Conecuh National Forest Forest Road 336 Escambia Creek Sand Hills Circuit
Sand hills turpentine heritage loop
Forest Road 336 winds through the Conecuh National Forest’s sand hills country, following old turpentine cart paths through longleaf pine stands that once covered 90 million acres across the Southeast. The route passes several carnivorous pitcher plant bogs fed by seepage springs, remnants of the unique wetland ecosystem that thrived in these sandy soils before agricultural conversion, with interpretive markers explaining the naval stores industry that shaped this landscape.
This easy route is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, with well-maintained gravel and sandy sections that provide good traction year-round. Spring wildflower season (March-May) offers the best botanical displays, while fall provides cooler temperatures for hiking the connecting footpaths. Dispersed camping is available at designated sites along Escambia Creek, with seasonal water availability. The loop delivers a peaceful introduction to Alabama’s coastal plain ecology and glimpses of an economic system that once drove the region’s development.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 250 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Andalusia, Alabama |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 2WD truck handle FR 336, or do I actually need 4WD?
A high-clearance 2WD is the stated minimum and it holds up here — the surface is mostly sand and gravel with no serious rock or mud unless it's been raining hard. A lifted 2WD truck or capable high-clearance SUV is fine; a lowered car or minivan is not.
When does the trail get sketchy with weather — is it rideable in winter?
Best season runs March through November. Winter isn't closed but wet sand can get surprisingly soft and rutted after rain, and south Alabama gets occasional cold snaps with standing water. Summer works but heat in the longleaf flats is brutal.
Do I need a permit or pay any fee to run this loop?
No permit required and no day-use fee for driving FR 336. Dispersed camping in Conecuh National Forest is free; just follow standard national forest rules — 14-day stay limit, pack out your trash.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
Nothing on this loop qualifies as technically hard — it's rated easy for a reason. The closest thing to a challenge is loose deep sand on a few stretches that can bog a 2WD if momentum drops, but it's manageable at a steady pace.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water available at the trailhead?
Andalusia is roughly 20 miles north and has full services including gas — fill up before you head in. There's no potable water at the trailhead or along the route, so bring everything you need.
Trail track
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