Things to do in Alabama: Coon Dog Cemetery

While researching things to do in Alabama, I discovered a roadside attraction that was too good to pass up. Located a short drive from the well-known cottage, Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, in the northwestern Alabama countryside is the Key Underwood Coon Dog Cemetery.

The only cemetery of its kind in the world, this off the beaten path, quirky attraction is definitely worth a detour.

The graveyard, known officially as the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, was established in 1937 when Key Underwood was faced with the painful task of laying his faithful hunting dog, Troop to rest. The grounds of the cemetery were a popular hunting camp and Key could think of nowhere more appropriate as a final resting place for his best friend.

Popularity grew and today the cemetery holds the remains of nearly 200 true-blue coon hunting dogs.

The coon dog cemetery is just that, a burial place for coon dogs only and admittance is serious business. There is a careful three-step process that must be completed before you are permitted to bury your beloved hunting hound on these hallowed grounds.

The pet must be verified as an authentic coon dog, but the powers behind the coon dog cemetery won’t take your word for it. A witness must declare the dog a true coon dog and a member of the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, Inc. must also view and verify the coon dog as such posthumously.

While visiting, we enjoyed reading both the comical and heartfelt epitaphs on the graves of the beloved hunting companions.

The centerpiece of the cemetery is the 20-foot concrete obelisk ‘tree’ with a pair of coon dogs racing up the trunk.

And here’s another tidbit you may enjoy. If you like movies, you may notice that the cemetery was referred to in the movie Sweet Home Alabama with Reece Witherspoon and Josh Lucas. Rumor has it that the movie producers borrowed the original cemetery sign (and didn’t return it), but actually filmed in a different location.

In addition to the cemetery, you’ll find a pavilion where you can have a nice, quiet picnic…

A short hiking trail that leads to a spring, and an outhouse which everyone in my family refused to use. Hint: Make sure you stop and use the restroom before arriving at the cemetery.

This short video does a wonderful job sharing the purpose and vision of the Coon Dog Cemetery.

In preparation for the trip, the kids’ and I each read Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller, though the latter was not a coon dog.

Important information for visiting the Coon Dog Cemetery:

Hours: Open dawn to dusk. Daily.
Cost: Free
Location: 4945 Coondog Cemetery Road Cherokee, Alabama 35616
Directions: The Coon Dog Cemetery is located 7 miles west of Tuscumbia on U.S. Hwy 72. Turn left (south) on AL Hwy 247, go 12 miles, turn right, and follow the signs. Just when you really think you’re lost, you should see the Coon Dog Cemetery sign welcoming you to the parking lot.
Website: www.coondogcemetery.com

Other things to do in Alabama:
50 Family Friendly Staycation Ideas for Huntsville, Alabama
Monte Sano State Park
Mooresville, Alabama

Have you visited the Coon Dog Cemetery? Would you add this attraction to your road trip itinerary if you were passing through Alabama?

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