Forest Information
The Conecuh (con-neka) National Forest, comprised of 83,861 acres, is
located in southern Alabama on the Florida border just south of
Andalusia, AL. There is one developed campground, which met
the selection criteria.
Tucked away along the Alabama/Florida state lines, the Conecuh National Forest may be the Forest Service's best-kept secret. Not large by any standard, the Conecuh offers its visitors a delightful camping location, Open Pond Recreational Area, and a great recreational opportunity, the Conecuh Recreation Trail.
The Conecuh Recreation Trail meanders for twenty miles through dogwood, holly, Longleaf pine, magnolia, and cypress forests. The cypress ponds offer the photographer particularly interesting opportunities to capture flora and fauna so abundant around these sites. Although the trail has much to see at the ground level, remember to look up and glimpse at the varied bird species that either live year around in the Conecuh or are just passing through.
The Open Pond campground attracts many "Snowbirds" (motorhome and recreational vehicle (RV) camping enthusiasts who are wintertime visitors) who stop for a rest on their way further South. Folks who prefer car or tent camping will find pleasant secluded sites for their use. Originally a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed picnicking area, the addition of electric and water hook-ups at 32 sites, make Open Pond a good year around campground. Many sites overlook Open Pond and provide a great opportunity to just sit and observe. If more activity is desired, there is fishing (two boat ramps and two fishing piers are available) and hiking. There is a trail around Open Pond and the southern end of the Conecuh Recreation Trail can be reached from the day-use area by a one-half mile spur. This portion of the Conecuh Recreation Trail leads to Blue Spring, a large, natural spring of clear, ice-blue water.
A visit to the Conecuh District Rangers Office to pick-up a copy of the "Carnivorous Plants of Conecuh National Forest" provides view of an interesting ecosystem found in this special, often overlooked, national forest. Conecuh National Forest is full of surprises and awaits discovery.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
2946 Chestnut St.
Montgomery, Alabama 36107-3010
334-832-4470
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Conecuh
24481 Alabama Hwy 55
Andalusia, Alabama 36420
334-222-2555 |
