Accessible Hiking Guide to the Open Pond Trail

Having lived in Florida for 16 years, I had explored many Alabama trails but often found central and northern routes too rocky for pushing Kellisa’s mobility chair, while Gulf Coast trails were frequently too sandy. Hoping to find a more suitable option between those regions, we chose the two-mile Open Pond loop as a promising trail.

Open Pond Recreational Area
Conecuh National Forest
Alabama

June 2019

We left early from Atmore, Alabama, to avoid the heat on the first day of June. The drive through pine forests, lakes, winding roads, and hills was enjoyable, especially for Kellisa, who liked the movement of the SUV. Upon arriving at Open Pond Recreation Area, we noticed evidence of recent prescribed burns and worried the trail might be closed. With no backup plan and poor cell service nearby, we didn’t have time for closure. At the trailhead, the burned landscape looked discouraging, but there were no signs saying the trail was closed. After checking the trail condition, I determined it was safe to continue.

We began the loop counterclockwise, choosing to tackle the uphill section early before the day grew hotter. The trail initially passed through blackened forest before entering greener, livelier sections filled with trees, bushes, and varied colors of green. Open Pond soon came into view, and the trail continued around it, crossing roads and moving through grassy areas near the campground. Though the path became difficult to follow in the grass, painted marks on pine trees helped guide the way. Signs warned of resident alligators, and although I carefully watched the water and reeds, none were visible.

I pushed Kellisa onto a small fishing pier, where we enjoyed views of the pond and watched birds fishing. Later, the trail narrowed near the water, prompting extra caution because the area seemed like suitable alligator habitat. 

As the loop continued, we crossed a scenic wooden bridge over a dry creek bed and navigated an unclear section where the trail emerged into a different parking lot before reentering the woods. Eventually, another burned area led us back to the trailhead, and I felt relieved we had completed the trail.

After leaving, we made an unplanned detour to Lakewood Park and Britton Hill, Florida’s highest point. Revisiting the summit with Kellisa after 15 years brought nostalgia and gratitude, making the stop especially meaningful.

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