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[Pages:12]Get More Out of Life

A GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION ON THE BANKHEAD, CONECUH, TALLADEGA AND TUSKEGEE NATIONAL FORESTS

Discover Alabama's Largest Natural Treasure

You may be surprised to learn that this The extensive network of hiking trails

Deep South state is home to mountains that allows for exploration on foot. Some pathways

rise 2,000 feet above sea level, and many even crisscross designated wilderness areas.

of them are within a national forest. The In season, hunters can pursue favorite

highest peaks are 2,200 feet in the Talladega game species in any of the five wildlife

National Forest and the lowest elevation management areas. Boaters and water skiers

is a mere 100 feet in the Coastal Plain of the can enjoy large, clean lakes that have enough

Conecuh National Forest.

quiet coves to satisfy anglers as well. Campers

The four national forests in Alabama each will find southern hospitality at its best at the

have unique features. You will find high 12 developed recreation areas. And don't miss

overlooks, rolling hills, and tree-studded flat the wildlife;including a number of threatened,

lands. Forest roads can take you on a quiet endangered and sensitive species such as the

drive with scenic views. Special walk-in areas gopher tortoise, flattened musk turtle and the

are designed for wildlife viewing. You might red-cockaded woodpecker.

enjoy traveling the Talladega Scenic Drive, You'll find plenty to explore in the 680,000

canoeing beneath a canopy of hardwoods acres of Bankhead, Talladega, Conecuh and

along the Sipsey Wild and Scenic River or Tuskegee National Forests of Alabama.

fishing in a secluded stream for largemouth

bass.

CONTENTS

Bankhead National Forest 2

Conecuh National Forest

3

Talladega National Forest 4

Tuskegee National Forest

5

National Forests Map

6-7

More Alabama Treasures

8

Alabama Snapshots

9

Leave No Trace

10

Rules For Forest Visitors 11

Recreation Matrices

12

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National Forests in Alabama ? southernregion.fs.fed.us/alabama

Bankhead National Forest

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Few outdoor dining spots in north- become one of Alabama's most popular

ern Alabama could be more impressive areas. It is the forest's newest, largest

than the picnic ground overlooking the and most modern recreation area of-

Sipsey River and its forest. Statuesque fering 102 developed campsites. The

old poplars, sycamores and beeches other recreation sites are at Corinth,

spread their limbs in a giant umbrella to Houston and Brushy Lake where visi-

shade picnic tables that are spaced gen- tors have access to warm showers, water

erously apart and along a bending path and sewage hookups. Or if you prefer

near the Sipsey Wild and Scenic River. primitive camping, that option is avail-

Located just minutes from Birming- able as well.

ham, the Bankhead National Forest is Horseback riders can traverse 25 miles

considered an urban forest offering an of scenic trails for breath taking views of

assortment of recreational activities. waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, deep gorges,

When visiting the Bankhead's 180,000 swift streams, majestic hardwood trees,

acres, you can enjoy hiking, hunting, wildflowers and an abundance of birds

camping, boating, fishing, swimming and animals. The Black Warrior Horse

and sightseeing. One site you won't Trail is an impressive ride. The Owl

want to miss is Bee Branch, a 500-year Creek Horse Camp can set you up for

old poplar tree that stands 150 feet a leisurely day ride or an extended stay

tall. Other popular attractions are the to explore the extensive trail loops and

cascading waterfalls, canoeing, picnick- scenery.

ing among breath-taking scenery and To hike, camp, hunt or fish in a

riding on a scenic horse trail.

completely natural setting; head for

Five developed recreation areas are the Sipsey Wilderness. Here you'll find

located on the Bankhead National For- 25,000 acres of quiet solitude and

est. Clear Creek Recreation Area has pristine wilderness, without any modern

amenities.

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Conecuh National Forest

NATURAL WONDERS DOWN SOUTH

Located in the hilly coastal plains Families are welcome at the Open

along the Alabama-Florida border, Pond Recreation Area where picnick-

the 84,000-acre Conecuh National ing, camping, fishing and hiking are

Forest offers an array of recreation- possible on 450 acres of forest land.

al opportunities. It is also home to Blue Lake is an excellent place to

a variety of wildlife, game animals enjoy picnics and swimming. Fishing

and bird species. You might spot an for the ever-popular bream and bass

endangered red-cockaded woodpeck- is prime at Brook Hines Lake.

er, whitetail deer, eastern wild turkeys, For a healthy dose of exercise take

squirrels, bobcats, foxes, river otters, the Conecuh Trail, which extends 20

American alligators and many species miles through the Conecuh Nation-

of snakes.

al Forest and is open for hiking and

Bird lovers will find this national mountain biking. Target shooters will

forest to be most intriguing.Bird watch- like the Conecuh firing range, which

ers can observe the Mississippi and has benches and tables to accommo-

swallow-tailed kites, hawks, barred owl, date 20 people.

wild turkey, common bobwhite quail,

yellow-billed cucko doves and several

other forest and wetland species.

