Outdoor Recreation Outing at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

On Sunday, October 6th, Neeraj and I hosted our very first National Park Trust outing with the AUM Outdoor Adventures Club, and we had a blast! Over 20 participants, many from out of our state/country, joined our trip to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. This outing offered a mix of outdoor rec and history as we explored the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend site, a turning point in the Creek War. This war resulted in the United State’s victory over Creek Indians, who were British allies during the War of 1812, resulting in the vast cession of their lands in Alabama and Georgia. Our adventure started at the park’s visitor center, where we watched a somber documentary that described the events leading up to Andrew Jackson’s victory and the Treaty of Fort Jackson. This was important because over 800 people died during the battle, and learning the history before continuing our activities allowed us to pay the proper respect to the land we were going to be walking on.

From there, we set off on the three-mile-long nature trail that circled the old battlefield and followed the Tallapoosa River. Along the way, there were information signs that provided more detailed information. We were fortunate to have an amazing National Park Ranger who was incredibly helpful in answering our questions and offering insights into the park’s natural and historical significance. 

After hiking, we visited Miller Covered Bridge, which used to be the longest in Alabama. It is right next to the park, and we coincidentally met a different outdoor group from Auburn University there! Although the bridge is no longer standing, its remains are there, reminding us of its engineering importance (and giving us something to climb on!). 

We stopped to eat a tasty lunch at the park’s pavilions. The bus driver, Miss Johnson, surprised us with cookies to finish off the trip! We played some fun trivia games about what we had learned throughout the day, handing out bottles provided by National Park Trust as prizes. This trip fostered a sense of community and offered a unique opportunity for those new to Alabama to learn and connect with the state’s rich history. Everyone had fun but also left with a deeper appreciation for the stories that the National Park Service preserves.