Scenic Outdoors
From the foothills of the Appalachians through countless river valleys to the sugar white beaches of the Gulf, natural wonders abound for the explorer in you. From caves and caverns to towering mountaintops, adventure awaits. Marvel in the beauty of our many trails and waterways that is sure to take you off the beaten path. The 22 state parks, which encompass 48,000 acres of land and water, provide endless opportunities to fish, camp, canoe, hike and enjoy the great outdoors. Each season in Alabama brings a beautiful change for adventurers to enjoy all year long.
Cruising The Natchez Trace Parkway
Discover Alabama’s scenic portion of this popular three-state, 444-mile designated National Scenic Byway and All-American Road.
BY LAURA MCGILL
Whether you are traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway by bike, car, motorcycle or RV, you are on the road to a history-packed, nature-filled adventure. The parkway, which roughly follows the historic Natchez Trace between Franklin, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi, has been under the care of the National Park Service since 1938, but the stories it shares date back more than 10,000 years.
The trace long served as a vital travel path for Native Americans, European settlers, slave traders, soldiers and many others, both nameless and famous (Meriwether Lewis, John James Audubon and Ulysses S. Grant, for example), who used the corridor first for following game and later for commerce. As the number of travelers increased, inns, or stands, popped up to provide places to rest and to eat. The comforts were few, and the way often was fraught with danger due to bandits and highwaymen.
Traveling the modern parkway’s 33 miles in Alabama, with a 50 mile-per-hour speed limit for most of the route and pretty views, provides an opportunity to imagine all those souls who journeyed here before you and to contemplate the beauty of Alabama’s northwest corner. Plan to stop at six sites to enjoy small...
Experience Alabama’s Appalachian Foothills Region
Winter Hiking at its Best in Alabama
Northeast Alabama: One of the best areas for viewing the vibrant colors of fall.
Featured Locations & Events
Whether it's bird watching or hiking, Alabama has some of the greatest outdoor experiences waiting for you.
Alabama's Natural Wonders
From towering mountain ranges to pristine beaches, natural wonders abound here in Alabama.