From secret mountain waterfalls and ancient canyons to coastal dunes. Your next outdoor adventure starts right here.
Trek along the scenic high ridges and valley creeks of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve on the Thompson Hamby Loop. Linking two popular preserve trails, this family-friendly route ascends through mixed hardwood and pine woodlands to trace an elevated ridgeline with excellent seasonal lookout points. The trail then drops into a shaded valley along Hamby Hollow, meandering alongside a gentle mountain stream lined with mossy banks and spring wildflowers. With its varied terrain, lively birdlife, and convenient loop layout, it offers a well-rounded and picturesque wilderness stroll.
Experience the full geological variety of Moss Rock Preserve on the adventurous Blue Powerline Loop. This diverse circuit descends past the preserve's iconic boulder fields to the flowing waters of Hurricane Creek, before climbing across sunny sandstone glades framed by whispering pine canopies and delicate cascading waterfalls. The trail leads past multiple tucked-away boulder clusters beloved by climbers, traverses high ridgelines offering distant views, and returns along wide, historic forest logging roads. With its blend of rocky scrambles, rushing water, and shaded forest trails, it offers an exciting, multifaceted showcase of the preserve.
Immerse yourself in the untamed mountain hollows of Lake Guntersville State Park on the Waterfall Cascades Loop. Combining the Waterfall, Old Still, Cascade, and Terrell trails, this rugged route ascends through dense hardwood forests to reveal dramatic rock outcroppings, towering rock walls, and seasonal mountain cascades. Ideal for hikers who relish a backcountry challenge, the trail weaves across boulder-strewn seasonal stream beds and navigates overgrown, lightly traveled paths that offer deep wilderness seclusion. Filled with active birdlife and rugged geological formations, it delivers a spirited, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Uncover woodland curiosities and river vistas on the Rust Bucket Trail at Cahaba River Park. Named for a vintage, abandoned automobile slowly reclaimed by decades of forest growth, this varied pathway weaves through dense pine and spruce woods with gentle changes in elevation. Along the route, the trail traces the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Cahaba River, offering rewarding waterside overlooks that shine especially during the winter months. Accessible for both day hikers and mountain bikers, it delivers a fun, intriguing trek through Shelby County's riverside forests.
Challenge yourself on the rugged, undulating terrain of the Ike Maston Trail, one of the most athletic and strenuous backcountry paths at Red Mountain Park. Running the length of the park's wilder interior, this rocky trail traverses steep ridges, narrow valleys, and historical industrial passages once utilized during Birmingham's mining heyday. Hikers will encounter remnants of historic mining operations, including old mining cables and proximity to historic mine portals like Ishkooda #13. Delivering a rigorous leg workout with rapid elevation gains, it is the perfect route for hikers and trail runners seeking pure physical challenge and deep forest immersion.
Climb to one of the most breathtaking panoramic vistas in Alabama on Oak Mountain's Kings Chair Loop. Beginning along historic Civilian Conservation Corps roads adorned with hand-laid stone culverts and stream crossings, the trail ascends steeply up the mountain's rocky crest through rich deciduous and pine woodlands. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with the iconic King's Chair rock outcrop, offering sweeping southward views across the rolling Appalachian foothills. Complete with primitive backcountry campsites, vibrant mountain foliage, and seasonal overlooks along the South Rim, this loop is an exhilarating, must-do trek for adventurous day hikers.
Little River Canyon National Preserve is situated atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama. Established by Congress in 1992, this 14,000-acre preserve protects the Little River, considered one of the longest mountaintop rivers in North America. Flowing down the Cumberland Plateau, the river has carved one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River, flanked by dramatic sandstone cliffs rising up to 600 feet. Visitors can take in panoramic views along the 23-mile Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, explore hiking trails, enjoy whitewater paddling, and view waterfalls such as Little River Falls.
Lake Lurleen State Park is located 9 miles northwest of Northport, Alabama. The scenic 1,625-acre park rests on the banks of Lake Lurleen and offers year-round recreational opportunities. The park is named for the late Lurleen Burns Wallace, a former governor of Alabama and wife of former governor George C. Wallace. She remains the only female governor in Alabama history. The park features 23 miles of multi-use trails ranging from easy to moderate for hikers and bikers alike. Its 250-acre lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie, making it ideal for anglers. During the summer, visitors can cool off in the swimming area or camp in one of several campgrounds.
The Sipsey Wilderness lies within William B. Bankhead National Forest around the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River in northwestern Alabama. Designated in 1975 and expanded in 1988, this 24,922-acre tract is the largest and most visited wilderness area in Alabama, as well as the first designated wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. The terrain consists of the Brindley Mountain plateau, carved into deep canyons and gorges featuring prominent sandstone cliffs and dozens of waterfalls. Today, visitors can explore the wilderness via 12 officially maintained trails accessible from seven trailheads.
Dismals Canyon is a privately owned 85-acre nature conservatory located in Phil Campbell, Alabama. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974, the secluded sandstone gorge is home to dismalites (Orfelia fultoni), rare glowworms whose larvae emit a bioluminescent blue-green glow visible during guided night tours. A 1.5-mile hiking trail winds past towering moss-covered boulders, two natural waterfalls, and six natural rock bridges along the canyon floor. The preserve also offers rustic cabin rentals, primitive camping sites, and dining at the Soda Fountain & Grill.
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is a state historic site in McCalla, Alabama. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tannehill was a major supplier of iron for Confederate ordnance. Across the 2,063-acre park are several historic structures, including the John Wesley Hall Grist Mill, the May Plantation Cotton Gin House, and the Tannehill Furnace. Ironworking began on the site in 1830, and by 1862 three charcoal blast furnaces produced 22 tons of pig iron per day. Today, the park offers modern and primitive camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. Visitors can ride the miniature railroad, watch artisans practice traditional crafts in pioneer cabins, visit the Iron and Steel Museum, and enjoy picnic areas throughout the grounds.
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, established in 1937 in rural Colbert County west of Tuscumbia, Alabama, is the only known cemetery dedicated exclusively to coonhounds. The site originally served as a popular hunting camp where outdoorsmen gathered. When Key Underwood's legendary hound Troop died at age 15, Underwood chose the beloved spot for his burial, founding an enduring tradition. Today, more than 300 certified coonhounds rest on the grounds, including numerous world champions. To qualify for burial, an animal must be verified as an authentic hunting coonhound by multiple witnesses and an organization official. Each Labor Day, the cemetery hosts a public celebration featuring bluegrass music, food, and a storytelling contest.
Bare Soles Explorers is a movement dedicated to encouraging kids and families to unplug from screens, get outdoors, and reconnect with nature. By reducing screen time and embracing active outdoor play—whether barefoot or shod—families can improve physical and mental health, boost sensory awareness, and build lasting memories together under the open sky.
"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children."— Theodore Roosevelt
