## Overview

Houston Shelter is a group picnic site nestled on the shore of Lake Lewis
Smith in Bankhead National Forest. This is a popular recreation area offering
a variety of activities. Shelter is first come first served. Site is walk-up
only.

## Recreation

Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach. Other activities include
motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing.  
  
Anglers can fish for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are
also hiking trails in the area, including the 1.4 mile High Rock Loop and the
nearly 2 mile Fox Run Loop.

## Facilities

Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach. Other activities include
motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing.  
  
Anglers can fish for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are
also hiking trails in the area, including the 1.4 mile High Rock Loop and the
nearly 2 mile Fox Run Loop.

## Natural Features

Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama. The prominent
feature of the area is the Sipsey Wilderness.  
  
Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey Wilderness
encompasses an area of abundant streams, old-growth forests, limestone bluffs
and lush canyons.  
  
Lake Lewis Smith boasts more than 500 miles of shoreline marked by high rock
bluffs. The water is clear and deep and provides excellent fishing.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Houston Shelter is a group picnic site nestled on the shore of Lake Lewis Smith in Bankhead National Forest. This is a popular recreation area offering a variety of activities.

Shelter is first come first served.

Site is walk-up only.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach. Other activities include motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing.
<br/><br/> 
Anglers can fish for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are also hiking trails in the area, including the 1.4 mile High Rock Loop and the nearly 2 mile Fox Run Loop. 
<h2>Facilities</h2>
Day users can enjoy a beautiful sand swimming beach. Other activities include motorized and non-motorized boating and water skiing.
<br/><br/> 
Anglers can fish for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. There are also hiking trails in the area, including the 1.4 mile High Rock Loop and the nearly 2 mile Fox Run Loop. 
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama. The prominent feature of the area is the Sipsey Wilderness. 
<br/><br/>
Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey Wilderness encompasses an area of abundant streams, old-growth forests, limestone bluffs and lush canyons.
<br/><br/>  
Lake Lewis Smith boasts more than 500 miles of shoreline marked by high rock bluffs. The water is clear and deep and provides excellent fishing.

The Houston Recreation Area Shelter is non-reservable but available on a
first-come, first-served basis. The use fee is $20.00 per day, plus $4.00 per
vehicle deposited in the fee tube at the Houston Recreation Area entrance.

Houston Recreation Area Group Shelter

Houston Shelter

## Overview

THIS FACILITY IS NOT RESERVABLE.

## Recreation

## Facilities

## Natural Features

## Nearby Attractions

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>THIS FACILITY IS NOT RESERVABLE. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>

<h2>Facilities</h2>

<h2>Natural Features</h2>


<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>

Boat Ramp or Day use fee is $4.00 per vehicle.

Bird's eye view of the campground

Houston Recreation Area

## Overview

**The Corinth Recreation Area** is a state-of-the art campground located on
the on the shores of the upper part of**Lewis Smith Lake** in Winston County.
Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for
individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching.

**Check-out** time for Corinth is no later than **12:00** pm the day of
departure. **Check-in** time is no earlier than **2:00pm**. This 2 hour window
allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site.

Two camping loops contain 52 campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer
hookups. There are four bathhouses, with warm showers, serving the camping
areas. A boat ramp is provided for campers. An entrance station with an
electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Corinth also
offers eight rustic tent camping sites with nearby community hydrants and a
bathhouse. No garbage bins are in the campground; users are required to pack
out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station. ADA accessible
sites are available.

The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach,
served by a bathhouse with an outdoor beach shower. Twenty-nine family picnic
sites are available nearby, and paved access paths connect all. Near the beach
is a 100-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet that serves both it
and a portion of the picnic sites. A 1.25-mile hiking path is located along
the shoreline of the lake. A year-round boat launch is available, with an SST
vault toilet; and it has boat/trailer parking. A separate boat launch is
available to the campground.

Welcome to the Corinth Recreation Area...

**Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App.**

Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay
for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash
handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on
Google Play.

Functionality of the iPhone app available here...

Functionality of the Android app available here...

## Recreation

  * Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. 
  * The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. 
  * Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail. 
  * Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.

## Facilities

  * Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. 
  * The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. 
  * Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail. 
  * Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.

