Buck’s Pocket State Park is located in northeast Alabama in three counties ( Dekalb , Marshall and Jackson). Before the trail of tears the area was once occupied by the Cherokee Indians who found the pocket a prestine and hidden treasure. South Sauty creek flows through the pocket during winter months and will dry up most summer months. South Sauty drains into Morgan’s cove which connects to Lake Guntersville and the Tennessee river. The area is home to a great amount of wild life and plants.
During the 1700′s the French grew coffee and olives in the area. A Natural Pocket of the Appalachian Mountains Buck’s Pocket is a special treat in the fall with great foliage and colors. The area is also a very popular bird watching area that attracts watchers from all over. Eagles often fly high above Morgan’s Cove and enjoy the great fishing in the area.
One of the main attractions at buck’s Pocket is Point Rock. The point gives you a great view above the pocket and is a huge rock formation that sites high above the pocket. The park built a wood deck that leads the way to the point. from point rock you can see the campground and during winter months you can hear a waterfall to the left. The pocket has many rock ledges that tower above and plenty of large rock formations.
Indian house trail is a good hiking trail during the winter when the water is flowing.You can access this trail fromt he Dekald county side before you enter the lower pocker area. If you hike along south sauty creek you will see huge boulders the size of houses and if you are lucky you may see a deer or a wild turkey or two.
Point rock has been a favorite for rappelling for many years. On the right side of point rock is where most rappelling is performing and has a trail that makes climbing up pretty quick. Expect free falls to good wall climbs in the area.
Also you can access point rock trail which winds down from the left side of the point rock and ends near the campground and park office. The trail is pretty easy and takes a good hour for most hikers.
Down in Buck’s pocket is a ranger station/store and 36 modern campsites with a playground for the kids. Be sure to stop in the office and check out the history and some of the artifacts found in the area. My favorite item is the stuffed eagle!
Down creek from the office you can access primitive camping from a dirt trail that winds beside the creek. If you have a 4×4 you can make it easy but it can be muddy during spring and winter months. The primitive camping area is located on morgans cove but only accessible from near the bridge in the pocket. I would guess it is a good mile or so into the primitive camping area. This is also a great mountain biking trail! Expect mud holes and some good speed with tall hills but beware of the large rocks and rough road.
