COLBERT COUNTY-Tucked away atop Wagnon Mountain south of Tuscumbia is one of the most diverse nature preserves in the Southeast.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, attracts visitors from around the world who go there to marvel at the variety of plants and animals that can be found on the 713-acre tract. More than 10,000 people visited the preserve in 2015.
“This place is really nice,” said Connie Creasy of Ford City, as she hiked one of the trails at the preserve. “This is our first time to hike here, but we will definitely be coming back.”
Mark and Sonya Zaremba, of Killen, who have hiked on trails throughout the United States and in other countries, said Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is as spectacular as any state or national park they have visited.
“It’s a real gem,” Sonya Zaremba said.
More than 15 miles of hiking trails crisscross the preserve, which is owned by Jim and Faye Lacefield. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset daily. Admission is free.
With more than 100 species of native trees, the preserve has one of the most diverse forests in Alabama. Numerous wildflowers, including rare species, also grow at 
the preserve.
Jacqueline Gray Miller, Alabama marketing manager for the Nature Conservancy, said it is unusual to find so much forest diversity in one area.
During the fall, the preserve is one of the best places in north Alabama to see colorful foliage.
The canyon, which is about 350-feet deep in places, was carved by Cane Creek flowing over sandstone.
Waterfalls and stone overhangs are located along the canyon walls. The streams and creeks at the preserve are crystal clear.
Wildlife, including deer, bobcats and otters, can be found at the preserve.
The Lacefields enjoy sharing their land with others to provide a place for exploring nature. Plus, they enjoy meeting the many visitors.
Miller it is the only privately owned nature preserve with free admission in Alabama.
Susann Hamlin, president and CEO of Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is the perfect place for a leisurely walk or an all-day hike.
“It’s a great place for families to spend time in the outdoors, discovering nature,” Hamlin said.
The preserve is pet friendly. Many hikers take their dogs and let them run free along the trails.
Directions to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve from Tuscumbia: Turn onto the service road at Colbert County Farmers Cooperative, 1417 U.S. Highway 72. At the end of the service road, turn left onto Frankfort Road. Travel south on Frankfort Road for 8 1/4 miles to Loop Road. Turn right onto Loop Road and travel about 150 feet. Loop Road will curve right, but go straight onto the gravel road and continue to ½-mile to the Lacefield’s home.
For more information 256-256-381-6301 or Colbert County Tourism at 256-383-0783.
