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Alabama
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Alabama State Parks

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Alabama
Mid-east Region
Paul M Grist State Park
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PAUL M GRIST STATE PARK
PAUL M GRIST STATE PARK
1546 Grist Rd
Valley Grande, Alabama   36701
(lat:32.6015 lon:-86.9902) map location

Phone: (334) 872-5846
Toll Free: 800-252-7275
Reservations: 334-872-5846
Email: park email button icon
Tranquility prevails in the beautiful 1,080-acre park as visitors enjoy the relaxing atmosphere around the park's 100-acre lake. Recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping.

History of the Area
Located in Selma, Alabama, the park was established in 1974. It spans over 1,080 acres and includes a large lake. Named after Paul M Grist who served as State Director of Conservation from 1939 to1942. The area offers various recreational activities including camping, fishing and hiking trails.

Camping
Located on the 100-acre lake, the campground provides 11 RV sites with sewer, water, and 50 amp. service. A bathhouse is located nearby that is ADA accessible. The bathhouse is cleaned daily.

Primitive camping sites are also available.
Swimming
A designated swimming area with grassy banks is available and is included in the park admission price. There are no lifeguards and swimming is at Your Own Risk.
Boating
Rental boats are available for your enjoyment.

Must be 16 years or older to rent a boat.

Each person in boat must have a Coast Guard Approved ?Life Jacket?.

Children under the age of 8 must wear ?life jacket? at all times.

Boats not allowed in swimming area.

No swimming from boats.
Fishing
Paul M. Grist State Park centerpiece is a 100 acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and catfish. No gasoline motors are allowed, but electric trolling motors are welcome. Jon-boats are available for rent and a launching ramp is provided for privately owned boats.

Public restrooms and picnic tables are located within the lake area. Fishing tackle, supplies and artificial bait, as well as drinks and refreshments are available at the park.

Also in the Dallas county area is Dallas County Lake. Dallas County Lake is a 100-acre lake located 11 miles south of Selma off Alabama Highway 41 in Sardis, Alabama.


Location
Paul M Grist State Park is located near Clanton, Selma
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
Paul M. Grist Park's day-use picnic facilities include a large picnic pavilion, serveral picnic tables, a beach swimming area, paddle boat rentals, large open playing fields and ample shoreline for bank fisherman.
Trails
1. Lakeview Trail: A 3-mile loop trail around the lake, offering scenic views of water and wildlife; suitable for all skill levels.

2. Ridge Top Trail: Approximately a mile long, this moderate difficulty path offers panoramic vistas from atop the park's highest point.

3. Woodland Pathway: This easy half-mile trek winds through dense woods providing hikers with an intimate experience of Alabama's native flora and fauna.

4. Lakeside Picnic Loop: An accessible quarter mile walk that leads to picnic areas by the lakeshore; perfect for families or those seeking leisurely strolls.

5. Wildlife Observation Point Walkway: Short but rewarding pathway leading to bird-watching platforms overlooking marshy habitats teeming with local avian species.

6.Timberline Trekking Route : Roughly two miles in length featuring steep inclines making it ideal for experienced hikers looking forward challenging terrain amidst lush greenery .

7.Campground Connector Trails : Network of short trails connecting various campgrounds within Paul M Grist State Park ; lengths vary .

8.Horseback Riding Paths : Several designated paths available exclusively for horse riding , giving equestrians unique access across diverse terrains . Lengths are not specified .

9.Fishing Pier Access Track - Easy walking route directly linking main camping area to fishing pier on lake shore ; approximately one-third mile long .

10.Swimming Beach Footpath - Half-a-mile track guiding visitors towards sandy beachfront swimming area along serene shoreline setting .

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 22 horse back riding by Teresa Justice
park review stars; one to five Great riding trails. I encourage all horse riders to try it. Will definitely return!
October 15 Beautiful camping - lots of boats! by WT
park review stars; one to five Stayed two nights in the primitive camping area. Caution: the primitive site is not located near the nature trail as alapark.com suggests; the primitive camp site is directly next to the boat launch ramp. The location of my site was my only reason for not giving this park 5-stars. I camped right on the water and it was beautiful. The site was 15 feet from my truck, vary flat and shaded. I was the only camper during my stay which was great for me. As I said earlier the location of the site near the boat ramp was the ONLY drawback. I woke up Thursday morning near 5:00am to the sound of boat after boat after boat being launched. Some of the people were not too courteous; playing loud music and singing about how cold it was. The noise only lasted until around 7:00am; after that, the place was all mine. that is, until everyone started bringing their boats back in the evening. Park staff were super friendly as well. I highly recommend this park!
March 8 Our favorite place to be
park review stars; one to five Paul M. Grist is my second home. I had never been camping until my husband took me in 2003. Here it is now 7 years later and I still camp here. To me there is NOTHING as wonderful as this place. Everything abut it is perfect. Its 100% clean everywhere. No trash anywhere. Bathrooms are always spotless. On the 19th of this month which is March, we wil be headed that way again. We are tent campers, and we camp at Paul Grist twice a year. I would camp there more often, but its a 2 and a half hour drive from where we live. So, for me to drive 2 1/2 hours to camp, that means this is a SPECIAL place. The Rangers there are so friendly too. Hope whoever reads this plans to make a visit to Paul Grist because you WILL NOT regret it an you will have the time of your life. Happy Camping!!!
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Directions
We're easy to find. Just follow Alabama Highway 22 East from Selma. Signs will lead you directly to us. You can also travel Dallas County Road 37 or Summerfield Road from Selma.

See Official Alabama Highway Map for locations of all State Parks and follow the brown highway signs.
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