Exploration Journal.

From hiking, biking, horseback, swimming, fishing, boating, to just relaxing; Alabama is host to a wide array of outdoor activities to keep anyone bust through out the year. These articles are dedicated to unique features, places, history and activities throughout Alabama and the region.

Sand Mountain Lookout Tower

Restored between 2016 and 2018 by Firetower Restoration, the Sand Mountain Lookout tower located at Palisades Park in Blount County is open to the public. Constructed in 1949, the tower was staffed by the Alabama Forestry Service until 1985. The tower design is an Aermotor MC-39. This design is a heavily galvanized, free-standing, batter-legged, hurricane proof   Read More …



I-59 Destinations

There are a number of great destinations along I-59 between Birmingham and Valley Head. Each has its own unique style. From hiking to rock climbing to relaxing in a hammock, you are sure to find the perfect spot to spend a day or the weekend. We could never cover every destination along this corridor, but   Read More …



Alabama Ghost Stories

Folklorist Kathryn Tucker Windham published a legendary work in 1969. 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffery was the first in a series of seven books featuring ghost stories from towns throughout Alabama. Windham work featured ghost stories that have “entertained many generations” and that are still today “a treasured part of Southern folklore”. The book not   Read More …



Lake Martin Vistas

Lake Martin is located in Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties. Covering 44,000 acres, the lake has a shoreline of over 750 miles. Martin Dam, constructed between 1923 and 1926, created the largest man-made body of water in the world at the time. The lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, water skiing, camping and   Read More …



Five North Alabama Destinations

Northern Alabama has a number of attractions that draw visitors to the area throughout the year. There is no way we could cover all the interesting destinations in this region, so we’ll take a look at five that may lead you to spending a weekend at the top of the state. 1. Dismals Canyon Located   Read More …



CCC Impacts in Alabama

The Civil Conservation Corp greatly influenced the development of recreational and ecological areas throughout the United States. Formed in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the CCC employed young unmarried men, most of whose families were already on government assistance. The program accepted an initial maximum of 300,000 men, paying a small   Read More …



Top 5 Scenic Views in Alabama

Scenic views are numerous throughout Alabama. From the coastal plains to the Cumberland Plateau, Alabamians are close to a spectacular destination. With so many places worth a visit, it’s hard to pick top destinations for amazing views. Based on places explored on this site, we’ll take a look at five destinations with stunting vistas. 1.   Read More …