Hikes in Conecuh National Forest (AL)

Conecuh National Forest Overview

At just 84,000 acres, Conecuh National Forest sits in southern Alabama across from the Florida state line. Mobile is the closest big city to the forest a little less than 2 hours away. Being just above the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida panhandle, this forest is a mix of hardwood swamps and native longleaf pines. The 20-mile Conecuh Trail is the only hiking trail in the forest and can be separated into sections for day hikers. The trail was built in 1976 by the Youth Conservation Corps and was extended by them each year. The south loop leads to Blue Springs, a large natural spring of clear, icy blue water. The best hikes in Conecuh National Forest are described below.

State	Alabama
Nearest Metro Area	Mobile, AL
Area Size	83,861 acres
Established	July 17, 1936
Hiking Trails	20 miles

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Conecuh National Forest

Conecuh Trail – 20.0 mile loop

Conecuh NF — Blue Lake, Photo by US Forest Service – Southern Region

The Conecuh Trail winds 20 miles through the eastern portion of the Conecuh National Forest. 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 forests, around sinkhole ponds, and across streams and bottomlands. The trail showcases the diversity of Conecuh ecosystems for the day hiker and backpacker.

The south loop of the Conecuh Trail leads to 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 can be hot and humid. From mid-November through the end of January, hikers and backpackers should coordinate trips with the District Office to ensure compatibility with scheduled deer hunts on Blue Spring Wildlife Management Area.