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ForestMatters, LLC

Clear Creek Trail

William B. Bankhead National Forest, Alabama · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
2.5-3.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Clear Creek, a tributary of the Black Warrior River draining the Bankhead plateau into Lewis Smith Lake
  • Mixed hardwood bottomland with mature white oak, red maple, and American beech
  • Good bass and bluegill fishing from the creek and in the Smith Lake arm near the trailhead
  • Access from Clear Creek Campground, the largest developed campground in Bankhead
  • More accessible terrain than the Sipsey Wilderness canyon trails
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Overview

The Clear Creek Trail follows the creek drainage in the southern section of William B. Bankhead National Forest, near Lewis Smith Lake. The 6-mile out-and-back covers bottomland hardwood forest with mixed oak, red maple, and beech in a pleasant creek corridor that is less dramatic than the Sipsey Wilderness canyons but more accessible and beginner-friendly.

The trail is primarily used by campers at Clear Creek Campground, where it begins, and by anglers accessing the creek for bass and bluegill fishing. No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Creek corridor. The trail follows Clear Creek upstream from the campground through bottomland forest. The creek runs over a mix of sand, gravel, and rock with several crossings on footlogs. The bottomland section is most productive for spring wildflowers.

Miles 2 to 3: Upper creek and plateau slope. The trail climbs away from the creek and gains the lower plateau slope, passing through drier oak and hickory forest before reaching the turnaround at mile 3.

When to Hike

March and April: Spring wildflowers and full creek flow.

May through August: Good fishing season. The creek provides cooling for summer camp visitors.

October: Fall color in the bottomland hardwoods.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Creek water available but requires treatment. A fishing rod and Alabama fishing license (as of 2026) are worth bringing.

Trailhead Access

From Double Springs, take SR-195 south about 12 miles to Clear Creek Campground. Well-signed. Paved road all the way to the campground.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Flush restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is available at the trailhead. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is March through November. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the William B. Bankhead National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

The water feature along this trail supports a range of wildlife; keep pets on leash near the water. Wildflower timing varies by year; spring and early summer are generally the peak bloom window. Wildlife is present throughout the forest. Maintain distance from any animals encountered on or near the trail.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Brushy Lake Trail provides a nearby short lake loop. The main Sipsey canyon trails are about 20 miles north. See the full William B. Bankhead National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles near the creek.

Trailhead Parking

Clear Creek Campground trailhead, about 12 miles south of Double Springs via SR-195. Gravel parking at campground entrance. No fee for trail. Campground fee applies for overnight.

← Back to William B. Bankhead National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Clear Creek Trail differ from the Sipsey Fork trails?
The Clear Creek Trail is in the southern, lower-elevation portion of the forest, away from the Sipsey Wilderness. The terrain is less dramatic with smaller elevation changes, but the bottomland hardwood forest and creek access make it a rewarding hike for those who prefer a gentler landscape. It is also closer to the campground facilities than the Sipsey Fork area.
Can I fish Clear Creek and Smith Lake from this trail?
Yes. Clear Creek has wade fishing access throughout the trail, and the Smith Lake arm near the campground is accessible for bank fishing. Alabama fishing regulations apply; a valid Alabama fishing license is required (as of 2026). Smith Lake is known for spotted bass and largemouth bass.
Is this trail accessible year-round?
The trail is accessible year-round, though winter rains can make the creek crossings high and the bottomland sections muddy. March through November provides the most reliable conditions. The campground is closed in winter, but the trail remains open.