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Little River State Forest North Of Atmore Reopens
March 17, 2018
Little River State Forest and Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area north of Atmore reopened Saturday.
The park will be open to the public on weekends for day-use only, from Friday noon through Sunday at 5:00 pm.
According to officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), the park’s hours of operation will be expanded in the near future, and camping sites should be available soon. Closed for over a year now, State Forester Rick Oates said, “We are truly excited to reopen Little River. As owners of the park, our agency has a responsibility to see that this beautiful, natural state resource is available for the public’s benefit.”
Consisting of approximately 2,100 acres of longleaf pine forest and a 25-acre lake, Little River State Forest and Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area offers a beautiful setting for outdoor adventures including hiking, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding. Along the trails there are plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, and bird watchers find it an exceptional site to observe species of all types. Pavilions are available (in varying dimensions to accommodate different group sizes) to rent by the day for family reunions, weddings, church events such as Easter sunrise services, as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities. All of these activities are available for a moderate entry fee.
Oates continued, “Plans for the near future include providing electricity, water, and sewage hook-ups for people with campers and travel trailers.”
There is something at Little River State Forest and Claude D. Kelley Recreational Area for everyone, including history buffs. A literal example of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ‘Great and Lasting Good,’ much of the original construction remaining on the grounds hails from the ‘CCC Era.’ Previously owned by private individuals, the property was deeded to the Alabama Forestry Commission in the early 1930s during the Great Depression. As a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) development project, workers from Company 1432 built structures (now a cabin and office), pavilions, the Gazebo Trail, as well as the lake with its dam, levee, and spillway from local stone..
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
13 Responses to “Little River State Forest North Of Atmore Reopens”
Look awesome can’t waite to check it out me and my son are from Texas. We have not found a place to go swimming we really miss our swimming my sister told me about this place we are looking forward to it. Thank You Debbie Luker
I worked there back in the 1950 s Raised up 2 miles from park had a dance hall there good place teens to go for entertainment also good for swimming and fishing. Harold Holder.
I grew up in At more, we went often when young and I took my children when they were growing up. A very safe and relaxing place to be with family and enjoy the view and water. Please keep it open!
Had Easter Day picnics and egg hunts, swam there as a kid. Spent time with my kiddo and her friends there too.
We wife two kids and I stayed there for a couple weeks. I built the slides there. It is very quiet. Good fishing with boat rental. They also had paddle boats as well. Good place to pick as well.
You can fish from a boat without an engine and from the bank, I don’t remember a boat launch
I don’t understand how they closed this past time. My husband helped repair all the slides, and ladders on the pier, and it seemed every weekend was packed out. We stayed their for few months during the renovations. I’m glad they opened up again though! My kids loved it just as I did when I was little. Can’t wait to go again!
Does anyone know if there is a boat Launch? Would love to fish the lake.
I AM GLAD TO SEE THE PARK OPEN BACK UP. IT IS MUCH TOO PRETTY OF A PLACE TO KEEP CLOSED UP. I CAN REMEMBER GOING UP THERE ON A CLASS TRIP FROM ERNEST WARD HIGH SCHOOL BACK IN THE 50′ S AND WE HAVE STAYED IN THE CABINS, THAT USED TO BE THERE, AS A FAMILY.
SURE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CABINS REBUILT.
This is good news!! Our family has camped here, walked the trails, and enjoyed the lake.
When it closed we were disappointed; re-opening it is a wonderful addition to our state parks and forestry environment. Looking forward to again enjoying its beautiful scenery!
I have missed camping there.
Nice and quiet.
The Caney family was wise to structure their trust, in the fashion in which they did.
Close the park, the land reverts back to family ownership, If only the Bell family had structured their trust in such a manner, 4H would still have the Langley Bell Center.
Wonderful new! We “baby boomers” grew up going to Little River; I sure hope the public will support the facility.