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Talladega National Forest

HOME TO ALABAMA'S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

SHOAL CREEK DISTRICT

Get a spectacular view of the forest from Pinhoti Trail runs from Piedmont,the north-

atop Cheaha Mountain, the highest point ern terminus, to just south of Talladega. The

in Alabama. Located only 70 miles from trail winds through rugged pine and hard-

Birmingham and 75 miles from Atlanta, wood forests, runs along ridgetops, passes

Shoal Creek offers scenic settings, wildlife, through shady hollows and follows moun-

fishing, shelters along the Pinhoti Trail and tain streams. Horseback riders can choose

primitive hunter camps.

from three loops: the Piedmont (18 miles),

You can escape from the crowds by visit- the Short Loop (4 miles) or the Sweetwater

ing Coleman Lake Recreation Area, which (14.6 miles).

is peacefully nestled into the Talladega The naturalist who likes a quiet day by the

Mountains, or enjoy the amenities at Pine beach will enjoy fishing at Coleman Lake,

Glen Recreation Area. It has 31 campsites Sweetwater Lake, Morgan Lake and High-

with tables, cooking grills, sanitary facilities rock Lake. Each lake has a variety of fish.

and access to the Pinhoti Trail.

Shoal Creek also has plenty of small game to

Especially for thrill seekers, the Pinhoti entice hunters.The main attractions are quail,

National Recreation Trail System includes squirrel, turkey and white-tailed deer.

more than 100 miles of hiking trails. The

TALLADEGA DISTRICT

Talladega District suits nature lovers who want to be tucked away in peaceful solitude. Lake Chinnabee is perfect for camping, picnicking, fishing and hiking. Turnipseed Camp, located near the Cheaha Wilderness Area, is attractive for primitive camping and hiking. Hikers can choose among six different hiking trails: the Chinnabee Silent Trail, Lake Shore Trail, Nubbin Creek Trail, Cave Creek Trail, Odum Trail and Skyway Trail. Both the novice hiker and the advanced hiker will find plenty of opportunity. There is also the Kentuck ORV Trail for ATV riders.

OAKMULGEE DISTRICT

The Oakmulgee District spans 158,000 a scenic lake and picturesque campacres. It is home to the largest popula- sites at the newly renovated Payne Lake tion of red-cockaded woodpeckers on Recreation Area. Its picnic area, two any of the national forests in Alabama. swimming beaches and a hiking trail are Outdoor enthusiasts will find solitude, popular.

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Tuskegee National Forest

A NATURAL AND HISTORICAL TREASURE

The Tuskegee National Forest,located mile hiking trail was the first trail in Al-

in east central Alabama, is enveloped by abama designated as a National Recre-

natural, cultural and historic resources. ation Trail. Visitors can see a variety of

Interestingly, it is the the smallest na- wildlife habitat, wild flowers and flow-

tional forest in the nation--a breadth of ering trees while hiking or using moun-

beauty squeezed into 11,000 acres.

tain bikes.The trail is considered easy to

Visitors come to the Tuskegee Na- moderate.

tional Forest for primitive camping, The Bold Destiny/Bedford V. Cash

fishing, horseback riding, bicycle trails, Memorial Trail is for horseback riders

hiking trails and the shooting range. and hikers, meandering for 16 miles

Conveniently, the forest is near some through the rolling upland sand hills

popular tourist sites: Tuskegee Univer- in the north, connecting to Taska Rec-

sity, Booker T. Washington's home "The reation Area, where picnicking and

Oaks," the George Washington Carv- sanitary facilities are available. There's

er Museum and the Tuskegee Airmen also Pleasant Hill Trail, Tuskegee Na-

Museum.

tional Forest's newest trail used for hik-

Trails are a popular choice for recre- ing and bicycling.This four-mile trail is

ation at the Tuskegee National Forest. rated moderate for difficulty.

The Bartram National Recreation Trail, To glimpse the exotic side of nature,

named in honor of William Bartram, check out the Tsinia Wildlife View-

the first naturalist to travel through the ing Area. Just rest and observe. It is a

area, gives nature lovers a glimpse of unique place to view many native spe-

beauty in its natural form. The 8.5- cies of birds, reptiles and mammals.

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More Alabama Treasures

The National Forests in Alabama have numerous sites that are accessible to persons with disabilities. In addition, the recreation sites listed below provide special accomodations for the disabled. For information about these sites, contact the Alabama Department of Conservation at 1-800-262-3151 or write 64 North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130.

The website address is dcnr.state.al.us

HUNTING SITES

Charles A. Farquhar State Cattle Ranch

Department of Youth Services Physically Disabled Hunting Area

Fayette WMA Disabled Hunting Area

Little River State Forest Disabled Hunting Area

Macon State Forest Disabled Hunting Area

Marengo Physically Disabled Hunting Area

Mead-Alabama Power Co. Physically Disabled Hunting Area

Pine Hills Physically Disabled Hunting Area (Bow Only)

Prairie Creek Physically Disabled Hunting Area

R.L. Management Area

Turnipseed-Ikenberry Place Physical Disabled Hunting Area

USA Foundation Hunting Area

Chattahoochee Physically Disabled Hunting Area

SHOOTING SITES

FISHING SITES

Barbour County Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Clayton Cahaba River WMA, Blocton Coosa WMA, Rockford Freedom Hills WMA, Cherokee James D. Martim-Skyline WMA, Skyline Sam R. Murphy WMA, Guin Swan Creek WMA, Decatur

Barbour County Public Lake Bibb County Public Lake Chambers County Public Lake Clay County Public Lake Coffee County Public Lake Crenshaw County Public Lake Dale County Public Lake Dallas County Public Lake Dekalb County Public Lake

Escambia Public Lake

Fayette County Public Lake

Madison County Public Lake

Marion County Public Lake

Monroe County Public Lake

Pike County Public Lake

Walker County Public Lake

Washington County Public Lake

Geneva County Public Lake

Lamar County Public Lake

Lee County Public Lake

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