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Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 70 Google reviews · Running trail in Decatur, Alabama · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Diverse wildlife and boardwalks through a swamp attract visitors to this national reserve.
What runners say about Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail
“Well maintained with a very nice boardwalk section.”
“2 miles each way, through beautiful swampland and hardwood bottoms.”
“From there the trail is very well marked and splits off into two parts.”
The footbridge is an awesome addition to this trail! Nice to be standing in the swampy bottom while still having dry feet. Spring has sprung in Wheeler.
There is an unmarked gravel road on the east side of the short bridge that crosses the Flint Creek which takes you to the parking lot. From there the trail is very well marked and splits off into two parts. When I visited in February 2022 both parts of the trail ended by running into the swamp.
I like this trail a lot and there are never many people out there. The bugs are crazy though definitely bring bug spray.
Point to point trail, 1.2 miles each way, through beautiful swampland and hardwood bottoms. Lots of bird and animal life here! Tons of flowers in the springtime!
Trail conditions & character
“Whoever installed the new boardwalk last year did an excellent job.”
“There is an unmarked gravel road on the east side of the short bridge that crosses the Flint Creek which takes you to the parking lot.”
“There is an unmarked gravel road on the east side of the short bridge that crosses the Flint Creek which takes you to the parking lot.”
Plan your run at Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Decatur
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
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Wilson Morgan Park
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Decatur Hike-Bike Way Trailhead
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Morgan County North Park
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Earth Park
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