## Natural Features

The 180,000+ acre **Bankhead National Forest** is in northwestern Alabama, and
its prominent feature is the **Sipsey Wilderness** . Known as "The Land of a
Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic
areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain.
The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable
diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant
associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls,
sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers,
birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a
21-foot circumference at its base.

**Lewis-Smith Lake** (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman,
Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power
Company, impounds the **Sipsey** Fork of the **Black Warrior River** to form
the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of
shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days,
and a maximum depth of 264 feet.

**What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video**

## Nearby Attractions

Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are:

  * **The Little Natural Bridge** is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park 
  * The 19th-century **Pine Torch Church** is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church
  * The **Houston Civil War Jail** \- Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society
  * Discover the**Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds** in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>The Corinth Recreation Area </strong>is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of<strong> Lewis Smith Lake</strong> in Winston County.  Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching.  </p>
<p><strong>Check-out</strong> time for Corinth is no later than <strong>12:00</strong>pm the day of departure. <strong>Check-in</strong> time is no earlier than <strong>2:00pm</strong>. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site.</p>
<p>Two camping loops contain 52 campsites, with electrical, water, and sewer hookups.  There are four bathhouses, with warm showers, serving the camping areas.  A boat ramp is provided for campers.  An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground.  Corinth also offers eight rustic tent camping sites with nearby community hydrants and a bathhouse. No garbage bins are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station.  ADA accessible sites are available. </p>
<p>The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with an outdoor beach shower. Twenty-nine family picnic sites are available nearby, and paved access paths connect all. Near the beach is a 100-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet that serves both it and a portion of the picnic sites. A 1.25-mile hiking path is located along the shoreline of the lake. A year-round boat launch is available, with an SST vault toilet; and it has boat/trailer parking. A separate boat launch is available to the campground.  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/nrcw3icsuj3b26f/Welcome%20to%20The%20Corinth%20Recreation%20Area%20with%20QR%20Codes%20%26%20Map.pdf?dl=0" rel="nofollow">Welcome to the Corinth Recreation Area...</a>  </p>
<p><strong>Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App.</strong></p>
<p>Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play.</p>
<p><a href="https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=e314be5edb5cbf00bbe83a8c7c9619a3&table=&utm_campaign=2020+-5+-+21+Field+Connection+-+May+%232+%28FINAL%29&utm_content=Second+Edition+May+Field+Connection&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter" rel="nofollow">Functionality of the iPhone app available here... </a> </p>
<p><a href="https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=05d2f3bbdb93730011ac348c7c9619c9&table=&utm_campaign=2020+-5+-+21+Field+Connection+-+May+%232+%28FINAL%29&utm_content=Second+Edition+May+Field+Connection&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter" rel="nofollow">Functionality of the Android app available here... </a> </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<ul>
<li>Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach.  </li>
<li>The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass.  </li>
<li>Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail.  </li>
<li>Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach.  </li>
<li>The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass.  </li>
<li>Hikers can access the 1.3-mile Bobwhite Trail.  </li>
<li>Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The 180,000+ acre <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002553" rel="nofollow"><strong>Bankhead National Forest</strong></a>  is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the <a href="https://webcam.srs.fs.fed.us/psd/sipsey/" rel="nofollow"><strong>Sipsey Wilderness</strong></a> .  Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. </p>
<p><strong>Lewis-Smith Lake</strong> (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the <strong>Sipsey </strong>Fork of the <strong>Black Warrior River</strong> to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd584698.mp4" rel="nofollow"><strong>What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video </strong></a> </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Little Natural Bridge</strong> is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Natural+Bridge+Park/@34.0926803,-87.6315145,14922m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8887de66f838639f:0xdd606d5ac9735bd!8m2!3d34.0936111!4d-87.6152778" rel="nofollow">Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park </a> </li>
<li>The 19th-century <strong>Pine Torch Church</strong> is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pine+Torch+Church/@34.3223133,-87.2981973,3720m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x888819f502b38463:0x4376d4a459b571a1!8m2!3d34.321575!4d-87.2990988" rel="nofollow">Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church</a> </li>
<li>The <strong>Houston Civil War Jail</strong> - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. <a href="http://www.soloso.com/houston/index.html" rel="nofollow">Houston Historical Society</a> </li>
<li>Discover the<strong> Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds </strong>in the Bankhead National Forest. <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/umt2xty3fzzu2mk/Birding" rel="nofollow">Birding on the Bankhead </a> </li>
</ul>

