The William B Bankhead National Forest, located's northwestern region, is a sprawling 180,000-acre expanse of lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It offers an array of recreational activities such as hiking through its picturesque trails that wind around waterfalls and canyons or fishing in the clear waters teeming with bass and catfish. The forest is home to several unique ecosystems including hardwood forests, pine plantations, swamps and blackland prairies which host various species like white-tailed deer or wild turkey. Known for its rich history dating back thousands of years ago when Native Americans inhabited these lands; it also features numerous archaeological sites showcasing rock shelters used by early humans during prehistoric times.

The National Forests in Alabama began with the Alabama Purchase Unit, established by the National Forest Commission in Fiscal Year 1914. The area was proclaimed the Alabama National Forest by President Woodrow Wilson on January 15, 1918.

The first forest was located in Franklin, Lawrence and Winston Counties. Land acquisition files show that much of the ridge tops had been cut-over and approximately 40-percent of the land was cut-over, cultivated and vacated farmland. The virgin timber must have been located in the deep gorges and on public domain land.

On June 19, 1936, by proclamation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Alabama National Forest was renamed the Black Warrior National Forest. About six years later on June 17, 1942, the name was changed, by an Act of Congress, to the William B. Bankhead National Forest.

The Bankhead National Forest features several scenic campgrounds such as, Houston and the newly renovated Corinth and Clear Creek Campgrounds. These three campgrounds are open April through October. Two of the three campgrounds, Corinth and Clear Creek, offers camping units with electrical and water hookups.