Siddique Nature Park

"Wood Duck Nature Preserve – Opelika, AL The trail at Wood Duck Nature Preserve is an approximate two mile loop around a lagoon.  It is a shady walk through the woods and a nice trail for bird watching and hiking.  You do not have views of the lagoon from the trail itself unless you leave the trail and trek a short distance uphill through the woods.  There are two bird watching blinds set at the north and south ends that offer lagoon views.  The trail is well-marked and not over-grown.  It is a dirt trail that is narrow; a group would need to trek this single file for most of the way.  There are two small wooden bridges to cross, a few tree roots, one large step over a fallen tree, and no rocks to traverse.  The trail may be muddy after a heavy rain but it was solid walking the whole way for me this morning.  There are a few places of very mild descent and ascent.  It is rolling land and any hills ascend at a mild rate that is not hard to walk.  The last .2 mile to the parking lot is elevated a bit more but easy to manage. The parking lot is paved.  There is a pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms.  Sorry, I didn’t think to check if the restrooms were actually open.  Along the trail there are a few places that offer a bench to rest, although the areas where the benches are were a bit overgrown.  It was a lovely, quiet walk that would be great for a beginner’s hiking group.  This trail is used by bird-watchers, therefore, respect for their need for quiet should be observed at all times.  The park is open sun-up to sun-down."

"When I visited a couple months ago, it was in pretty bad shape. Since then, they have cleaned up the trash and trimmed the trails which has definitely helped. Be careful on the bridges and duck blinds though because some of the wood is rotting/unstable."

"I love this trail. It's only a 15 minute walk/ 2 minute drive from my house. I always noticed the signs to this nature preserve as I passed by it over the years, but I never knew that much was back there. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind messing up, because the trail can be very muddy in certain areas around the lagoon. Insect repellent is also a must."

"I had not been here in quite some time, so I was pleasantly surprised by all the improvements. The trails have been well cleared and are well marked and have been extended. There are pretty views of the creek, the woods and some marshy wetland. There are some muddy spots but nothing too bad - unless you get off the trail. I missed a turn and went the way the old trail had gone and got into a couple of mud bogs. The only reasons I don't give this place 5 stars are because it does not have a lot of trail, and, because it is right next to a sewage treatment place, it smells pretty bad in a few spots."

"If you enjoy walking outdoors this is a lovely place to visit. I enjoy hearing the birds sing and watching them in their natural habitat. A wonderful jewel in Opelika for those that love being in nature. Have always had a great time."