Spy on Slithering Serpents
The Conecuh is a reptilian oasis that shelters the alligator, eastern indigo snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the Florida pine snake, and the dusky gopher frog. At Nellie Pond, the gopher tortoise burrows into nearby sandhills; during the summer months, when the pond dries up, the dusky gopher frog seeks shelter in the tortoise burrows to survive the searing heat.

Bird-watch in the Bog
The Conecuh's unique bog ecosystem serves as a refuge for an extraordinary number of bird species. The best time to go birding is in April, May, and June, amidst the flowering dogwoods, water lilies, pitcher plants, and orchids. The bog shelters the red-cockaded woodpecker, common moorhen, Bachman sparrow, purple gallinule, and the green-backed heron.

Canoe the Blackwater River
Canoe nearly 50 miles of the remote and shallow Blackwater River as it flows ever so slowly along banks of wildflowers, overhanging magnolia, and river cedar. This sandy-bottom river is born in Alabama's Conecuh National Forest and meanders into Florida's Blackwater State Forest. The average speed is five miles per hour, with no whitewater but plenty of black water — the tannin-tinted waters are stained like black coffee, and juxtaposed with brilliant white sandbars that you'll swear are made of sugar.

Camp at Open Pond
Camp along a 30-acre pond stocked with bass, catfish, bream, and bluegill. At this 55-site campground, you'll find a swimming beach and two fishing piers on the pond. You can also access the 20-mile Conecuh Hiking Trail, or for a more casual stroll, an unnamed trail loops around the pond. To get there: From Anadalusia, Alabama, take U.S. Rte. 29 south for 9.7 miles to the Blue Lake-Open Pond sign (State Rte. 137). Turn left onto State Rte. 137 and go south for 1.1 miles to the National Forest Open Pond Recreation sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.3 mile to another National Forest Open Pond Recreation sign (Forest Rte. 336). Turn right onto Rte. 336 and follow signs to campground.

Move on to U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Move on to Conecuh National Forest Index