BUCKS POCKET STATE PARK
As legend goes, Buck's Pocket is where all the defeated public officials go to lick their wounds after an unsuccessful election. This 2,000-acre park in northeast Alabama is secluded in a natural pocket of the Appalachian Mountains chain. The park's picnic area offers a canyon rim natural vista into the pocket below. The pocket itself, on an upstream tributary of Lake Guntersville, hosts an improved campground, complete with tables, grills, shelters, laundry, comfort station, playground and hiking trails. The Park is located two miles north of Grove Oak in northeast Alabama.
Located in Northeast Alabama, the park was established in 1971. It spans over 2,000 acres across three counties: DeKalb, Marshall and Jackson.
The area is known for its rugged topography with a deep canyon at the heart of it. The name "Bucks Pocket" comes from local folklore suggesting that defeated politicians would retreat to this secluded spot after losing elections.
In addition to hiking trails and camping facilities, visitors can explore Jim Lynn Overlook which offers panoramic views of the valley below.
Despite facing closure due to budget cuts in 2015-16 period; locals rallied together ensuring continued operation through volunteer efforts.
GeneralLand, acres2,000
Day-UseHiking Trail, miles20
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #1
Bridle Trails, miles6
CampingWater/Electric Sites, #36
Buck's Pocket State Park hosts an improved campground (36 campsites with water and electricity, four have sewage), complete with tables, grills, shelters, laundry, comfort station, playground and 20 miles of hiking trails. Buck's Pocket now has Rental Campers available:
No more than six persons per Rental Camper.
Rental Campers are furnished with a microwave, stove, sink, coffee maker and small refrigerator.
A picnic table and an outside grill is provided for each Rental Camper.
Please Note: There are no bed linens, bath linens, pillows, cooking or eating utensils provided in Rental Campers.
No pets are allowed in Rental Camper.
All Rental Campers are non-smoking.
FREE Wireless Internet Access at Park office and at five campsites.
A boat launch and fishing area are provided seven miles downstream at Morgan's Cove on Lake Guntersville located in north Alabama between Bridgeport and Guntersville. Alabama's largest lake contains 69,100 acres and stretches 75 miles from Nickajack Dam to Guntersville Dam. Free boat ramps and private marinas dot the lake's perimeter. Fishing, boating, camping, hunting and eagle watching are popular sports in the area. Eagle watching centers on Guntersville State Park and the dam during the winter, though some bald eagles stay all year. The lake's fish habitat includes milfoil and hydrilla weed beds from which big bass explode on topwater baits.