Wilderness Park Bamboo Forest
Wilderness Park is a 26-plus acre area located on Upper Kingston Road, within the city limits of Prattville Alabama.
Wilderness Park/Bamboo Forest in Prattville, Alabama, is notable for its unexpected and lush bamboo forest. This unique park features towering bamboo stalks that reach heights of up to 60 feet, creating a serene and exotic atmosphere. Originally developed as a training ground for the military, the park has since become a public space where visitors can enjoy walking trails and the tranquil environment. The bamboo forest provides a stark contrast to the typical Southern landscape, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Floyd Smith purchased the land in 1940. He had a love for exotic plants and decided that he would take it upon himself to plant bamboo all over the 26 acres of land. Smith acquired the bamboo shoots from a Washington Import, which were shipped to him through the mail. This was the beginning step to growing the beautiful bamboo forest that you see today. For the next 20 years, the forest would continue to grow rapidly. Bamboo is, after all, one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. “Some bamboo has been clocked surging skyward as fast as four feet in a 24-hour period. It’s an amazingly versatile, vital and beautiful plant,” says Prattville Parks and Recreations Director Kellie Cook.
The unique forest caught the attention of many people across the country. In the 1960s, the property fell into the hands of General William Butler, an Air University commander at Maxwell Airforce Base. Gen. Butler then allowed Morgan Smith, head of the USAF Survival Program, to use the property to simulate conditions in Vietnam. “The forest was so dense and was like the conditions that troops would be surrounded by in Vietnam. Troops from all across the country would come to the park to be better prepared before they were deployed to Vietnam,” said Cook. The City of Prattville bought the land in 1979 and for the next 40 years, the bamboo would continue to grow higher and higher, with some now towering up to 60 feet tall.
All of the different types of bamboo surround a half mile trail that has been built by the City of Prattville. The trail provides an excellent stroll for anyone who wants to view exotic greenery that they might not ever get a chance to see elsewhere.
Where it is:
Wilderness Park is a 26-plus acre area located on Upper Kingston Road, within the city limits of Prattville. The address is 800 Upper Kingston Rd Prattville, AL 36067.
Maps:
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Cost:
The is no cost to visit the Wilderness Park Bamboo Forest.
Links:
GPS:
32°28’43.14″ N 86°28’52.302″ W
Hours:
The park is open dawn to dusk every day.
There are benches for rest along the trail and informational signs about the bamboo. There is also a picnic area at the trailhead, but there are no restrooms.
Photography Information:
Wilderness Park Bamboo Forest Photo Gallery
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More Photographic Destinations in Alabama
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