If I Ever Have A Dead Coon Dog
A few weeks ago, I spent some time in Northwest Alabama, visiting the Key Underwood Coon Dog Cemetery is now a highlight on my Alabama Bucket List. It turns out that I’m not alone. It is said that over 7,000 people visit this curiosity each year.
I left Tuscumbia and quite literally drove off the beaten path onto a curvy hilly road. It is a beautiful wooded and remote area. You know, the kind of place where there isn’t cell phone reception.
Because I was alone, I was somewhat questioning my sanity as I pulled into the cemetery; I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw three women visiting. The women told me that they drove about the country visiting strange and unusual places. I felt an immediate connection with these kindred spirits, and we exchanged phone numbers. Turns out we live about 40 minutes apart.
- Love this marker!
Together, we walked around and viewed the sites.
- Markers that are rustic, home made and elaborate.
In 1937 Key Underwood buried his faithful companion “Troop” in this beautiful setting that was a hunting camp.
Key’s brother later buried his dog in this location and it was decided to lease the land from a lumber company so that it may remain sacred.
This one time hunting camp is now a park known as Freedom Hills Wildlife Management. Although the land belongs to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association cares for the cemetery.
I lost an elderly hunting dog a few years back. As I walked about, I felt sad and happy at the same time. Thanks to this dedicated group for honoring this group of loved canines; this long and winding road has led them home!
Fun Facts
- Yes, this one and only Coon Dog Cemetery inspired the scene from the movie Sweet Home Alabama.
- Only Coon Dog’s are buried in the cemetery.
- The Coon hunter’s Association has a 3 part process before a dog may be buried in this cemetery.
- Dogs from throughout the United States are buried in the cemetery.
- Noted in the book entitled-Alabama Off The Beaten Path Guide To Unique Places.
MEGastars; I loved checking this site visit off of my list. Because it is a one of a kind stop made with love, I give this stop 5 *****MEGastars; If I ever find myself with a dead coon dog, this would be my top choice for a forever place.
MEGatips:
- Interested in unique places? This is a great stop. Nearby you may eat lunch in a cave structure, see a shoe tree and covered bridges.
- The graveyard is open every day during daylight hours.
- There is an outhouse and a water spring on the premises. Plan as such. Take a picnic!
- If you visit, don’t forget to sign the guestbook.
- I love Claunch’s Café in Tuscumbia. Open at lunch hours. Check hours first but this place has some really great food.
- I visited several restaurants listed as “100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die.” These dishes will be upcoming on Tasty Tuesday’s. Next write is a burger in a cave.
- This entire Northwest Alabama is gorgeous. There are so many fascinating places to visit and gorgeous natural outdoor activities. Allow at least several days to explore this wonderful area! http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/the-shoals
- Coon Dog Cemetery 7 miles west of Tuscumbia on U.S. Hwy 72. Turn left on Alabama Hwy 247, and travel approximately 12 miles. Then turn right, and follow the signs. Remember this is a remote area and take precautions as such.