Overview
Brushy Lake Trail circles a small lake in the central portion of William B. Bankhead National Forest, near Double Springs. The 3.5-mile loop is flat with minimal elevation change, covering wooded shoreline and open recreation area terrain with views across the lake throughout. A designated swimming area at the recreation area beach makes this a popular summer destination for families and day-use visitors. The trail is one of the more accessible recreational walks in the forest, offering lake scenery without the challenging terrain of the canyon country in the Sipsey Fork area.
No permit required. A day use fee applies at the Brushy Lake Recreation Area (as of 2026).
The Route
The full loop (3.5 miles). The loop begins at the day use parking area and circles the lake counterclockwise through mixed hardwood and pine forest. Oak, hickory, and loblolly pine form the main canopy, with understory shrubs and native ferns in the shaded sections near the water. The shaded shoreline sections alternate with more open areas near the beach and recreation facilities. Waterfowl are frequently visible on the lake throughout the circuit, and great blue herons work the shallower margins.
The swimming beach area appears at roughly the midpoint of the loop, providing a natural stopping point for families with children. The beach has designated swim areas and the recreation area's flush restrooms and water are accessible here. The loop returns to the trailhead parking area through the recreation zone.
Several shoreline points along the second half of the loop provide good views across the lake and informal fishing access for largemouth bass and bluegill.
When to Hike
May through September: Peak season for the lake recreation area. Swimming and fishing drive most visitor traffic. The trail is pleasant in the early morning before the day-use area fills.
March through May: Wildflowers bloom in the lake margin and adjacent forest understory. Spring bird migration brings warblers and other neotropical migrants through the forest edge habitat along the shoreline. Wood ducks nest in tree cavities near the water.
October: Fall color arrives around the lake, with oaks and hickories turning through the month. Waterfowl numbers increase as migratory ducks begin arriving in the impoundment. Visitor traffic drops significantly after Labor Day.
November through February: Quiet and cool. The bare canopy opens up the lake views from the shoreline trail. The recreation area may have reduced services in winter; verify with the USFS Bankhead Ranger District before visiting.
What to Bring
Water is available at the recreation area. Many hikers carry 1 liter for the loop. Swimwear and a towel for the beach area if visiting in the swimming season. Binoculars for the lake birding, especially in spring and fall migration. Insect repellent from April through October when mosquitoes and ticks are active in the lake margin habitat.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking at Brushy Lake. A day use fee applies at the recreation area (as of 2026). Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the trail, but keep dogs out of the designated swimming areas when other visitors are present. Fishing from the trail requires a valid Alabama fishing license (as of 2026).
The swimming area is open seasonally; verify current dates and any restrictions with the USFS Bankhead Ranger District before planning a swimming visit. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in the veteran benefits guide.
Trailhead Access
From Double Springs on US-278, take SR-33 north about 5 miles to the Brushy Lake Recreation Area entrance. The recreation area is well-signed from the highway. Allow about 10 minutes from Double Springs. Cell service is limited in this part of the forest. Download an offline map before leaving the main highway.
Nearby
The Wolf Pen Hunter Camp Trail offers a longer plateau hiking option in the eastern forest. The Sipsey Fork Loop is the signature canyon hike about 15 miles west and provides a completely different landscape. See the full William B. Bankhead National Forest guide for more information. Follow Leave No Trace principles at this popular lake recreation area and review our checking conditions guide before your visit.