Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH: 5 state parks we love [PHOTOS]
A little fun fact for youβJune is considered Great Outdoors Month. Lucky for us, Alabama just so happens to be one of the most biodiverse states in the country.
We’ve got a lot of chances to soak up some nature timeβwhy not start with this list of five state parks our team loves?
1. Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park is truly a one-stop-shop along Alabama’s Gulf Coast for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. You’ve got the best recreational trail in the country as your backyard, the beach as your front yard and tons of preserved nature space to explore.
Amenities: Beach pavilion, butterfly garden, swimming pool, lake access, nature center + learning campus
Lodging: Cabins and cottages, hotel on-site, RV hookups, primitive camping + glamping
Activities: Bicycling, hiking, swimming, fishing (license required), geocaching, paddling + boating
- Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: Trails and Picnic Areas: Sunrise to Sunset | Offices: Mon-Fri, 8AM-4PM
- Park admission: Free
- More info
2. Cheaha State Park in Delta
The Southern point of the Appalachian trail is located right here in Alabama. Cheaha State Park is also home to the highest point in Alabama and is the picture-perfect mountain getaway. Take a scenic drive down beautiful windy mountain roads, or hike up to the highest point to capture an Insta-worthy shot of the lookout.
Amenities: Cheaha Lake, cliffside pool, dog park, extreme trails
Lodging: Cabins, chalets, lodge rooms + primitive camping
Activities: Mountain biking, hiking + swimming in the lake
- Address: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258
- Hours: Trails and Park: Sunrise to Sunset | Mountain Store, 7AM-9PM
- Park admission: $5, ages 12+ | $2 for kids 4+ and seniors 62+ | Free for veterans, kids under 4
- More info
3. De Soto State Park in Fort Payne
If dreamy waterfalls and luscious wildflowers are your vibe, plan a trip to De Soto and thank me later. You’ll fall in love with the family-friendly atmosphere and the host of activities.
Amenities: Olympic-sized pool, Benefield Interpretive Center, a Civilian Conservation Corps museum, more than 30Β miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions + picnic area with playground
Lodging: Chalets, cabins, motel lodging, RV spots + primitive camping
Activities: Kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, cycling, rappelling + bouldering
- Address: 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Hours: Trails and picnic areas, sunrise to sunset | Country Store, 9AM-5PM daily
- Park admission: $4 per vehicle at the picnic area
- More info
4. Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham
Alabama’s largest state park lies just outside its largest cityβOak Mountain State Park, just southeast of Birmingham. You can do just about any outdoor activity here, from camping to horseback riding, even watersports.
Amenities: BMX course, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, two beaches and swimming areas, three fishing lakes, picnic areas, playground, pickleball court, archery range + Alabama Wildlife Center
Lodging: Cabins + camping
Activities: Mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, pump track, cable skiing, inflatable aquapark obstacle course, marina rentals, basketball courts, nature programs, Peavine Falls + Oak Mountain Interpretive Center,
- Address: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
- Hours: 7AM-8PM, daily
- Park admission: $5, ages 12+ | $2 for kids 4+ and seniors 62+ | Free for veterans, kids under 4
- More info
5. Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville
Folks used to travel far and wide to get a taste of the mineral water flowing through Monte Sano State Park. In fact, that’s what “Monte Sano” meansβit’s Spanish for “Mountain of Health.” You’ll have to try the water for yourself and let us know.
Amenities: Disk golf, planetarium, North Alabama Japanese Gardens, picnic pavilions, Monte Sano Event Lodge
Lodging: Cabins, camping + safari glamping tents
Activities: Hiking, biking, camping
- Address: 5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: 8AM-sunset, daily
- Park admission: $5, ages 12+ | $2 for kids 4+ and seniors 62+ | Free for veterans, kids under 4
- More info
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the great outdoors in Alabama? Let us know onΒ Instagram,Β FacebookΒ orΒ LinkedIn!Β