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Beach
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Beach2

Yellow Hammer Loop - Site 2
March 7, 2020

CRA Yellow Hammer 2-1

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Beach1

Corinth Recreation Area

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Picnic Pavilion
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Picnic Pavilion1

CRA Yellow Hammer 2-2

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Bath House
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Bath House1

Corinth Recreation Area Public Boat Ramp Parking Area
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Public Boat Ramp Parking Area

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Bath House2

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Picnic Pavilion2

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Picnic Pavilion3

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Picnic Site
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Picnic Site

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Bulletin Board
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Day Use Bulletin Board

Corinth Recreation Area Public Boat Ramp & Dock
July 10th, 2019

Corinth Recreation Area Public Boat Ramp & Dock

## Overview

**The Clear Creek Recreation Area** has become one of Alabama's most popular
recreation areas and has many repeat visitors. The Bankhead National Forest’s
largest recreation area, Clear Creek is in Winston County about 13 miles north
of Jasper, ALlabama and was constructed on the shore of **Lewis Smith Lake**
giving direct recreational access to the lake via the day use boat launch, to
boating, water skiing, personal watercraft use, as well as fishing for
largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. With many modern conveniences, it
offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, boat
launching, hiking, and biking.

**Check-out** time for Clear Creek is no later than **12:00pm** the day of
departure. **Check-in** time is no earlier than **2:00pm**. This 2 hour window
allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site.

The campground itself has four paved loops with paved parking spurs, and
offers 102 RV campsites, including 32 double sites; 11 of these are pull-
through sites. Each campsite has water and electrical hookups, a fire ring,
picnic table, and lantern posts. All campsites have 50-amp and 30-amp
electrical service. There is a trailer dump station located within the
recreation area. Each of the four loops has a bathhouse with flush toilets and
showers. All sites are level and spacious; Single campsites accommodate up to
six people and two vehicles; double sites up to twelve people and four
vehicles. No garbage dumpsters are in the campground; users are required to
pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station. An
entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the
campground. Two group camping areas, available by reservation only,
accommodate up to 25 tent campers each and share a bathhouse with flushing
toilets and showers.

The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach,
served by a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. Next to the beach is
a 50-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet. On the other side of
the beach lies a picnic area with 53 family units, all connected by newly
paved paths. On the point, adjacent to the lake, are two more 50-person picnic
pavilions, served by a nearby flush toilet. A 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail
connects the campground to the day use area. Also, there is the 2.5-mile
recently paved Raven Cliffs hiking trail in the day use area. Use of the
picnic pavilions is by reservation only; users also pay the day use fee as
they park in the facility. A year-round boat launch is available with an SST
vault toilet and boat/trailer parking.

Welcome to the Clear Creek Recreation Area...

**Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App.**

Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay
for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash
handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on
Google Play.

Functionality of the iPhone app available here...

Functionality of the Android app available here...

## Recreation

  * The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. 
  * Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. 
  * There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.

## Facilities

  * The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. 
  * Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. 
  * There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.

## Natural Features

The 180,000+ acre **Bankhead National Forest** is in northwestern Alabama, and
its prominent feature is the **Sipsey Wilderness** . Known as "The Land of a
Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic
areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain.
The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable
diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant
associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls,
sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers,
birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a
21-foot circumference at its base.

**Lewis-Smith** **Lake** (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of
Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by
Alabama Power Company, impounds the**Sipsey Fork** of the **Black Warrior
River** to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500
miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of
435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet.

