Situated Between Montgomery And Auburn Is An Alabama Lake Town With Scenic Trails And Southern Charm

Whether you are touring the American South or just passing through, there are so many hidden gems throughout the region to explore, from natural wonders like the largest underwater lake in the country located in Tennessee to storied historical sites that bring the past to life. Tallassee, Alabama — not to be confused with Tallahassee, Florida, the capital city located on the Panhandle and near one of the world's largest freshwater springs – is one such town. Nestled halfway between Montgomery and Auburn (about a 35-minute drive either way), Tallassee rests on the banks of the Tallapoosa River, a region steeped in Indigenous, colonial, and modern history. Nicknamed the "Treasure on the Tallapoosa," Tallassee prides itself on its Southern small-town charm and picturesque lakeside beauty.

The town's allure centers on its unique combination of natural serenity and rich history. The remains of one of the oldest cotton mills in the country are still part of the townscape, as is the Patterson log cabin, the oldest dwelling in the area (circa 1845). The town is also home to the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge, one of the longest curved bridges in the country, spanning 1,738 feet across the Tallapoosa River. The Tallapoosa gives the area its tranquil beauty, and it's also why the region holds many important chapters throughout history.

First inhabited by the Muskogee-Creek tribes, the region was the site of The Creek War, which broke out among Native American factions in 1813 and drew in U.S. forces until the Battle of Horseshoe Bend effectively ended the war under the leadership of Andrew Jackson. This paved the way for increased settlement in the area, and Tallassee was founded in 1835. In 1930, the Thurlow Dam was built in Tallassee. It was among several hydroelectric dams that played a major role in expanding access to electricity throughout Alabama. 

The Tallassee Falls Museum, named for the Great Falls of the Tallapoosa (which were largely replaced by the Thurlow Dam), pays homage to the town's storied past. With the museum's free admission, you can tour its 12 exhibits covering everything from its Indigenous heritage to pioneer life to the town's rich manufacturing history centering around its textile mill, the longest-operating mill in the U.S. until it closed in 2005. The mill served as a Confederate armory — the only one that wasn't destroyed during the Civil War — as well as a manufacturer for duck cloth used for tents and sails during both World Wars. 

Tallassee is also a short detour off the Civil Rights Trail, which Rick Steves hails as "one of the most culturally significant travel projects" in the U.S. It makes a nice half-way stop between the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the picturesque rivers and lakes before you continue on your journey through history.

The Thurlow Reservoir is a hidden gem for angling bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. There are several nature trails that provide tranquil strolls to take in the beauty of the lake and the Tallapoosa River, like the Wood Duck Trailhead in the Coon Creek Nature Preserve and the John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail, which connects with the Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad Trail and offers great birding opportunities along the ridges of Saddle Rock Mountain in addition to its waterside walks. The Lake Talisi Riverwalk Trail is a wooden boardwalk that connects the boat ramp to the Tallassee's Guest House, a historic 6,000-square-foot home built in 1941 and primarily used for hosting executives traveling to the area for business related to the town's mills. The lakes and rivers in Tallassee are popular for kayaking and canoeing as well as motor vessels.

But the town also draws people from across the region for an entirely different outdoor thrill — motocross. Tallassee's Monster Mountain MX Park is considered one of the top motocross training and racing facilities in the country, but it offers plenty of fun for riders of all skill levels. The track was named the best in the state by MotoPlayground, and Motorcross Action Magazine hails the park as "motocross heaven."