top of page

Fall Colors on the Walking Trail

The forest has its own pace. Few things happen quickly in the woods.


Before daylight the forest is dark, very dark. Daytime comes regularly but slowly - every day - but slowly. The early morning woods are a combination of sights and smells and sounds. The woods are alive, but move very little.


If I sit long enough I might notice the smell of freshwater running in a stream, or growing moss, or rotten wood, or the black earth beneath a layer of leaves.

Bird sound are not rare, but not constant either. And if a person cares to learn the unique sounds of each species, the woods can tell a tale of lots of different kinds of birds.


Yes there are lots of stories in the woods, but they are not spoken quickly.


October is a colorful month. Here in Limestone County in north Alabama, we are fortunate to have the Richard Martin Walking Trail, more commonly called the Rails to Trails walking trail because it was once a railroad track.


a pretty covered bridge in fall colors
The Mill Creek bridge on the walking trail

It was during the early to mid 1800's that railroads came to the Southeastern United States. Around 1835 a railroad was built that connected Decatur, in Morgan County, to Tuscumbia, in Colbert County. At that time they didn't have a locomotive to pull the train. The tracks were laid and heavy cars were pulled by teams of mules carrying freight along the tracks.


Later railroads went from Decatur on south to Birmingham. Around 1853 the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad Company was formed to lay a train line from Columbia, Tennessee to Decatur. That line ran north and south through the middle of Limestone County.


An old rock waterway
A limestone rock culvert built as part of the railroad in the 1850's

Years later a parallel track was made and eventually the original line was closed. In the 1980's that old railbed was donated to the Limestone County Parks and Recreation Department, The actual track was removed and the railbed became a walking trail.


The 10.3 miles trail is a popular spot for walking, running and biking in the Limestone County area, as it should be. And in the fall it is especially pretty.


a covered bridge on a walking trail
On the Rails to Trails Walking Trail in Limestone County

I have posted a gallery of recent photos of this bridge and trail here on Picture Americana.

And in case you didn't notice, I have several albums and galleries of photos here on Picture Americana. Just click that tab at the top of the page called "Albums".


So I encourage all to get out and enjoy our beautiful outdoors. And if you pay attention you might see signs of American history while you enjoy that hike and enjoy the fall colors. And if you sit and contemplate the forest, you might ask yourself how many people have sat there, or nearby, thinking those same thoughts...


Remember that comments are welcomed here in the box at the bottom of this page. I really like reading those comments. And you can ask questions there as well. I will try hard to give you a good answer.


Also note that if you hit that "Log In" button at the top of this page and become a member of Picture Americana, you will get an email notification whenever a new blog is posted.



8 Comments


Frederick Patterson
Frederick Patterson
Dec 01, 2023

We biked part of that trail but missed the really nice covered bridge

Like
rockydbaker
Dec 02, 2023
Replying to

The bridge is up on the north end about 2 or 3 miles from the end. It is south of the Mill Creek RV park. The RV park and the walking trail have adjoining parking areas.

Edited
Like

Guest
Nov 12, 2023

Great pictures with good information, presented well. Always enjoy your posts. Thank you!

Like
rockydbaker
Nov 12, 2023
Replying to

Thank you for the kind comments!

Rocky

Like

Guest
Nov 06, 2023

great photos


Like
rockydbaker
Nov 06, 2023
Replying to

Thank you very much !!


Rocky

Like

Guest
Nov 06, 2023

I really like that you tell a story and not just post pictures


(Elena)

Like
rockydbaker
Nov 06, 2023
Replying to

Thank you Elena. You are a jewel.


Rocky

Like
bottom of page