The Conecuh Trails provides a pleasant day or overnight hike through the 20 miles of Alabama coastal plain. There is ample opportunity to view the local flora and fauna. Both day hikers and overnight backpackers can enjoy the Conecuh Trail. The trail is open to foot traffic only except the Lake Shore and North Loops which are also open to mountain bikes.
The trail meanders through forests containing dogwoods, holly, longleaf pine, magnolia, and cypress. Picturesque ponds are especially scenic. The trail crossed streams at several points. Bridges have been built for convenience of hikers. An interesting feature of the trail is Blue Spring, a large natural spring of clear, icy-blue water. It is located near Five Runs Creek just off of Forest Service Road 337B, which runs south off of County Road 24.
The trail is open year round but the hiking is more pleasant during the winter when the insects are less bothersome. Drinking water is available near bathhouses and at various places in the picnic sites at Open Pond and Blue Lake Recreation Areas. The entire Conecuh Trail can be hiked in two days. Hikers not interested in overnight camping can take two major loop trails for one-day trips.
Directions from Andalusia: Easiest entry points to the trail are on State Highway 137, on County Road 24 at Open Pond Recreation Area, and at Blue Lake Recreation Area. The best and safest place to leave an automobile is at the Open Pond Recreation Area. To reach Open Pond from Andalusia, travel south on Hwy. 29 for approximately 10 miles to Alabama Hwy. 137, turn left (south) and go 5.2 miles to County Road #24 where there is a sign reading "Open Pond Recreation Area". Turn left (east) onto County Road #24 and continue .3 miles to County Road #28. Follow signs to Open Pond.
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