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Paul M. Grist State Park: A Tranquil Lakeside Retreat

Discover a peaceful lakeside escape at Paul M. Grist State Park in Alabama, offering fishing, camping, hiking, and natural beauty near Selma.

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Escape to Paul M. Grist State Park, a 1,080-acre haven surrounding a 100-acre lake near Selma, Alabama. Originally established in the 1930s, the park offers fishing, camping, hiking, and a peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers.

A brief summary to Paul M. Grist State Park

Local tips

  • Bring your binoculars for birdwatching, as the park is on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail.
  • Rent a jon boat to explore the lake and enjoy fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas with barbecue grills.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Paul M. Grist State Park is located approximately 15 minutes northeast of Valley Grande, Alabama. From Valley Grande, head north on County Road 37 (Grist Rd). Follow Grist Rd to the park entrance. Park admission for ages 6-12 is $2, and ages 13-61 is $3.

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Discover more about Paul M. Grist State Park

Paul M. Grist State Park, located in Valley Grande, Alabama, is a tranquil escape spanning 1,080 acres. The park's centerpiece is the 100-acre Paul Grist Lake, offering a relaxing atmosphere and various water activities. Originally named Valley Creek State Park in the early 1930s, it was later renamed to honor Paul Malone Grist, a local community leader and YMCA director. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park, building roads, trails, and the lake dam. After facing closure in 2015 due to budget cuts, Dallas County leased the park and reopened it, ensuring its continued enjoyment for visitors. Today, visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish in the stocked lake. Boat rentals are available, and a boat launch accommodates private boats with electric trolling motors only. Swimming is permitted in a designated area. The park also features picnic areas with barbecue grills, pavilions for events, and 15 to 20 miles of hiking trails through pine and hardwood forests. Birdwatchers will appreciate the park's location on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail. For overnight stays, the park offers 11 modern campsites with full hookups for RVs, as well as primitive tent camping sites. A bathhouse with ADA accessibility is available. Nearby attractions include the city of Selma, with its historic sites and Civil Rights history, and the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park.

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