Flagg Mountain is the southernmost Appalachian peak over 1,000 feet, located near Weogufka, Alabama, in Coosa County, and contains a CCC-built lookout tower and shelters. Weogufka State Forest consists of 240 acres of upland hardwood on Flagg Mountain. It is owned by the State of Alabama and Managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission (see map).
The property is open to the public. It contains many hiking trails maintained by the Alabama Forestry Commission. The Pinhoti Trail’s southern terminus ends on Flagg Mountain. (The Pinhoti Trail extends northward to Springer Mountain in Georgia, where the Appalachian Trail begins.)
Currently, there is a full-time caretaker on the property. Weogufka State Forest is open to the public. Overnight camping and social events are available, but reservations must be through the caretaker in advance. Please text (334) 561-5467.
Currently there are limited bathroom facilities. Efforts are underway to improve the facilities. This includes building a bathhouse, and improving the shelters.
History
The property was acquired mainly from Kaul Lumber Company in the 1930s to build a new state park. After the depression, the federal government created the CCC Program to provide jobs to help rebuild America. Built by the CCC in 1935, the 50’ stone tower is a unique structure. The walls are 2 to 3’ thick. Large timbers were laid in the rock in a crisscross pattern and have been replaced with inlaid stone. Additionally, ten shelters were built on the mountain by the CCC crew. (with only five still existing today) Listed on the National Historic Tower Site as tower #250, Flagg Mountain Lookout Tower is located on the Weogufka State Forest in Coosa County, Alabama.
The 12’x 12’ cab lookout was staffed by the Alabama Forestry Commission until 1989. Since then the buildings started deteriorating. They would be gone without a local interest group that repaired and saved them from totally being destroyed. That lease ended in 2017, and the Alabama Forestry Commission extended the agreement with the Alabama Hiking Trail Society to also improve the shelters and enlist a full-time caretaker. Many partners are working together to improve the facilities. Stay tuned…
Recently, The Conservation Fund and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources purchased land and extended the Pinhoti Trail to Flagg Mountain. Five miles of new trail were opened, and now the Flagg Mountain tower is an important stopping point on the Pinhoti Trail with overnight, primitive camping facilities.
The Weogufka State Forest is also a stop on the state’s birding trail.
Recreation
Sightseeing, hiking, camping, and bird watching are the main attractions at the state forest. Weogufka State Forest is open to the public for sightseeing, bird watching, primitive camping, and social events. Remember; be considerate to other recreational users and their needs.
General Rules
Safety should be your highest priority.
Alcoholic beverages, firearms and disorderly conduct are prohibited at Weogufka State Forest.
Motocross and ATV riding is prohibited at Weogufka State Forest.
Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
All overnight camping in the primitive campgrounds and shelters must make reservations prior to visit. For reservations text the caretaker at the phone number listed below. You will also be required to complete a waiver form.
Hunting is not allowed on the Weogufka State Forest property.
Horses are not allowed on any of the hiking trails on the Weogufka State Forest property.
Items brought in must be carried out, including trash. There are no trash receptacles or trash pickup service available at the Weogufka State Forest.
Cutting down live trees for campfires or any other purposes is prohibited.
Camp fires and warming fires must be totally extinguished before leaving your camping/cooking area unattended.
The Alabama Forestry Commission is not responsible for accidents, personal injury or damage/theft of personal property.
For additional information or to make reservations text (334) 561-5467.
Additional Resources