Dancy Bottoms Trail
2.2 miles in and out
How to get there:
From Hartselle/Decatur from Hwy 31, turn on Red Bank Road, the trailhead is
just past the bridge crossing Flint Creek. There is a small gravel road
that leads to a large parking area at the trailhead and offers fishing access
along Flint Creek.
From I-65, take the Priceville Exit, turn toward Decatur. Make a left on Indian Hills, turn right on Red Bank Road, the trailhead is on the right down a narrow gravel road JUST before the bridge.
What to expect:
No facilities
The trail is flat, it crosses through open woods and skirts a swamp and the backwaters of the Tennessee River and Flint Creek, crossing between the two on a bridge at one point. Along the path there are wildflowers and birds to be seen, the short trail offers amazing diversity for both. We have seen snakes and lizards, tree frogs and watched alligator gar slide through the sun and shade in the water.
Turn around at the gravel road, it does not loop back to Red Bank Road and in fact dead-ends not far from the end of the trail. You can walk it, adding another mile to the walk for just over 3 miles total. It's a nice hike.
There are a few downed trees across the trail, a couple flooded areas that have to be gotten around if it has rained recently.
April 2008 Wildflower Hike:
