Buck's Pocket State Park

Buck's Pocket State Park is a secluded, 2,000-acre natural pocket hidden in the southern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains. The stream that flows southwest through Buck's Pocket empties into Lake Guntersville. Along the creek you'll find a developed campground (36 sites) with barbecue grills, picnic tables, shelters, restrooms, laundry and a playground for the kids. The area also has a developed picnic area and offers trailheads to several hiking trails (more than twenty miles worth) into the forest. The trails vary in length from 1/4 mile to six miles. There are also six miles of horseback riding trails on the property. Above the "pocket" is the Jim Lynn Overlook: a picnic area offering canyon-rim views of the state park below.

All the developed campsites offer electric and water hookups but only four sites offer sewage hookups. Primitive campsites are available, too. Wired folks will find free wifi available in the area around the park office and at five of the nearby campsites. The nearest boat launch/fishing area is located about seven miles downstream at Morgan's Cove on Lake Guntersville (Morgan's Cove is part of Buck's Pocket State Park). The region between the main body of the park and Morgan's Cove is part of the North Alabama Birding Trail with multiple opportunities to view great egrets, great blue herons, bald eagles, wood thrush, scarlet tanagers and red-eyed vireos. The spring and fall migration seasons also see lots of different birds making an appearance in the area.

The day-use area is open from 7 am until sunset, every day of the year. There is one large picnic pavilion offered for rent: $45 per day (price subject to change). Reservation required.