Oakmountain 181103 162244 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks — Peavine Falls Rd in Oak Mountain State Park. (The Bama Buzz)

A little fun fact for you—June 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 time—why not start with this list of five state parks our team loves?

1. Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores

Img 7354 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks — (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

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

Img 7252 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

Img 7257 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

2. Cheaha State Park in Delta

Cheaha State Park 17 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks — Cheaha in the fall is so stunning. (The Bama Buzz)

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

Img 3992 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

Img 4073 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

3. De Soto State Park in Fort Payne

Img 6269 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks — Isn’t this view enchanting? (The Bama Buzz)

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 30 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

Img 6315 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

Img 6270 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

4. Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham

Oak Mountain State Park 5 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks — You can get this view at Oak Mountain State Park. (The Bama Buzz)

Alabama’s largest state park lies just outside its largest city—Oak 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

Oak Mountain State Park 13 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

Oak Mountain State Park 3 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks

5. Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville

19 Dsc05664 Alabama, Great Outdoors Month, State Parks — Dreaming of fall foliage again. (The Bama Buzz)

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” means—it’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