Lake Lurleen Five Oaks Loop Trail

Set within the woofderful Lake Lurleen State Park, one of Alabama's largest parks, the Five Oaks Loop Trail offers you and your canine gorgeous views of the pristine Lake Lurleen and of the heavily wooded forest. The Five Oaks Loop Trail is a scenic, rewarding hike to complete with your pup; but if you wish to explore it, you'll have to do quite the legwork to get there as it is an extension of the already 9-mile Tashka Trail and 2-mile Lakeside Trail. Don't be surprised to find yourself alone on this extension trail with your canine, amid the towering trees and chirping songbirds, which contrasts a lot with the moderately-trafficked Lakeside and Tashka Trail. 

Since the Five Oaks Loop Trail is designed for the more ambitious explorer, you'll want to make sure to bring the following: water, food, a trail map/GPS, bug repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. It's also wise to wear proper hiking attire and carry emergency contact information. There are no poop bags along the trail, nor are there nearby restroom facilities, so going before is a must. Remember that this 3-mile loop is optional, and will increase the total hiking distance to around 15 miles. Being pawpared will set you up for success! 

As for the trail terrain, expect a steady incline with natural soil and rock. The Five Oaks Loop Trail does not present a more difficult hike that that of the Tashka Trail, it simply extends the journey into the deep forest. The Five Oaks Trail splits off from the Tashka Trail about halfway, winds down around the forest to reach great vistas of the lake, and then reconnects back to the Tashka Trail. Opting to hike the Five Oaks Trail means skipping ruffly 0.4 miles of the orignial Tashka Trail. 

Ultimately, the Five Oaks Loop Trail is a great hike to complete that will make you and your dog feel accomplished, and one that will make you sleep like puppies at night!