Page 40 – Alabama Front Porches: Southwest Alabama Tourism

Jun

Conecuh National Forest: Open Pond Trail

Escambia, Outdoor Adventures, Sit a Spell

The Conecuh National Forest is the southern-most national forest in Alabama, encompassing 84,000 acres between Andalusia, Alabama, and the Florida line. This public-land jewel supports prime examples of habitats and associated species found in natural ecosystems of the lower coastal plain. Prime among these habitats are upland longleaf pine forest and shallow ponds and bogs that are maintained by regular ground fires. This rich ecological backdrop provides setting for a wide variety of recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, picnicking, bicycling, shooting sports, wildlife viewing, and nature study.

Jun

Gee’s Bend Ferry

Iconic Places, Outdoor Adventures, Sit a Spell, Wilcox

The Gees Bend Ferry operates daily, connecting Camden and Gees Bend, Alabama. Gees Bend is renowned for its historical significance, particularly its famous Quilters of Gees Bend known for their exquisite quilts. Visitors can witness the quilting process at the Boykin Nutrition Center during weekdays.

Jun

Rikard’s Mill Historical Park

HIstory, Monroe, Museums and Historic Places, Sit a Spell

Rikard’s Mill Historical Park is home to a functioning water-powered grist mill and museum dedicated to preserving past folk traditions.

Jun

Escambia County Public Lake / Leon Brooks Hines Public Lake

Escambia, Outdoor Adventures, Sit a Spell

Leon Brooks Hines Public Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by long-leaf pine forest that is subjected to regular burns. Although there are no hiking trails as such, there are poorly maintained access roads in the forest almost all of the way around the lake that can be birded. The lake is a great spot for birdwatching and every species of woodpecker that occurs in Alabama can be viewed here. Tropical storms may bring Brown Pelicans and other seabirds to the lake. A brief description of Leon Brooks Hines Lake appears in A Birder’s Guide to Alabama. Following the unnumbered, unpaved Barney Road, Alaflora Road, and Parker Springs Road around the lake can provide a very productive 6.2-mile driving trail. Potential parking sites are limited, widely spaced, and primitive. Access is free, and the lake is open from February through November, with amenities such as restrooms, handicap access, potable water, food, parking, canoeing, boat access, picnic area, hiking, and driving available.

Jun

Gainesville Historic District

Civil War, HIstory, Museums and Historic Places, Sit a Spell, Sumter

Gainesville is a town in Sumter County, Alabama that grew as a commercial center and cotton shipping port on the Tombigbee River. It has many historic sites including antebellum homes, churches, and monuments, such as the Forest Monument and the Old Cemetery. Gainesville Historic District is on the List of Registered Historic Places in Sumter County.

Jun

Civil Rights Memorial (Mural)

Alabama Mural Trail (Southwest Alabama), Arts & Culture, Civil Rights, Dallas, Public Art, Sit a Spell

Mural

Jun

Foscue Creek Park

Camping, RV and Lodges, Marengo, Outdoor Adventures, Stay Awhile

Foscue Creek Campground is nestled on the forested lake shore of Demopolis Lake, the largest lake on the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway.
Demopolis Lake offers 10,000 acres of water to explore. The region is excellent for hunting, and game is plentiful.
Foscue Creek Campground offers a peaceful retreat for families, anglers, boaters and those who want to get away any time of year.