water suitable for rafting, fishing, and water sports.
The Wheeler Lake and the Elk River have come to host several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the Cabela King Kat Tournament, Alabama Bass Trail–Wheeler Lake, City of Athens Relay for Life Bass Tournament. There are the smaller tournaments for the weekend angler like the Friday Night Bass Tournament, Saturday Night Tournament, and the Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament. Anglers will enjoy the chance at three different kinds of catfish, three different kinds of bass, plus bream, crappie, sauger and other species.
From enthusiast to lazy day pacer, there’s a trail to suit your needs in the Athens-Limestone area with over 20 to choose from. If you’d like to keep things in an urban environment, the City of Athens offers several trails featuring the history and architecture of Athens, including the Columns and Culture Trail, Beaty Historic District Trail, and the Athens Historic Volksmarch, or enjoy the one of the tracks or Veterans Walk of Ardmore AL/TN.
The Richard Martin Rails to Trails is a 10.3 mile trail starting just south of the northern border of Alabama in Veto. It travels through the Civil War historic site Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle before continuing through the heart of Elkmont to finish at Piney Chapel Road north of Athens at Coffman Park. Walkers, bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy this scenic trail through nature along the reclaimed railroad that once served as the L&N Railroad connection between Louisville and Birmingham.
The Noah Bike and Antique Car Trail winds its way through Limestone County for nearly 90-miles of history, scenery, and adventure – perfect for a road trip in the family car or testing the curves with your motorcycle. Several of Limestone’s communities are highlighted along the way with options to stop at sites including historic churches, cemeteries, and nature areas. The Noah Bike and Antique Car Trail is a great way to link the trails and attractions of the Richard Martin Rails to Trails, Marbut’s Bend Accessible Nature Trail, Athens-Limestone County African-American Heritage Trail, Athens-Limestone County Civil War Trail, and the Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail.
RVers have the option of views and locations in Athens-Limestone from the shores of the Tennessee River to the heart of Elkmont. RVers are always welcome in Athens-Limestone with RV parks conveniently located to attractions, waterways, and the interstate simply by choosing one of the conveniently located RV parks. Cowford Landing has access to the bass rich Tennessee River and boat launches, walking trails, and convenience station. Mill Creek Park visitors can choose to pull their RV in and enjoy access to the town of Elkmont, the Noah Bike and Antique Car Trail, the Richard Martin Rails to Trails, and Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail. While RV visitors looking to spend their time in historic Athens can choose to make their home at Northgate RV Park at Exit 354 or Swan Creek Park at Exit 347.
Athens-Limestone Tourism has created a brochure highlighting available trails and tracks in the greater Limestone County, including Ardmore, Mooresville, Lester, Elkmont, and Athens areas. This brochure is available at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center, 100 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by visiting www.VisitAthensAL.com and using the contact form to request a copy. You can also reach the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center by calling 256-232-5411.
By: Cayce Lee Hutchins
Social Media Specialist
