Alabama Outdoors

Experience the best of Alabama outdoors! 22 state parks, eight national parks, and numerous nature preserves provide boundless opportunities to canoe, fish, hike, camp, and enjoy the great outdoors. From the foothills of the Appalachians to the white beaches of the Gulf, Alabama is a land of natural wonders. Each season in Alabama brings a beautiful change for adventurers to enjoy. Whether you want to hike across the mountaintops, explore caves and caverns, or enjoy the beauty of waterways and trails, Alabama outdoors has an exciting experience for you! Camp under the stars, hike in the mountains, canoe down winding rivers, wander through lush forests, or soak up the sun on beautiful white beaches. Come to Alabama and explore everything the nature lover in you is searching for.

Group of people sitting in Dismals Canyon, AL
Dismals Canyon

Our Top Picks for Outdoor Fun in Northern Alabama

September 2023

BY PAUL & SARAH, ARKIE TRAVELS

We were compensated for our visit, but our opinions are completely our own.

Who’s ready for some out-of-state fun?!

We recently took a trip to Northern Alabama for my birthday (because when the waterfalls aren’t flowing in Arkansas in August, you’ve gotta go chase them somewhere else!).

I’ve gotta say, I was absolutely shocked in the best kind of way!

When I go to Alabama from Arkansas, I’m either going to the beach or driving through from Orlando. I had no idea what else Alabama had besides some pretty amazing SEC football teams, and quite frankly, I was blown away by the natural geological wonders and beauty!!

We did this trip over the course of about three and a half days across the northern quarter of the state and it was only about 6 hours from Little Rock…the perfect weekender!!

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Bird Watching in Alabama: Road Tripping Along the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail

Whether you’re an avid birder with years of experience or a newcomer (like me) to the world of birdwatching, Alabama...
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On Lake Time

Summertime, and the livin’s easy, so the song goes. People love to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the...
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At Home on the Road

RVers find a range of places in Alabama to pull in overnight, from primitive sites to resort-like accommodations, many of...
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Featured Locations & Events

Whether it's bird watching or hiking, Alabama has some of the greatest outdoor experiences waiting for you.

Mountains in Alabama and the Pinhoti Trail

Pinhoti Trail

Weogufka, AL
Bridge running over a stream at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham, AL
Rock formation at Horse Pens 40 in AL

Horse Pens 40

Steele, AL
Boardwalk and Spring Bird Migration at Dauphin Island, AL

Spring Bird Migration

Dauphin Island, AL
Pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean at Gulf State Park, AL

Gulf State Park

Gulf Shores, AL

Upcoming Events

Before planning your trip, be sure to check out upcoming events!

Scarecrows in the Park 2023

Oct 2, 2023
—
Nov 25, 2023
The Conecuh
OppMore Details »

Garden Explorers Fall STEM Camp

Oct 2, 2023
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Oct 6, 2023
Huntsville & Decatur
HuntsvilleMore Details »

Haunt Walks

Oct 3, 2023
—
Oct 26, 2023
Huntsville & Decatur
AthensMore Details »

Hwy 411 Yard Sale

Oct 4, 2023
—
Oct 7, 2023
Chandler Mountain & Locust Fork
CentreMore Details »

2023 Moundville Native American Festival

Oct 4, 2023
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Oct 7, 2023
Tombigbee River Valley
MoundvilleMore Details »

Alabama Coastal BirdFest 2023

Oct 4, 2023
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Oct 7, 2023
The Gulf Coast
Spanish FortMore Details »
View All Events

Alabama's Natural Wonders

From towering mountain ranges to pristine beaches, natural wonders abound here in Alabama.

Couple walking along the shoreline at an Alabama beach

Gulf Coast Beaches

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Landscape view with rocks at Mount Cheaha, AL

Mount Cheaha

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Inside view of Cathedral Caverns in Alabama

Cathedral Caverns

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People kayaking in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, AL

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta

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Person exploring rock formations at Dismals Canyon, AL

Dismals Canyon

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Natural bridge rock formation in Alabama

Natural Bridge

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Couple walking along the shoreline at an Alabama beach

Gulf Coast Beaches

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Landscape view with rocks at Mount Cheaha, AL

Mount Cheaha

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Inside view of Cathedral Caverns in Alabama

Cathedral Caverns

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People kayaking in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, AL

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta

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Person exploring rock formations at Dismals Canyon, AL

Dismals Canyon

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Natural bridge rock formation in Alabama

Natural Bridge

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View All Natural Wonders

Find an Alabama Outdoor Experience

Explore outdoor locations and attractions you should visit the next time you're here.
Bar-W RV Park
Campground
891 County Road 395
Auburn, AL 36830
We are located in Auburn, Alabama, home of Auburn University and the Auburn Tigers. Our RV Park is family-owned and located on a farm just 2 miles off the I-85 Interstate and Chewacla State Park, in a quiet and scenic area. We off...
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Choccolocco Mountain Off-Road Vehicle Park
Outdoor Recreation Site
1312 Louise Drive Southeast
Jacksonville, AL 36265
This Off-Road Vehicle Park welcomes every type of off-road vehicle and features a vast trail system and campground.
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Cloudmont Ski Resort
Outdoor Recreation Site
721 County Road 614
Mentone, AL 35984
Alabama's only Snow Skiing slope. Dec 15-March 15. Hiking, Horseback riding, accommodations. No phone or tv.
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Dauphin Island Campground
Campground
109 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
"Surround Yourself with Friends!" Surround yourself with family and friends for the vacation of a lifetime. New memories will be created at the Dauphin Island Campground. All that the Island offers is both accessible and afford...
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Deerlick Creek Park Campground (USACE)
Campground
12421 Deerlick Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406