The Monroe County Lake is a 94-acre manmade lake with an unpaved access road on its east and south sides. Upland loblolly pine forest surrounds the lake on three sides. A hardwood swamp extends north from the lake up its main tributary. Drive (walk) north from the concession stand on the access road toward the north end of the lake and park. The pines and undergrowth are productive at any season. Pileated Woodpeckers, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and Pine Warblers are year-round residents. Summer Tanagers and Yellow-throated Warblers are found in the pines in the spring and summer, while White-eyed Vireos and Gray Catbirds prefer the dense underbrush. Migration can bring large numbers of Palm Warblers and Orchard Orioles. White Pelicans and Ospreys use the lake as a stopover on migration and the deep clear waters of the lake have attracted Common Loons during winter. Barn Owls are reported to have nested in the old windmill structure near the lake concession area.

Access: Free to birders; open February through November, Tuesday through Sunday, sunrise to sunset

Directions: From the intersection of Bells Landing Road and Alabama Highway 41, go north on Alabama 41 for 2.0 miles to Hybart (mile marker 73.9). Turn right (east) on Monroe County Road 56, and go 3.0 miles. Turn right on 56 Bypass and drive 1.1 miles. Turn right (east) on Monroe 56 ,and go 6.7 miles. Monroe 56 joins Alabama Highway 265; continue on Alabama 265 for 3.8 miles to Beatrice. Turn right (west) on Monroe 50, and go 3.7 miles. Monroe County Lake is on the right, turn in at the entrance and park at the lake concession stand.

Or from the intersection of Alabama Highway 47 and US Highway 84 (mile marker 72.2) west of Monroeville, turn north on Alabama 47 and go 22.5 miles through Monroeville to Beatrice. At mile marker 59.3, turn left on Alabama 265. Go north 0.3 miles, then turn left (west) on Monroe County Road 50. Drive 3.7 miles; the Monroe County Lake is on the right, turn in at the entrance and park at the lake concession stand. Learn more about this Piney Woods Birding Trail location here.

GPS: N 31° 43.173’ / W 87° 15.618’

Monroe County Lake
3596 Co Rd 50
Beatrice, AL 36425

Phone: 251-789-2104

Amenities: Restroom, Handicap access, Parking, Camping, Canoeing, Boat access (trolling motors only), Picnic area