The links below are a great way to get a feel for the area and lifestyle. The New York Times article on the Alabama River Trail is wonderfully descriptive.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/travel/escapes/16american.html
New York Times Article On Alabama River Trail
www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com
Alabama River Trail
http://www.alabamawildlife.org/
Alabama Wildlife Federation