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p r e s e r v e A 250 Acre Nature Preserve In The Heart Of Hoover. © Beth Young Hoover, Alabama • www.hooveral.org Urban Forestry Dept.: [PHONE REDACTED] Friends of Moss Rock: [PHONE REDACTED] Hoover Police Dept.: [PHONE REDACTED] Emergency: Dial 911 © Beth Young © Rhonda Pyatt © Beth Young Come and experience nature in Moss Rock Preserve, located in the heart of Hoover, one of Alabama’s most livable cities! Moss Rock’s 250 acres are microcosms of natural habitats that once covered all of central Alabama. Moss Rock lies in a highland valley between Shades Mountain and Pine Mountain, with a branch of Hurricane Creek meandering through. Moss Rock features boulders for climbing, trails for hiking, and a variety of waterfalls, plants, wildlife and other natural features that everyone can appreciate and enjoy. The boulder field is often the site of competitive events hosted by the SEC Climbers and other organizations. Hikers can follow the 10+ mile system of trails that wind through the park, which includes both constructed trails and old road beds. In addition to native plants and wildlife, the property provides some of the last habitat in the area for migratory species of birds. Native trees on the property include white oak, tulip poplar, Florida sugar maple, as well as rare mountain longleaf pine—some of which are estimated to be 200 years old. Open areas offer displays of wildflowers such as spiderwort, phlox, yellow jasmine, butterfly pea and goldenrod. In forested areas, look for oak-leaf hydrangea, red buckeye and mountain laurel, and of course, the moss and ferns along with woodland wildflowers, such as dwarf crested iris and Indian pink. Sandstone glades feature natural bonsai trees hundreds of years old and rare plants such as nuttals rayless goldenrod. The various wildflowers attract many butterflies including monarchs and zebra swallowtails. There is a wide variety of wildlife ranging from fox, coyote and wild turkey, to snapping turtles, salamanders, chorus frogs, box turtles, dragon flies, harmless water snakes, and black rat snakes. If you enjoy bird watching, look for three species of owl as well as summer tanager, indigo bunting, goldfinch, and the broad-winged hawks that nest in the summer. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR VISIT! Chapel Rd Patton Chapel Rd Chapel Ln Preserve Pkwy Sulphur Springs Rd Shades Crest Rd Ross Bridge Pkwy N PARKING & TRAILHEADS Galleria Exit 10 617 Preserve Pkwy Hoover, AL. 35226 Al Seir Rd Shades Crest Rd Chapel Rd Lorna Rd MOSS ROCK PRESERVE Preserve