More than 6,000 acres of the former military base is designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge to protect a unique and endangered ecosystem described as the mountain longleaf pine forest.

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest stand of mature Longleaf Pines north of the state’s coastal plain. It is also home to some excellent bird-watching as a site along the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail: home to the elusive Bachman’s Sparrow, the Refuge is also known for its abundance of Brown-headed Nuthatches, and large coveys of Wild Turkeys. The mountain ridge is great for spring and fall migrants, and an excellent hawk-watching spot in fall.

PO Box 5087
Anniston, AL  36207
http://www.fws.gov/southeast/mountainlongleaf
256-848-7085

GPS: 33.7184 -85.70920