Without a doubt, Alabama is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. From mountains and waterfalls to canyons and caves, there are several places located throughout the Yellowhammer State that’ll most certainly give you an unforgettable outdoors experience, including the eight listed below. These eight places will inspire you to explore the outdoors, and you’ll want to visit them all.
1. Cheaha Mountain
Cheaha Mountain is home to Cheaha State Park, which is Alabama's oldest state park. At 2,407 feet above sea level, this mountain is also the state's highest natural point. To experience Alabama's most incredible views, you'll most certainly want to hike Cheaha Mountain.
2. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne
Little River Canyon National Preserve, which covers more than 15,000 acres, is located atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama. A couple of its main features include Little River Falls and Little River Canyon, which is sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
3. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Gulf Shores
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1980, is located on Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast. It covers approximately 7,000 acres and is a resting and feeding area for migratory birds. Over the years, this scenic wildlife refuge has become a popular spot for bird watching.
4. Lake Eufaula
Lake Eufaula covers approximately 45,000 acres and is located on the Chattahoochee River. Because of its numerous bass fish, this beautiful lake is best known as the "Big Bass Capital of the World." People travel from all over the world to fish from this beautiful lake.
5. Natural Bridge - Haleyville
With a height of 60 feet and a length of 148 feet, Natural Bridge, the main feature of Alabama's Natural Bridge Park, is the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. It's also believed to be more than 200 million years old. Natural Bridge most certainly belongs on everyone's outdoor bucket list.
6. Cherokee Rock Village - Leesburg
Cherokee Rock Village, which was established in 1974, covers 200 acres and is home to sandstone boulders that are approximately 300 million years old. Throughout the years, this unique park has become one of the South's top rock-climbing destinations.
7. Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell
Dismals Canyon, which is located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Phil Campbell, Alabama, is one of the world's most unique places. The reason why it's such a unique place to explore is because it's one of the few places where dismalites live. Dismalites are rare insects that resemble glowworms.
8. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge - West Blocton
Alabama's Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2002 and is located along the Cahaba River, the Yellowhammer State's longest free-flowing river. This wildlife refuge features the world's largest stand of Cahaba lilies.
Have you been to any of these eight inspiring places in Alabama? If so, did you have an unforgettable outdoors experience? Let us know in the comments.
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Featured Addresses
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
Little River Canyon National Preserve, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Lake Eufaula, United States
Natural Bridge Park, 315 Co Rd 3500, Natural Bridge, AL 35577, USA
Cherokee Rock Village, 2000 County Rd 70, Leesburg, AL 35983, USA
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, West Blocton, AL, USA