On Labor Day in 1937 Key Underwood buried his faithful coon hound, Troop, at the edge of the forest of Freedom Hills in NW Alabama. Following this burial, many of Underwood’s friends also needed a burial ground for their favored hunting dogs and so each chose a spot, close to that first grave, and so it went. Today, over 300 coon dogs have been laid to rest in this quiet, scenic, natural area. Unique headstones and epitaphs pay tribute to man’s best friend. It is said to be the only cemetery of its kind in the world.

Annually, each Labor Day, a festival is held to honor those buried there and coon dogs in general. There is music and dancing, food, a liar’s contest, and lots of fun. The event begins mid-morning and is over about 4 p.m.

Photo of Key Underwood and Troop

4945 Coondog Cemetery Road
Cherokee, AL 35616
(256) 383-0783

Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard – Cemetery (coondogcemetery.com)

Open daily, year round, daylight hours
Free