**What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video**

## Nearby Attractions

Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are:

  * **The Little Natural Bridge** is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park
  * The 19th-century **Pine Torch Church** is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier. A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church
  * The **Houston Civil War Jail** \- Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. Houston Historical Society
  * Discover the**Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds** in the Bankhead National Forest. Birding on the Bankhead

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>The Clear Creek Recreation Area</strong> has become one of Alabama's most popular recreation areas and has many repeat visitors.  The Bankhead National Forest’s largest recreation area, Clear Creek is in Winston County about 13 miles north of Jasper, ALlabama and was constructed on the shore of <strong>Lewis Smith Lake </strong>giving direct recreational access to the lake via the day use boat launch, to boating, water skiing, personal watercraft use, as well as fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. With many modern conveniences, it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, boat launching, hiking, and biking.   </p>
<p><strong>Check-out</strong> time for Clear Creek is no later than <strong>12:00pm</strong> the day of departure. <strong>Check-in</strong> time is no earlier than <strong>2:00pm</strong>. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site.</p>
<p>The campground itself has four paved loops with paved parking spurs, and offers 102 RV campsites, including 32 double sites; 11 of these are pull-through sites. Each campsite has water and electrical hookups, a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern posts. All campsites have 50-amp and 30-amp electrical service. There is a trailer dump station located within the recreation area. Each of the four loops has a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. All sites are level and spacious; Single campsites accommodate up to six people and two vehicles; double sites up to twelve people and four vehicles. No garbage dumpsters are in the campground; users are required to pack out trash and deposit it in the dumpsters by the dump station. An entrance station with an electronic gate is available to control access to the campground. Two group camping areas, available by reservation only, accommodate up to 25 tent campers each and share a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. </p>
<p>The day use portion of the recreation area focuses on the swimming beach, served by a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers. Next to the beach is a 50-person group picnic pavilion, with a flush toilet. On the other side of the beach lies a picnic area with 53 family units, all connected by newly paved paths. On the point, adjacent to the lake, are two more 50-person picnic pavilions, served by a nearby flush toilet. A 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail connects the campground to the day use area. Also, there is the 2.5-mile recently paved Raven Cliffs hiking trail in the day use area. Use of the picnic pavilions is by reservation only; users also pay the day use fee as they park in the facility. A year-round boat launch is available with an SST vault toilet and boat/trailer parking.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lhena7yrv163oww/Welcome%20to%20The%20Clear%20Creek%20Recreation%20Area%20with%20QR%20Codes%20%26%20Map.pdf?dl=0" rel="nofollow">Welcome to the Clear Creek Recreation Area...</a>  </p>
<p><strong>Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App.</strong></p>
<p>Visitors on-the-go can use the Recreation.gov mobile app to reserve and pay for upcoming stays, reducing the need for on-site transactions and cash handling. Download the Recreation.gov app through the Apple App Store or on Google Play.</p>
<p><a href="https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=e314be5edb5cbf00bbe83a8c7c9619a3&table=&utm_campaign=2020+-5+-+21+Field+Connection+-+May+%232+%28FINAL%29&utm_content=Second+Edition+May+Field+Connection&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter" rel="nofollow">Functionality of the iPhone app available here...</a> </p>
<p><a href="https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=05d2f3bbdb93730011ac348c7c9619c9&table=&utm_campaign=2020+-5+-+21+Field+Connection+-+May+%232+%28FINAL%29&utm_content=Second+Edition+May+Field+Connection&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter" rel="nofollow">Functionality of the Android app available here...</a> </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<ul>
<li>The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. </li>
<li>Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. </li>
<li>There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>The campground has a basketball and volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. Interpretive programs are hosted during the summer. </li>
<li>Day-use visitors and campers have access to a boat ramp and swim beach. The lake provides excellent fishing for Kentucky Spotted Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. </li>
<li>There are two trails in the area; the 2.5-mile Raven Interpretive Trail and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The 180,000+ acre <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002553" rel="nofollow"><strong>Bankhead National Forest</strong></a>  is in northwestern Alabama, and its prominent feature is the <a href="https://webcam.srs.fs.fed.us/psd/sipsey/" rel="nofollow"><strong>Sipsey Wilderness</strong></a> .  Known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," the Sipsey is at the juncture of three separate geologic areas: the Appalachian Plateau, the Cumberland Plateau and the Coastal Plain. The vegetation from these three unique environments blend into a remarkable diversity of species, with overlapping ranges creating many unusual plant associations. The Sipsey is a 12,726 acre area of swift streams, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, undisturbed gorges, majestic hardwood forests, wildflowers, birds, animals and is home to Alabama's largest tree, a tulip poplar with a 21-foot circumference at its base. </p>
