Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge Bessemer, AL 35020

"Can't actually see anything and can't be on property without express permission for research reasons only. There are a couple historical buildings on site as well, but it's posted no pictures or trespassing. There's only a small off road parking spot with a barely maintained information board. No bathrooms."

"aka Thomas Springs. Not really a public park (anymore) but the smallest wildlife refuge in the entire US. The ponds in the refuge are habitat for the endangered Watercress Darter. Federal law prohibits fishing and seining in those ponds. The boardwalks are in utter disrepair and access to the ponds is overgrown, muddy, and any disturbance of the darter habitat carries steep fines. Best contact Fish and Wildlife or the Freshwater Land Trust to inquire about a guided trip. Make plans for a trip in spring to see the male darters in full color and remember the only legal way to see the darters in the refuge is for scientific purposes with a written permission."

"Original review below, update here: A park ranger sent me a really nice email back explaining the situation... trail CAN be hiked but is in disrepair, hence the signs. There currently aren't enough staff to maintenance the place (he also stressed no fishing as this place is for protecting the fish). Going to check it out soon and will update this review again. :) Original: Looks awesome but the place has multiple signs posted saying you can't enter it? Tried emailing for more info, no reply."

"Discovered this place last year and had high hopes because I had been looking for some place close by to walk. It has boardwalks in most areas but they are rotting and falling in. I contacted them about helping with revamping efforts and was told they would be making a decision as to update or not within a month. No one got back with me after that but I noticed they put up no trespassing signs so they should remove it from the web as someplace you can go."

"Have not actually been here exactly..driven by...but it is very interesting because this colorful fish is only found here in this 25 acre national refuge."