A Valley with a Long Story
Nances Creek is a small, close-knit community in Calhoun County, Alabama, with just a few hundred residents, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The community grew around farms, churches and schools that served families scattered along the creek. Stories differ on how Nances Creek got its name: some say it honors an early settler, others connect it to a local Creek leader known as Chief Nance. Either way, the name has been attached to this valley for generations.
Today, Nances Creek sits between the small city of Jacksonville and the outdoor town of Piedmont, offering easy access to trails, creeks and mountain views while keeping its quiet, rural character.
Day Trips from the Farm
Use Nances Creek Farms as your home base and explore these nearby adventures.
Chief Ladiga Trail
Alabama’s first extended rail-trail runs about 33 miles from Anniston through Weaver, Jacksonville and Piedmont, connecting to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail. It offers a paved, family-friendly route through wetlands, forests, farmlands and mountain views.
Distance: ~15–20 minutes to trail access depending on where you start.
Terrapin Creek
This clear, gentle creek near Piedmont is popular for canoeing and kayaking, with local outfitters offering rentals and shuttles. It’s perfect for a warm-weather float after a morning in the strawberry fields.
Pinhoti Trail
The Pinhoti is one of Alabama’s premier long-distance hiking trails, running roughly 175 miles through the state and connecting to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Trailheads near Piedmont and Cheaha State Park offer excellent day hikes.
Jacksonville, Alabama
A nearby college town home to Jacksonville State University, local restaurants and shops, and access points for the Chief Ladiga Trail.
Piedmont – Outdoor Gateway
Piedmont has been called an outdoor trifecta where you can hike the Pinhoti, bike the Chief Ladiga and float Terrapin Creek all from the same town. It also features small businesses, outfitters and local eateries.
More Nearby Attractions
For a different kind of adventure, Indian Mountain ATV Park, local museums and historic sites offer even more ways to explore northeast Alabama.
Stay Longer, See More
Many guests plan a long weekend that includes one day on the farm, one day on the Chief Ladiga Trail or Pinhoti Trail, and a day on Terrapin Creek. Ask us for current tips on outfitters, restaurants and scenic drives—we’re happy to help you explore our corner of northeast Alabama.