The scenic outdoors in Alabama give you the chance to indulge in a range of exciting outdoor activities. While touring the state, you’ll come across countless river valleys, white-sand beaches, and other natural wonders. A world of adventure and excitement awaits you in the foothills of the Appalachians, caverns and mountaintops.
You’ll also have many trails and waterways that take you through some unusual sights. There are endless opportunities in the state for those who enjoy camping, fishing, and canoeing. Here are some of the thrilling outdoor activities that you can try during your visit to Alabama:
1. Go mountain biking on Dothan’s Forever Wild trails
There are more than 10 miles of trails in Dothan’s Forever Wild property. All of them are free and open to the general public. These trails are ideal for hiking, running, and biking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced biker, the Forever Wild MTB trails would give you the thrills.
They traverse about 100 acres of wetlands and shaded woodlands. Suitable for all skill levels, these trails are mostly single track paths. They have been perfectly optimized for mountain-biking and you’ll have plenty of terrain to try your skills.
2. Try hiking the Cane Creek Nature Preserve
One of the best hidden gems of Alabama, the Cane Creek Nature Preserve is excellent for hikers. There’s no entrance fee, but you’ll need to sign in at the kiosk. After signing, you can take a map and explore the trails looping through the preserve.
The Cane Creek Nature Preserve is spread across 700 acres in Tuscumbia. It includes 15 miles of trails for hiking that will take you through canyons, waterfalls, and an old forest.
3. Enjoy camping in the Sipsey Wilderness
Camping in the Sipsey Wilderness would be an unforgettable experience. This is yet another activity that you can enjoy for free. There are high waterfalls, deep canyons, and hemlock trees that you can witness while camping in the area. You can access Sipsey without any hassles.
It is located a few miles to the south of Moulton. There’s an extensive trail system here, which would take you deep into the lush forest. It provides a perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of crowds.
4. Indulge in some climbing outdoors
Many of the best crags in Alabama can be accessed easily and without any fee. You just need to have good climbing skills and a friend who has the right gear. You’ll get to see high-quality sandstone in Birmingham’s Moss Rock Preserve. Dozens of boulders located in the preserve provide some challenging climbs for the adventure-seekers.
In the northern parts of Alabama, Yellow Bluff would be an ideal place for climbing. It has a cliff line of over 1,500 feet and nearly 40 routes. Most of these paths have been bolted and maintained well.
5. Burn some calories with a trail run
If you’ve spent much of your vacation in Alabama eating and drinking, you must get into a healthier routine. Sometimes, it just won’t be possible for you to work out in the gym. To burn some calories, you’ll need to go on a trail run. There are some climbs in Huntsville’s Blevins Gap Preserve. They’ll give you a serious workout, which would help you get rid of those unwanted calories.
If you’re in Birmingham, head to the Red Mountain Park. There are plenty of trails in this park for you to go running. Both of these areas are free, but you can consider donating a certain amount to the Huntsville Land Trust.