the "D Loop" of the campground to additional small sinkhole ponds and the day-use picnic areas. By using the roadway that begins at the picnic areas, hiking and bicycling around Open Pond is possible. The trail is blazed with small white diamond reflective signs attached to trees and posts. Open Pond Fire Tower The Open Pond Fire Tower is located on the north side of the Open Pond Recreation Area. According to a plaque at the bottom of the tower, the tower was built in 1938. The plaque indicates the tower is registered as U.S. Tower #97 on the National Historic Lookout Register. According to the Register, the tower was constructed between 1938 and 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The tower is one of two such towers in Conecuh National Forest. Blue Lake Recreation Area Blue Lake Recreation Area is located about nine miles north of the Alabama/Florida State line off of Alabama State Road 137. This day use area, located along the north shore of Blue Lake, provides the only official location in Conecuh National Forest where swimming is permitted. A bath house is provided, along with picnic tables and a small sandy beach. Limited non-motorized boating is permitted, and two boat launches are available. Fees There is a day use fee of US$5 per vehicle. This allows for all recreational uses available at Blue Lake. These fees may be waived if someone in the vehicle possesses a valid Federal Interagency Recreation Pass. Day use fees paid at Blue Lake may also be used to enter the Open Pond Recreation Area (day use only) two miles south of Blue Lake. Adjacent Land Use The south, west, and eastern shores of Blue Lake are privately held by the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church under the name "Blue Lake Methodist Assembly". References External links Forest Service website for Alabama National Forests Forest Service website for Conecuh National Forest Protected areas of Covington County, Alabama Protected areas of Escambia County, Alabama National Forests of Alabama Protected areas established in 1936 1936 establishments in Alabama Alabama placenames of Native American origin