Outdoors
Most of the land in Pickens County is covered with timber and managed by professional foresters. Consequently, the country roads of the county are always interesting. Wildlife and wildflowers abound. As trees are harvested and new tracts of timber planted, the landscape is everchanging.
Bird lovers are blessed with being on the flight pattern of tens of thousands of migratory birds. Hummingbirds swarm around patio feeders. Finches of every variety and hue stop for visits. Bluebirds, cardinals, mockingbirds, and robins dwell around most homes. Eagles, woodpeckers and other protected birds are to be seen here.
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Sipsey river provide for water sports and fishing. Many farm ponds are to be found here–and the owners of most of them are friendly and inviting once they get to know you.
Several fishing rodeos are held on the waterway each summer. The water is good for sports related to boating also. Near Pickensville one finds the Bevill Welcome Center and a lock and dam. Your visitors will enjoy a trip there, especially if it is followed by a picnic on the grounds. Grandchildren will beg to explore the old snag boat docked there. And particularly in the spring they will find a trip to look for shark teeth on the Sipsey a great adventure. More information can be found here.
When you meet someone from elsewhere in this region, and they learn that you reside in Pickens County, the second most common comment is that they have enjoyed hunting or fishing here. Of particular note are the Westervelt Lodge, Cow Creek Ranch, and the Cameron Quail Reserve Lodge. All offer fine accommodations and exciting sporting adventures.
One finds hunting clubs scattered across the county. Hunting leases are available. And for those who like wild game to eat but are not hunters, offers from neighbors to kill a deer for you are not uncommon. Your only responsibility is to pay for the processing. In addition to deer hunting, Pickens is well-regarded as a place to hunt for turkey, doves, and quails.
West Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail is the gateway to Pickens County’s hunting world. Information is given on licensing, hunting and fishing regulations, suppliers, outfitters, private hunting lodges, public hunting lands, etc.