Covington County: Nature, Water and Culture

Frank Jackson State Park near Opp covers 2,050 acres around 1,000-acre Lake Jackson. Water also shapes many of the activities available: outdoor pursuits include hiking, fishing, boating and swimming, as well as spots for picnicking and camping. Cultural sites and events offer other perspectives on the destination.

Lakes, Fishing and Camping

At the Open Pond recreation area, facilities include developed camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating. Blue Lake combines swimming and fishing with picnic areas, restrooms and a boat ramp. The ramp is intended for boats with electric motors or paddle power; check facility information before your trip.

Lake Jackson in Florala has two public swimming areas and a public boat ramp. Lake Frank Jackson is also of interest to anglers: it is regularly stocked and managed for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Frank Jackson State Park also offers 32 RV sites with electrical hookups; tent camping is also permitted at these sites. If you plan to camp there, confirm your reservation before you travel.

Gantt Reservoir also offers a variety of ways to enjoy the water. It covers approximately 2,700 acres and has 21 miles of shoreline. It is used mainly for boating, swimming and waterskiing; a public boat ramp is located on Highway 29 in the Clearview Community. A total of seven recreation facilities are open to the public at Gantt and Point A Lakes. Point A Lake Fishing Pier has covered picnic tables and a boat ramp; the fishing pier is accessible. Point A Park Day Use Facility includes, among other things, a boat ramp, boat dock, fishing pier, parking, restrooms, a covered picnic area and a sandy beach.

Trails and Nature Viewing

The Conecuh Trail is 20 miles long and easy to moderate; about 10 miles are open to mountain bikes. The trail passes through bogs with carnivorous plants. Buck Pond and Ditch Pond are natural sinkhole ponds managed for public fishing, with easy access to the trail. Check trail conditions before setting out. From Andalusia, the route to Conecuh National Forest follows US 29 south and then AL 137.

Along the shore of Lake Jackson, Florala City Wetland Park has elevated boardwalks through cypress forest and palmetto scrub. From there, visitors can view waterfowl, gulls, songbirds, ospreys, bald eagles and anhingas. Bird presence is seasonal and may vary. For a different kind of nature experience on the water, the Sepulga River Canoe Trail offers kayak and canoe trips through deep water, past limestone walls and Class 1 rapids. This activity is described for the warmer months and depends on river conditions.

For motorized excursions, Boggs & Boulders offers trails on a different scale: the Off Road Adventure Park and Campground spans 2,000 acres and has 250 miles of trails, including more than 160 miles of ATV trails. Boggs & Boulders is also home to the natural, spring-fed Cool Pool, which stays at a constant 65 °F. Swimming there is seasonal; check operating conditions before your trip.

Architecture, Museums and Art

In Andalusia, Springdale Estate is a large house dating to the early 1930s, set on about four acres in the center of town. It can be booked through the current property management; confirm arrangements in advance. Also in Andalusia, the Three Notch Museum is housed in a historic train station dating to around 1899. Its exhibits include a Norfolk Southern caboose, a CSX railcar and an L&N caboose.

The Church Street Cultural Arts Centre was built as a school between 1921 and 1923 and renovated in 2010 and 2011. Today, it houses the Andalusia Ballet Association and serves as a dance training facility. It also provides space for music lessons and community theater rehearsals. The Association presents several performances each year and represents the community at workshops, festivals and competitions across the country.

The Avant House, dating to around 1914–1920, is considered a preserved example of Classical Revival architecture in Covington County. In Covington County Veterans’ Memorial Park, a 42-foot stainless steel obelisk stands on a black granite base. In Florala, the historic downtown and several homes on Fourth and Fifth Streets are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Andalusia is also home to a mural on the Clark-Cinema building at the central square; Wes Hardin is named as the artist.

Events Throughout the Year

The Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo has been a major event in Opp for more than 60 years. The program includes, among other things, snake shows and snake races, a car race, children’s activities and live music. Every July, Andalusia hosts the World Championship Domino Tournament at the Kiwanis Center; it draws more than 300 participants from across the country.

A recurring winter event in Andalusia includes snow tubing, an ice-skating rink, train rides, themed huts and snow shows. Dates and activities vary from year to year. The 2024 edition of the 24th of June Celebration included an arts and crafts festival at Lake Jackson. Check current dates and program details before planning to attend this celebration. An annual fundraiser at Lake Jackson combines a pancake breakfast and auction with a chili competition and water activities; the program may also vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Andalusia, Opp, Shelby County, Dale County, Greene County, Autauga County, Cullman County, Coffee County

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