Recreation

What will you see in Alabama’s National Forests?  Get moving and take a “Great Escape” trip by exercising in one of Alabama’s national forests. A drive to one of our national forests provides opportunities for hiking, running, walking, bicycling, swimming, and canoeing.

 

Plan Your Trip

A good rule of thumb when choosing an outdoor exercising activity in the national forest is to be prepared before you leave. There are some things you should know before deciding to hit the trail for the first time to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience.

• Contact a district office to obtain maps and publications that highlight trails or discuss exercise plans with a recreation specialist.
• Become familiar with the type of recreation activity the trail is designed for and be aware of the terrain, distance and elevation before using the trail. Maps can provide detailed descriptions about the trail and help in deciding which workout is right for you. In terms of outer wear, a good pair of trail hiking shoes can provide a harder sole for stepping in rocky areas.
• It is of primary importance to be equipped with the following 10 essentials on all hiking trips: map, compass, whistle (3 blasts for help), flashlight, sharp knife, fire starter, water, first-aid kit, extra food and clothing suitable for the season.
• Please be aware of our forest areas that may be closed due to prescribed burns or emergencies, and use caution during hunting season.

Alabama Wilderness Areas

2023 Recreation Fee Schedule

Recreation Passes

Leave No Trace Recommendations

Spotlights

Pleasant Hill Trail

Pleasant Hill Trail is Alabama’s newest and only trail for biking and hiking in the Tuskegee National Forest.  Only four miles in length, this trail is of moderate-level difficulty and provides incredible recreational fun for all.

Natural Bridge Picnic Area

Natural Bridge Picnic Area is the oldest national forest recreation site in Alabama. A paved trail (approximately 3/8 mile) leads to this natural rock archway deep in a forest of hardwoods, quaintly-positioned in Bankhead National Forest. So pack a picnic and make the hiking trek to this area.

Corinth Recreation Area

The Corinth Recreation Area is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching.  

Visit Recreation.gov to make a reservation. Camping at this location is by reservation only. For additional information please call 205-300-1513.

Check-out time for Corinth is no later than 12:00pm the day of departure. Check-in time is no earlier than 2:00pm. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site.

Two camping loops contain 52 campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. There are four bathhouses, with warm showers, serving the camping areas. A boat ramp is provided for campers. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Corinth also offers eight rustic tent camping sites with nearby community hydrants and a bathhouse. No garbage bins are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station.  ADA accessible sites are available. 

The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with an outdoor beach shower. Twenty-nine family picnic sites are available nearby, and paved access paths connect all. Near the beach is a 100-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet that serves both it and a portion of the picnic sites. A 1.25-mile hiking path is located along the shoreline of the lake. A year-round boat launch is available, with an SST vault toilet; and it has boat/trailer parking. A separate boat launch is available to the campground.