Conecuh National Forest
Overview
Conecuh National Forest, created on July 17, 1936 by presidential proclamation once consisted of 54,177 acres of cut-over and burned-over lands. The forest is now almost twice that size and offers visitors scenic expanses of forests, interspersed with lakes loaded with bass, bream, catfish and striped bass.
Hiking trails meander across the landscape. The 20-mile Conecuh Trail offers hikers views of beautiful holly, flowering Dogwood, Longleaf Pine, Magnolia, and Cypress trees. Picturesque Cypress ponds are especially scenic.
The forest has several designated recreation areas that offer any number of activities, from fishing to target shooting to camping. The newly renovated Open Pond Recreation Area is the largest recreation area in the Conecuh. This 450-acre site offers developed camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating. The lake covers 30 acres and serves as a hub for recreational activity.
Activities
Boating
A 30-acre lake at Open Pond Recreation Area serves as a great place to bring your canoe, kayak, or boat (no gas motors, please). Blue Lake Recreation Area is also a popular boating area. Two boat ramps are available.
Camping
The campground at Open Pond Recreation Area has here are 65 developed campsites and 9 undeveloped campsites. Drinking water is located throughout the campground. Two sanitary facilities provide showers, hot water and electricity.
Each campsite is equipped with a barbecue grill, lantern post, fire ring, garbage receptacle, table, benches and designated spaces for a tent and for parked vehicles. Developed campsites have electrical and water hookups.
Primitive camping is allowed along the Conecuh trail, as long as visitors make camp at least 200 feet from the trail.
Fishing
Anglers are welcome at Blue Lake Recreation Area, Leon Brooks Hines Public Fishing Lake, and Open Pond Recreation Area. The lakes at each area offer fishing for bass, bream, catfish, and striped bass.
Hiking
The Conecuh Trail winds 20 miles through Alabama's coastal plain. The trail was built by the Youth Conservation Corps. Each year, beginning in 1976, the young people of the Corps extended the trail through park-like longleaf pine stands, hardwood bottomlands, and other plant communities of the Conecuh National Forest.
Experience the refreshing feeling from Blue Springs, a large natural spring of clear, icy blue water. The Conecuh Trail crosses streams at several points. Bridges have been built for the convenience of trail hikers.
The Conecuh Trail is open year round, but winter hiking is most pleasant when the weather is cooler and insects not so bothersome. Summers are hot and humid.
Picnicking
Blue Lake Recreation Area and Open Pond Recreation Area have picnic areas.
RVing
The campground at Open Pond Recreation Area has here are 65 developed campsites and 9 undeveloped campsites. Drinking water is located throughout the campground. Two sanitary facilities provide showers, hot water and electricity.
Each campsite is equipped with a barbecue grill, lantern post, fire ring, garbage receptacle, table, benches and designated spaces for a tent and for parked vehicles. Developed campsites have electrical and water hookups.
Water Sports
Blue Lake Recreation Area is the only place on the Conecuh Forest to swim.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(334) 832-4470Links
Official URL
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama/forests/conecuh/- Login or register to post comments
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