The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Park in Cherokee, Alabama is a mandatory story every time I in the area. Known commonly as the Coon Dog Cemetery, located just off the beaten path near Cherokee, Alabama is an interesting cultural experience.
An old metal sign states that the first coon dog buried here was “Troop” buried on September 4th, 1937. Beloved hunting dogs have been buried here every since.
The range of grave markers and placement of flowers at the cemetery is what amazes me the most. The markers range from large sculptured monuments to hub caps and fire grills. Every time I have visited some of the graves are marked with real or artificial flowers, showing the love and commitment to these animals.
Wikipedia says:
The coonhound, colloquially the coon dog, is a type of scenthound, a member of the hound group. They are an American type of hunting dog developed for the hunting of raccoons, as well as feral pigs, wild boars, bobcats, cougars, and bears. There are six distinct breeds of coonhound.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coonhound
The article continues that there are six recognized breeds of coon dogs. They are the Black and Tan Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, English Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, and the Plott Hound. Only true coon dogs can be buried at the cemetery.
I have a couple of recommendations before you travel to the location. First, it used to be very remote and there were no houses around. Now, there are a lot of communities developing around the area. I recommend that you don’t go here by yourself and don’t go after dark.
I also recommend that you drive out the same way you came in. Cell and GPS signals are poor and it is better to back track a little than come out three ridges away from the highway.
