The parkway has served as an important path for the Native Americans, slave traders, soldiers, and European settlers. It was first used for following game while hunting and later as a commercial route. With an increase in the number of travelers over the years, many inns came up along the path. They served as places to unwind and enjoy a meal.

This way was quite dangerous owing to the presence of highwaymen and bandits and the comforts were few. You can travel at a speed of 50 miles per hour for most of the route. This will allow you to savor the marvelous views. The modern parkway extends to about 33 miles in Alabama.

During your journey, you’ll be reminded of all the souls who’ve journeyed through the route before you. You can stop at six points to enjoy the beautiful offerings of nature.

1. Bear Creek

This spot allows you to take a break after coming in just four miles from the Mississippi line. It offers some grills and picnic tables. You might find the access to water a bit steep. If you think it’s fine, you can bring your fishing gear and get your catch in the creek.

2. Freedom Hills Overlook

On the steep, quarter-mile trail leading to the overlook, you can test your stamina. Upon traveling further, it will take you to the highest point in Alabama on the parkway. You’ll be able to enjoy better views if you’re traveling in late autumn. This is because leaves from the trees fall during this time of the year.

3. Buzzard Roost Spring

It was once used as a source of water for an inn located along the original trace. Today, this spring at Buzzard Roost attracts travelers taking a short walk from the parkway. They’re often drawn to the site upon hearing the soothing sounds of the spring.

4. Colbert Ferry

This is the spot on the Tennessee River, where Chickasaw George Colbert used to operate a ferry. It was in operation from 1800 to 1819. The inn located nearby was a popular stop for those seeking some rest and a good meal. Today, the visitors to Colberty Ferry can launch a boat, try fishing, or simply enjoy the views.

They can settle down at one of the picnic tables and have their lunch. Restrooms are also available in this area. To witness the spot where the inn once stood, you can take a 50-yard walk from the parking area.

5. Lauderdale

The previous stop of Colbert Ferry is located on Tennessee River’s southern shore. Once you cross the river, you can take in some breathtaking views from the northern shore. You’ll also find a small picnic area at this spot.

6. Rock Spring

The natural spring has deep pools with an abundance of small fish. A trail and stepping stones nearby take you across the Colbert Creek into a wooded area. If you visit this spot during spring and fall seasons, you’ll get to watch hundreds of hummingbirds in action. These red-throated birds abound during these seasons to seek the nectar of wildflowers.

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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.

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They were instrumental in the founding of Mobile in the early 18th century. Alabama is a fabulous place to enjoy some water-based activities. This state also has some fantastic places you must never miss during your tour. Here, we’ve listed some of them:

1. Montgomery

Alabama’s capital would be the obvious choice to explore the state’s interesting history. One of the famous names associated with this city is Rosa Parks. She was an African-American lady who played an important role in America’s civil rights history. Montgomery was the place where the Confederacy came into existence in 1861.

In recent times, the city has gained immense popularity for its skyscrapers, arks, and a vibrant arts scene. Among the major events hosted in this city is the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

2. Dauphin Island

Located off the coast of Mobile, this island has many bird sanctuaries. The most prominent among them is Audubon Bird Sanctuary. For the migratory birds, this island is a place to stop and have some rest while journeying from South America. The island has been named after Louis XIV’s great grandson, Francis II, who was the Dauphin of France.

You can witness a spectacular sunset while unwinding on any of the island’s beaches. The island has also witnessed the Battle of Mobile Bay, which took place in 1864. The bay’s entrance was once guarded by the historic Fort Gaines.

3. Cheaha State Park

If you want to have a wonderful hiking experience in Alabama, visit the Cheaha State Park. Located within the Talladega National Forest, this park provides access to the Appalachian Trail and several other trails. The highest point in the state, the Cheaha Mountain, is also located in the park.

Cheaha State Park also has an exciting trail for the ATV riders, who prefer riding a bike than going on a hike. Accommodations are also available in this park, which range from camps to a luxury lodge. The staff of this park also helps couples in arranging their wedding in a beautiful outdoor setting.

4. Noccalula Falls Park

This park has been named after a young Cherokee woman called Noccalula. According to a popular legend, Noccalula jumped over the 90-foot falls on the day of her wedding. Her father wanted her to marry a rich chief. As Noccalula never wanted to marry a man she didn’t love, she took the extreme step. Today, there’s a 9-foot statue of Noccalula at the falls.

Despite this tragic incident, the park’s beauty attracts plenty of tourists every year. You’ll come across 25,000 azalea plants in this part of the state. There’s a paved hiking trail for the visitors to take a pleasant stroll. A visit to the Pioneer Village would give you the opportunity to learn about the park’s history.

5. Orange Beach

A perfect place to chill out, Orange Beach is located on the state’s border with Florida. This city offers plenty of opportunities for a family beach vacation. You can stay in one of the beachfront accommodations and indulge in a range of thrilling outdoor activities. They include taking one of the dolphin cruises and playing golf.

You’ll also find good recreational centers in the city with courts for basketball and tennis. Both locals and tourists visit the Orange Beach Islands for their entertainment. You can get to these islands by taking a ride on a boat, kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski.

6. Mobile

This city can be described as a cultural center on the sea. Located at the head of Mobile Bay, it is the only saltwater port of the state. You’ll find some majestic art galleries and museums in this city. It also gives you the chance to witness the professional ballet, symphony, and opera performances. There’s an abundance of azaleas all around the city in early spring.

In the month of February, Mobile hosts the oldest organized carnival in the country. The French Catholic people who settled in the region in the early 18th century had first organized this carnival. Mobile is also popular for its antebellum architecture. It is a blend of many architectural styles.

7. Huntsville

This city in Alabama is home to the Manned Space Flight Center of NASA. As Huntsville is associated with the space program of the United States, it is also called Rocket City. The chemical munitions facilities were constructed in the city during the Second World War.

They were converted for the space program after the war ended. The city was also the site for launching the first satellite of the United States in 1958. While getting around in the city, you’ll come across many historic homes. Some of them were built during the early 19th century.

8. Birmingham

Yes, you read it right. There’s another Birmingham in this world and it is located in Alabama. It was named after an English city of the same name and was founded during Civil War Reconstruction. Birmingham was once the main industrial area on the southern part of the United States. This gave it the nickname ‘Pittsburgh of the South.

The city is home to Birmingham Museum of Art. It is the largest art museum in the south-eastern part of the country. During your visit to this city, you’ll come across many symphony, ballet, and opera companies. Birmingham also hosts music and film festivals, which attract filmmakers from different corners of the world. One of them is the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival.

9. Gulf Shores

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this city is located at a distance of 54 miles from Mobile. It hosts what has been billed as the greatest beach party in the world. You can be a part of this if you visit during late April. Gulf Shores is an ideal place to go on an ocean fishing trip. Besides indulging in the usual beach activities, you can play golf or take a sunset cruise.

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