Weogufka State Forest
Roughly equidistant from Birmingham and Montgomery, Weogufka State Forest offers hiking trails, camping, picnicking, and space for events, in addition to a glimpse into the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Traditionally home to the Creek, it was initially intended to be a State Park. However, CCC work here ended when the US entered WWII. Although the fire lookout continued to be manned, it too was abandoned in 1989. Recently revitalized, with several of the original CCC structures restored, it is now finally open to the public. It comprises 240 acres, and is administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission.
The 10 Essentials
ACTIVITIES:
- bird-watching
- camping
- hiking
- mountain biking
- picnicking
- trail running
HIGHLIGHTS:
Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Complex
Historic Stone Fire Lookout
Southern terminus of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail
HABITAT:
Upland hardwood forest.
At 1152’ Flagg Mountain is the southernmost peak over 1000’ in the Blue Ridge Outlier chain of the Appalachians.
AVAILABILITY:
Open year-round; ideal seasons are fall and spring.
Cabins are available by reservation only, and stay limit is 2 nights. Primitive camping is also allowed. As of this writing, the cabins are currently closed with no ETA for re-opening.
The best resource for status updates is the Friends of Flagg group on Facebook.
AMENITIES:
Picnic tables, cabins, tent platforms, outhouses.
There is no water on-site, nor is there trash service: pack it in, pack it out!
If you decide to primitive camp, please follow LNT principles, and camp only in already-established spots.
PERMITS / FEES:
No permits required.
A $25 per night donation for the cabins is accepted; these funds are used to further restore and maintain them.
SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS:
The fire tower is #250 on the National Historic Lookout Register.
Flagg Mountain is a stop on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly
ADA: there is dirt road access to the CCC complex, and one of the cabins is wheelchair-accessible.
NEAREST SERVICES:
Sylacauga is a full-service (and charming!) town less than 20 miles to the northeast.
HEADS-UP!
The fire tower is not open to the public as it is still undergoing renovation.
Alcohol and firearms are prohibited on the Forest.
Flora & Fauna
You may see:
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Red-cockaded woodpecker (ENDANGERED)
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Longleaf pine
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Net leaf leather flower (Clematis reticulata)
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Bobcat
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Long bract wild indigo (Baptisia bracteata)
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Wild turkey
Wind: 0mph SSW
Humidity: 100%
Pressure: 29.99"Hg
UV index: 0
63°F
63°F
63°F
63°F
82°F / 55°F
81°F / 54°F
79°F / 50°F
81°F / 52°F
Links & resources
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Friends of Flagg (Facebook Group)
-
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