Conecuh National Forest Forest Road 111 to Brooklyn Fire Tower
Sand hills route to historic fire tower views
Forest Road 111 cuts deep into Conecuh’s longleaf pine ecosystem, threading through sand hills that feel more like the Carolinas than lower Alabama. The route kicks off near the Brooklyn community and winds through pitcher plant bogs and wiregrass prairies before climbing to the Brooklyn Fire Tower—a 100-foot steel sentinel that’s been watching over these woods since the 1930s. You’ll cross Pond Creek twice, both easy fords unless recent rains have things running high.
This is moderate terrain that any stock truck with decent ground clearance can handle, though the deep sand sections will test your momentum and tire pressure knowledge. Best run April through October when the bogs aren’t swamped. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. The payoff is standing atop that fire tower at sunset, watching red-cockaded woodpeckers work the old-growth pines while the Gulf Coast plain stretches endlessly south.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 320 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Andalusia, Alabama |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or high-clearance 2WD handle FR 111?
Yes — the minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD. The surface is deep sand in spots, so airing down to 20-25 PSI is smart. 4WD helps if you get stuck but isn't mandatory if you keep momentum on the sandy sections.
When is FR 111 open, and does it get muddy or flooded in winter?
Best season is April through October. Winter and early spring bring rain that can turn the sand into soft, rutted messes and raises water crossing levels — the trail stays technically 'open' but conditions can get nasty fast after heavy rain.
Do you need a permit or is there a fee to drive FR 111 in Conecuh National Forest?
No permit and no day-use fee required to drive or camp along FR 111. It's National Forest land managed by the USFS — dispersed camping is free, just follow Leave No Trace and the 14-day stay limit.
What's the hardest part of this trail, and what makes it technical?
The deepest sand sections are the main challenge — loose, fine sand on the pine barren stretches can bog down vehicles that aren't aired down or carrying too much weight. The water crossings are typically shallow but can catch you off guard if you haven't scouted them first.
Is there any water or cell service along the route?
Cell service is nonexistent the entire 18 miles — download offline maps before you leave Andalusia, about 20 miles north. There are water crossings on trail but no potable water sources, so carry everything you need in; nearest fuel and resupply is back in Andalusia.
Trail track
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