Shoal Creek Park consists of 167 acres of largely open lands and wooded margins with Shoal Creek running through the property. Shoal Creek itself tends to have a good flow with riffles and slower moving stretches.

Blue Grosbeaks, Summer Tanagers and Indigo Buntings are in good numbers during the spring and summer months. Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks can be seen soaring overhead year round and Barred Owls can be heard calling in the evenings. Chimney Swifts and Swallows (Barn and Rough-winged) soar overhead Spring-Fall and Waterthrushes can be found here during that time as well. The fields may be productive for Bobolinks during migration and Loggerhead Shrikes nest here. Prairie Warblers can be heard singing over territory during spring and summer.

The property was donated in 2013 by Elizabeth 'Betty' Mahler to the City of Montevallo for use as a city park to be named Shoal Creek Park. In late 2015, the nonprofit corporation Shoal Creek Park Foundation was established to oversee park development. However, the City of Montevallo maintains and operates the park as part of its Parks & Recreation Department.

Most of the park is in its natural state with existing and proposed hiking trails with scenic views of Shoal Creek. A gravel parking lot for 50 vehicles has been constructed about 175.0 feet (50.0 meters) from the historic Perry/Mahler house. A pavilion, restroom facilities and signage for the hiking trails are now available, with ideas for recreational and educational uses continuing to be developed.

There are several bridges, making crossing the creek easy and safe, and providing nice views of the watershed. Some trails are wide and even, making walking easy. There are a few narrow trails, with somewhat challenging stream crossings, but these are easy to manage for the inclined and easy to avoid for those looking for an easier walk.

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Listed in:

• Ecotourism