<p><strong>Lewis-Smith</strong> <strong>Lake</strong> (or Smith Lake) is located in the counties of Cullman, Walker and Winston. The 300-foot high dam, completed in 1961 by Alabama Power Company, impounds the<strong> Sipsey Fork</strong> of the <strong>Black Warrior River</strong> to form the lake. Smith Lake has a surface area of 21,200 acres, 500 miles of shoreline, a watershed area of 944 square miles, a retention time of 435 days, and a maximum depth of 264 feet.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd584698.mp4" rel="nofollow"><strong>What's Happening in Your Alabama National Forest Video</strong></a> </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Four nearby attractions within Bankhead National Forest are: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Little Natural Bridge</strong> is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Natural+Bridge+Park/@34.0926803,-87.6315145,10831m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8887de66f838639f:0xdd606d5ac9735bd!8m2!3d34.0936111!4d-87.6152778" rel="nofollow">Satellite Map of Natural Bridge Park</a> </li>
<li>The 19th-century <strong>Pine Torch Church</strong> is one of the oldest churches in Alabama and one of only four surviving log churches. The church is located in the Bankhead Forest in Lawrence County at the intersection of Country Roads 70 and 73 Several online sources say it was built in the 1890s but a sign at the site claims in was built in the 1840s. According to legend, Pine Torch got its name from the pine knots that were set ablaze to light the building after dark. It is made of hand-hewn logs. The original floor, made of hand-hewn poplar planks, was stolen piece-by-piece and was replaced in 1940, according to a historic marker at the site. The original roof was made of hand-split wooden shingles. It was later replaced with tin. Behind the church is a cemetery whose grounds are covered with sand to make maintenance easier.  A newer and larger wooden church was built at the back of the property. It is still in use. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pine+Torch+Church/@34.3223133,-87.2981973,3819m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x888819f502b38463:0x4376d4a459b571a1!8m2!3d34.321575!4d-87.2990988" rel="nofollow">Satellite Map of the Pine Torch Church</a> </li>
<li>The <strong>Houston Civil War Jail</strong> - Houston, Alabama served as the first county seat for Winston County. The area known today as Winston County was originally established in 1850 as Hancock County, named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1858 the county was renamed Winston after the first native-born governor of Alabama, John Anthony Winston. Old Houston, located a few miles away from present day Houston, was the first county seat. Citizens voted to move the county seat to present day Houston in the late 1850's and a log jail was constructed at that time. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court. In 1884 the county seat was moved from Houston to present day Double Springs. <a href="http://www.soloso.com/houston/index.html" rel="nofollow">Houston Historical Society</a> </li>
<li>Discover the<strong> Incredible Variety of Habitats and Birds</strong> in the Bankhead National Forest. <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/umt2xty3fzzu2mk/Birding%20on%20the%20Bankhead%20National%20Forest%20-%20fsbdev3_002482.pdf?dl=0" rel="nofollow">Birding on the Bankhead</a> </li>
</ul>

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter Rest Rooms
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter3

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Dock
March 1st, 2020

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Dock

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Dock Sign
March 1st, 2020

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Dock Sign

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp - A man with his 2 best friends, his dog and his fishing boat
March 1st, 2020

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp - A man with his 2 best friends, his dog and his fishing boat

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Restroom
March 1st, 2020

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Restroom

Clear Creek Recreation Area Entrance

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter1

Lewis Smith Lake and the fish await
March 1st, 2020

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp Dock View of Lewis Smith Lake in March.

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter Beach
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter8

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Bulletin Board
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Bulletin Board

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter2

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Parking
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Parking

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Bath House
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Bath House

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter Parking Area
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Oak Leaf Shelter Parking Area

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach 
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach

Arriving at the Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp
March 1st, 2020

Arriving at the Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp

Welcome to The Clear Creek Recreation Area

Welcome to Clear Creek

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Stairs
July 10th, 2019

Clear Creek Day Use Area Beach Stairs

Clear Creek Public Boat Ramp - A man with his 2 best friends, his dog and his fishing boat, gone fishing
March 1st, 2020

Houston Shelter

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Clear Creek (Al)