Alabama's Former Army Base Is Now A Thriving Community With Horse Trails, Camping, And A Lake Park

All across the United States, former military sites have been getting makeovers. In California, a former army base is now a historic area with a beach and an abandoned military fort was turned into a state park. In New York, a former navy and air force base is now a 2,000 acre Finger Lakes escape, and in Alabama, Fort McClellan has been transformed into a community recreation hub.

Fort McClellan is located near Talladega National Forest in Alabama, in the historic town of Anniston. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is about an hour away by car, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is about two hours away. Fort McClellan was used as a training base for the United States Army throughout the 20th century. At its peak, the military site was home to thousands of military personnel and civilians.

The military base closed in 1999, but today parts of Fort McClellan have been transformed into a thriving community that provides residents and visitors with plenty of opportunities for recreation. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding trails, a large campground, a lake park, and paths for biking and hiking. If you're planning on exploring Alabama, a visit to McClellan may be worth adding to your itinerary.

Fort McClellan's military history dates back to the late 1800s. The land where the base was eventually established was first utilized by the military during the Spanish-American War in 1898. It was originally called Camp Shipp and around 10,000 troops were stationed there temporarily. Camp Shipp closed in 1899. In 1912, the property was used again by the National Guardsmen, and in March of 1917 the federal government of the United States officially purchased the land. The United States entered World War I about a month later.

Camp McClellan was established on July 18, 1917, and within a year there were 27,000 military personnel training there. Over the decades that followed additional buildings were constructed, many of which were built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. There were warehouses, dwellings, medical facilities, a rail area, and weapon storage. On July 1, 1929, the site was renamed Fort McClellan. During World War II it was heavily utilized by the military and further developed to include a large hospital, housing, and 47 miles of roads. Throughout WWII around a half-million service members trained at Fort McClellan. 

The site was used again during the Vietnam War to develop chemical weapons, and it remained a site connected to chemical and biological warfare throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The military facilities were finally closed in 1999, but the property was never abandoned entirely. The Anniston-Calhoun County Joint Powers Authority began to redevelop the former military base over the decade that followed. In 2010, the McClellan Development Authority, a nonprofit organization, took over development and management of the land. Today, hundreds of people live in what was formerly military housing. There are a variety of businesses, and a park complex that covers thousands of acres.

There's something for everyone to enjoy at the new and improved McClellan. Horseback riding is one of the most popular pastimes. The Camp McClellan Horse Trails and Campground is a 900-acre facility managed by the Back Country Horsemen of America McClellan Chapter. There are over a hundred campsites for RVs and tents as well as a barn with 31 stalls for horses. The RV sites have electrical hookups, and there are also eight primitive tent sites. The campsites can accommodate horse trailers of up to 60 feet. There are bathrooms and showers on site, and access to 30 miles of trails for riding. Camping costs range from $10 to $20 and daily rides cost $5.

If horseback riding isn't your thing check out the Cane Creek Golf Course, which has 18 holes near a meandering creek. There are also 22 bunkers throughout the course. The golf course has a driving range, a shop, and a grill where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat after your round of golf. Prices range from $11 to $32 per person.

Lake Yahou Park is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon. The lake itself is 8 acres and it's perfect for paddling. Swimming isn't allowed, but fishing is permitted with a license. There is a half-mile walking trail around the lake, and plenty of places to spread out and picnic while enjoying the views. McClellan also has 18 miles of multi-use trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and running. For $10 you can visit the Anniston Aquatic & Fitness Center, which has a large pool, gym equipment, and fitness classes. If you'd prefer more luxurious accommodations to camping, Hotel Finial is a lovely historic property in a Queen Anne-style mansion located in nearby Anniston. Rooms start at about $120 per night.