Conecuh National Forest Forest Road 313 Burnt Corn Creek Wilderness Border Circuit
Sand hills and longleaf wilderness boundary run.
Forest Road 313 traces a sandy perimeter around the Conecuh Wilderness, following old logging roads that predate the 1988 wilderness designation. The route weaves through classic Gulf Coastal Plain terrain—towering longleaf pines, wire grass prairies, and creek bottoms thick with palmetto and bay trees. Burnt Corn Creek crossing at mile 8.4 requires careful navigation during high water, and the sand gets deep enough in spots to trap inexperienced drivers, especially near the Turkey Oak Hill intersection.
Easy to moderate difficulty depending on recent rains and your sand driving experience. Any high-clearance vehicle works in dry conditions, but 4WD helps confidence in the deeper sections. Spring and fall offer the best weather and firmest sand, while summer brings bugs and afternoon thunderstorms. No permits required, and dispersed camping is allowed outside wilderness boundaries. This is Alabama’s longleaf pine country at its finest—the ecosystem that once covered 90 million acres across the South.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 280 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Andalusia, Alabama |
| Land manager | USDA 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 2WD truck handle FR 313, or do I need 4WD?
A high-clearance 2WD can manage this trail in dry conditions — the surface is soft sand, not rock. After rain, the sand gets loose and deep fast, so 4WD with aired-down tires becomes mandatory. Low-clearance cars and sedans have no business out here.
When is FR 313 passable and what kills access fastest?
October through April is the sweet spot — cooler temps, lower water levels, and firmer sand. Summer heat combined with afternoon thunderstorms turns the creek crossings unpredictable and the sand roads into tire-sucking messes. Check recent conditions with the Conecuh Ranger District before heading out in any rainy stretch.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp in Conecuh National Forest?
No permit is required for driving or dispersed camping on the national forest. Dispersed camping is free; just follow the 14-day stay limit and stay out of designated wilderness areas. No fees, no reservation system.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The creek bottom crossings near Burnt Corn Creek are where moderate becomes real — water depth varies with rainfall and there's no bridge. Outside of that, the main challenge is soft sand on the hills that will bog an aired-up tire quickly. It's not a rock-crawling trail; it punishes complacency more than lack of horsepower.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there any cell service on route?
Andalusia is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 20-25 miles from the forest. There is zero cell service on this trail — plan for it completely, not partially. Download offline maps and let someone know your itinerary before you roll in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.