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Paul M. Grist State Park: A Tranquil Alabama Retreat

Discover Alabama's natural beauty at Paul M. Grist State Park: a perfect spot for fishing, camping, hiking, and family fun in a tranquil setting.

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Paul M. Grist State Park, nestled in Dallas County, Alabama, offers a serene escape with its 100-acre lake, surrounded by 1,080 acres of wooded landscape. Originally established as Valley Creek State Park in the 1930s, it was later renamed to honor Paul Malone Grist, a YMCA director and community leader. The park provides a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and hiking.

A brief summary to Paul M. Grist State Park

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Bring your fishing gear to take advantage of the well-stocked lake; fishing tackle and bait are available at the park office.
  • Consider reserving a campsite in advance, especially if visiting during peak season, to secure a spot with lake views.
  • Pack comfortable shoes for hiking the extensive trail system and exploring the diverse flora and fauna.
  • Visit nearby Selma to explore historic sites such as the Old Depot Museum and the National Voting Rights Museum.
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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 AL-22 towards Selma. Turn right onto County Road 44, then turn right onto Grist Rd. Follow Grist Rd to the park entrance. Parking is available near the main facilities and trailheads. There are no tolls on this route. Park admission is $3 for adults (ages 13-61) and $2 for children (ages 6-12).

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Discover more about Paul M. Grist State Park

Paul M. Grist State Park, located near Valley Grande, Alabama, is a picturesque destination offering a peaceful retreat into nature. The park's centerpiece is the 100-acre Paul Grist Lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish in the well-stocked lake. Only electric trolling motors are allowed, preserving the tranquility of the waters. The park features 15 to 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding pine-oak forests, providing opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various songbirds. Paul M. Grist State Park is also a part of the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail. For those wishing to extend their stay, the park offers 11 modern campsites with full hookups for RVs, as well as primitive camping sites for a more traditional experience. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. A bathhouse with ADA accessibility is also available. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking with barbecue grills available throughout the picnic area. Pavilions can be reserved for family reunions, birthday parties, and other events. The park also has a designated swimming area and a playground. Originally established as Valley Creek State Park in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park was later renamed to honor Paul Malone Grist, a local community leader and YMCA director. After a brief closure in 2015 due to budget cuts, the park reopened under the management of the Dallas County Commission.

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