Located just north of Atmore, AL, in Huxford, the 2,000-acre Little River State Forest is a gem of southwest Alabama. In 1935, the CCC built Claude D Kelley State Park within the forest's boundaries, however Hurricane Ivan all but obliterated the park's trails and some of its amenities. Following the storm, the state park was absorbed into the state forest. Today, LRSF is back in operation with it's amenities such as bath houses, playgrounds, camp sites, and pavillions open for business. A highlight of the forest is Little River Lake, a beautiful oasis on a hot summer day for the entire family to take a dip.
AHTS joined forces with the staff at Little River State Forest to get their two existing trails - the Gazebo and CCC / Bell Trails back into shape for safe public use. We are now exploring routes to expand the trails in the forest to some of its unique and beautiful scenery - including rare rock outcroppings - and connecting the forest to the Great Eastern Trail and the Alabama Trail itself.
Volunteer trail workers can earn AHTS patches!
Upcoming Work Days
September 27-28: Trail Work/Car Camp It's time once again to groom the Bell Trail. We’ll do a little hike on Saturday, have a great time around the campfire that night, then groom the Bell Trail Sunday morning until about noon. Tools will be provided if you don’t have any. Join us for the campout, the hike, or just the work day, but join us! It will be funCall Joe Cuhaj for more info at (251) 533-1812 or jcuhaj@bellsouth.net.
A Bit of History Caught on Film
Little River State Forest was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Recently, a documentary film made by the CCC was discovered on the internet titled, "Down Mobile Way, 1935". The 10 minute film (available from Google Video) shows life in Mobile, AL, that year. The last few minutes of the film shows the construction of Little River State Forest and Gulf State Park! Click the link to the right to view the film.
Forest Information:
Little River State Forest - (251) 862-2511
Trail Info:Download LRSF Trail Map (JPG)
Gazebo Trail - Length: 3.2-miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Serene walk in the woods past /
over bogs & streams. View
wildflowers, pitcher plants, CCC
gazebo, cabins, and culverts.
CCC / Bell - Length: 1.5-miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Panoramic views of surrounding
hills from intersection of CCC and
Bell Trails.
Proposed Trails: Hub for Alabama Trail System with
the Alabama Trail and trail from Conecuh
National Forest to Little River.
Loop Trail around the 2,000-acre forest.
Fees:
Day Use Fee: $1
Camping: $11 / Night
Directions:
From Atmore take US-21 North 11-miles. Turn right onto
H.Kyle Road (the turn is marked with a "Claude D Kelley
State Park" sign) and follow the road to the pay station.
Maps:
Trail map available below or free at the ranger office
DeLorme Alabama Gazateer Pg 57 - D6 (Listed as Claude Kelley)
USGS AL Topos: Huxford, McCullough, Uriah East, Uriah West
Little River State Forest Locator Map
Alabama Hiking Trail Society, PO Box 231164, Montgomery, AL 36123
