Getting Oriented
William B. Bankhead National Forest covers 181,230 acres of the Cumberland Plateau in northwest Alabama, spread across Lawrence, Winston, and Franklin counties. The Bankhead Ranger District manages the forest from an office in Double Springs, the Winston County seat, at 1070 Highway 33. Flint Creek Multiple-Use Trail sits within the district and takes its name from the creek that runs alongside much of the route.
Trail Overview
The system covers 16 miles laid out as a figure eight, split into a beginner loop and an advanced loop that share the same trailhead. The two sections cover similar ground and neither is technical by regional standards; the difference is a set of rockier climbs on the advanced side. Surface conditions shift between rocky stretches and sand washes as the trail follows Flint Creek through the forest. Motorcycles and ATVs under 50 inches wide are allowed, along with mountain bikes, horses, and hikers on the same tread. A state-approved muffler or spark arrester is required on every OHV, and riders stick to the designated trail rather than cutting cross-country.
Points of Interest
- Flint Creek. The trail's namesake runs alongside sections of both loops, with rock formations and seasonal wildflowers along the banks.
- Sipsey Wilderness. A designated non-motorized wilderness area elsewhere in Bankhead National Forest, known for sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and the Sipsey Fork, Alabama's only National Wild and Scenic River. Worth a separate hiking trip since motorized use isn't allowed there.
- Lewis Smith Lake. A large reservoir south of the OHV trail, reached via the Corinth and Clear Creek recreation areas.
Where to Camp
Brushy Lake Recreation Area, near Double Springs, has 13 sites on a 33-acre lake with a fishing pier and boat ramp. It runs on the honor system at $5 a night, with water and flush toilets available March through November. Corinth Recreation Area, about 8 miles east of Double Springs on Highway 278, has 52 RV sites on Lewis Smith Lake and opens the second Friday of March through October 31. Dispersed camping is also allowed on national forest land outside developed sites.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- ATVs must be under 50 inches wide, and every OHV needs a state-approved muffler or spark arrester.
- A day-use fee applies at the trailhead; check with the Bankhead Ranger District for current rates.
- There's no water along the trail, so carry what you need for the ride.
- The forest here is remote. A breakdown or injury can mean a long wait for help, so ride with a partner and tell someone your route.
- Rain loosens the sand washes and slickens the rocky sections; adjust speed and tire pressure to match conditions.
- Questions go to the Bankhead Ranger District at 205-489-5111.
Fuel and Water
No water is available on the trail itself. Double Springs, the nearest town, has gas stations and basic services at the U.S. 278/Alabama 33 junction. Brushy Lake Recreation Area, near Double Springs, has potable water and flush toilets from March through November.
Nearby
The Sipsey Wilderness, part of the same national forest, holds sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and the Sipsey Fork, Alabama's only National Wild and Scenic River; it's a non-motorized area, so it's a separate hiking trip rather than an OHV add-on. Lewis Smith Lake, south of the trail, offers boating and fishing access through the Corinth and Clear Creek recreation areas. Brushy Lake Recreation Area and Corinth Recreation Area are the closest developed campgrounds.
