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Blue Lake Trail

Conecuh National Forest, Alabama · 3 min read

Distance
2 mi
Elevation Gain
15 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
Year-round
Est. Time
1-1.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
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

  • Blue Lake: a smaller, quieter spring-fed pond less visited than Open Pond
  • Primitive Blue Lake Campground on the shoreline for a quieter camping experience
  • Good birding for wood duck and herons around the wooded lake margins
  • Very short and easy for families or as a quick add-on from Open Pond
  • Longleaf pine setting along the approach trail
lakewildlife

Overview

Blue Lake Trail provides a short, easy walk to a quiet spring-fed pond in Conecuh National Forest, adjacent to the Open Pond Recreation Area but with a more secluded and primitive character. The 2-mile round trip passes through longleaf pine on a clear path before reaching the wooded margins of Blue Lake.

This trail works well as a quick add-on to an Open Pond visit, or as a standalone short walk for campers at the Blue Lake Campground. The lake is small and the trail is very short, making it appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: Longleaf approach. The trail begins at the Blue Lake Campground and follows a wide path through open longleaf pine. The lake appears through the trees within the first half-mile and becomes fully visible at the shoreline at mile 1.

Return by the same route.

When to Hike

Year-round: The short distance and flat terrain make this walkable in any season. Early morning provides the best opportunity to see wood ducks on the water.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 0.5 liters of water for this very short walk. Binoculars useful for wood ducks and herons.

Trailhead Access

Blue Lake Campground is 0.5 miles from Open Pond Recreation Area on FR-351. Follow the signed campground road.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. The trail is popular with families. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

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

The lake provides a visual focus for the trail and is a good birding location in the early morning hours. 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 Open Pond Loop is the primary trail option at the same recreation complex. The Conecuh Trail: North Section provides a more extensive longleaf savanna experience. See the full Conecuh National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the lake.

Trailhead Parking

Blue Lake Campground off FR-351, about 0.5 miles from Open Pond Recreation Area. Gravel parking. No fee. Vault toilet at campground.

← Back to Conecuh National Forest

More Trails in Conecuh National Forest

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Open Pond Loop

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Wiregrass Savanna Walk

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim at Blue Lake?
There is no designated swimming area at Blue Lake; the Open Pond Recreation Area beach is the designated swimming location. Alligators may be present in Blue Lake; follow FWC guidance regarding alligator safety near Alabama water bodies.
Is Blue Lake campground significantly different from Open Pond?
Yes. Blue Lake Campground is a primitive facility with 15 sites, vault toilets, and no hookups. It is quieter than the developed Open Pond Campground and attracts visitors seeking a more primitive camping experience. The lake itself is smaller (about 5 acres) and more naturally secluded.
How close is Blue Lake to Open Pond?
Blue Lake is about 0.5 miles from the Open Pond Recreation Area by road and can be reached by the connecting trail. The two ponds are close enough to visit on the same morning or evening walk.