Marla Ballard Columnist
A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history hike will be presented by DeSoto State Park on Saturday, March 15. Hikers will visit the Morris Branch Bridge. The incomplete bridge stands as a testament to the commitment of the CCC in advancing the development of the state park.
The bridge was meant to establish a direct highway connecting DeSoto State Park to May’s Gulf, now known as Little River Canyon. The ambitious mission was abandoned when the CCC disbanded in 1942. Join park staff as they explain the history and significance of the endeavor.
The hike is approximately 2.5 miles and considered moderate with no major inclines. Meet at DeSoto State Park Lodge at 1 p.m. to caravan to the trailhead. The Lodge is located at 1299 Blalock Dr. NE, Fort Payne. Duration of hike is approximately two hours.
The hike is free and open to all. No preregistration is required. Hike is weather dependent so call Lodge (256-845-5380) if inclement weather threatens. Email: Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov. for more details.
Little River Canyon Center and Jacksonville State University Field School will present May’s Gulf Songwriter Series on Sunday, March 16. The concert is from 3 – 5 p.m. Enjoy the music of Jessica Willis Fisher and Anse Rigby. Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 at the door. Coolers welcome. Rain or shine. Little River Canyon Center is located at 472 AL-35, Fort Payne.
Calling all toxophilites to DeSoto State for their continuing Serious Skills Series featuring an archery class on Friday, March 21. Class times start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and at noon. Ages eight to adult may attend.
Archery is increasingly becoming popular as a recreation activity. The class will offer safety lessons and technique tips for skillful shooting. The class is suitable for both beginners and those who want to sharpen their skills. All equipment is provided.
According to legendarchery.com – “Archery is one of the world’s safest sports. The National Safety Council disclosed that archery is over three times safer than golf, as just one injury is recorded for every 2,000 participants. Archery is also a safer sport than bowling as reported by USA Archery.”
The class will be held in the picnic area located across the street from the DeSoto State Park Country Store on County Road 89, inside the park. The class is free. Preregistration is not required and participants may come at any of the posted times. Rain may cause the class to be cancelled. For more information email: Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Trekkers are invited on Thursday, March 27 to enjoy an early spring hike with DeSoto State Park staff on a two-mile hike along the West Fork of Little River. Along the way attendees will learn about indigenous species of flora and some of their medicinal uses. The hike is rated moderate along rugged terrain. The 2.5-hour hike will start at 10 a.m.; meet at DeSoto’s Country Store inside the park on Country Road 89. The hike is free and open to all. No preregistration is required. Hike is weather dependent so call Lodge (256-845-5380) if inclement weather threatens. Email: Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov. for more details.
