The region around Buck’s Pocket State Park, South Sauty Creek, and Morgan’s Cove (Site # 49, Northeast Loop on Alabama Birding Trail) provides a number of habitats worthy of exploration. The waters of South Sauty Creek are attractive to numerous migratory waterfowl, as well as Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets. Just downstream from the boat landing at Morgan’s Cove, Bald Eagles are known to nest on the forested slopes above the creek. Buck’s Pocket State Park’s wooded pocket canyon is complete with singing Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrushes, and Scarlet Tanagers. The park is also host to some interesting surprises during migration. Morgan’s Cove is part of the state park, too. This secluded cove is the perfect spot to watch Belted Kingfishers diving for their dinner or to launch a canoe and paddle your day away. Be sure to visit Guntersville State Park while in the area.

Located in three counties (DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall) and secluded in a natural pocket, Bucks Pocket State Park is atop Sand Mountain's plateau. Known for the sweeping views of its rugged, seemingly untouched landscape provided from the heights of Point Rock. The park has one ADA (Americans with Disabliities Act) accessible campsite and a separate ADA accessible bath house. Portions of the park can be explored via wheelchair, but there are no dedicated accessible trails. There is some birding from the parking area and the area makes a good base camp for exploring around the region.  Amenities include parking, restrooms, handicap access, hiking, canoeing, boat access, fishing, camping, picnic area, and off road vehicle trail. 

HOURS

Off Road Vehicle Trail: Daily from sunrise to sunset.  Cost $10 per vehicle

Day Use: Sunrise to Sunset $5 per car

Operating Hours: Wednesday through Sunday

The AllTrails website has descriptions and maps of several hikes at Buck's Pocket State Park. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/alabama/bucks-pocket-state-park

Point Rock Trail overview
Length: 1.1 mile - One way.
Degree of difficulty: moderate to hard.
This trail begins in the floor of Bucks Pocket Canyon, near the campground and ends 
some 800 feet above the canyon floor on a sandstone formation called Point Rock. 
Natural features include Little Sauty Creek, varied plant life including wildflowers and 
ferns, and special geologic formations estimated to be between 200-250 million years 
old. The trail starts across the Little Sauty Bridge just outside the campground and 
terminates with a spectacular view of the canyon.

Indian House Trail overview
Length: 1/2mile - One way.Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Historically, the Cherokee Indians frequently occupied the rock overhangs at the trails 
end. Wildflowers and rhododendrons are abundant along this trail and bloom early 
spring.

High Bluff Trail overview
Length: 1/2 mile – One way.
Degree of difficulty: Easy to Moderate with some grade.
There is a huge beech tree in front of the overhang which is of historical significance. A 
small stream is located next to the overhang which flows during the fall and winter 
months.

South Sauty Creek Trail overview
Length: 1.5 miles - One way
Degree of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Natural features include two waterfalls (which run in Fall/Winter), abundant plant life and 
a varied scenery. The trail starts just across the main creek bridge on the right.

Primitive Camping Road overview

Length: 1.6 miles - One way – ORV’s allowed.
Degree of difficulty: Moderate.
The Trail starts just before the main bridge headed down stream with the creek. The 
path is an old roadbed leading to the primitive camping area (fees required). The trail 
offers a beautiful view of the creek and boulders located in the creek bed. There is an 
abundance of plant life, animal life and spectacular views. The trail connects with the 
ORV Trail that leads to the Morgan’s Cove area