Your Guide to Outdoor Activities in Alabama
Located in the southeastern region of the United States, Alabama’s name is believed to have originated from the Choctaw language. With the second-largest inland waterway system in the US, many travel to this state to experience all that the Alabama waterways have to offer! Geographically, the rest of the state is ⅗ gentle plain with some mountainous regions in the Northern region. The Tennessee River cuts through these mountains, creating a vast, beautiful array of streams, creeks, and waterways leading down towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Hiking and Backpacking
Because of the variations in geography through the state, just about everyone can find enjoyment in hiking or backpacking through a variety of trails catering to a multitude of physical abilities. Rough outdoor trails in the mountains of Alabama lie in stark contrast to some of the gentler paved walkways for a more casual outdoorsman.
If you’re planning to do a little hiking or backpacking in the Yellowhammer State, check out a few of these sites:
Little River Canyon: Located in northeastern Alabama, Little River Canyon is host to the Eberhart Trail. This canyon boasts the title as the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi and is a must-see for the veteran hiker/backpacker.
Conecuh Trail: Located in Conecuh National Forest, this trail is a great starting point for novice hikers. If you’re near Andalusia, this 20-mile starter path can help beginners experience the outdoors at a more casual pace.
Pinhoti Trail: Running from the southern end of the Talladega National Forest northward to Georgia, this trail is one of the most famous in the region and tops out at around 100 miles long.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
The variety of terrains within Alabama make it a great location for casual cyclists and avid mountain bikers alike. Additionally, there are many different types of sites to visit via cycle including the vast plains, rocky mountains, and overlooks to the Gulf.
If you’re planning a cycling trip, check out these trails (taking into consideration your comfort and experience levels):
Horseblock/Cheaha Mountain Ride: This tougher biking route covers 40 miles from Anniston up Cheaha Mountain to the highest point in Alabama. If you plan to attempt this one, be sure that you’ve stocked your bike for a rough ride, and consider your own fitness level before executing the trip.
Chief Ladia Trail: Extending 40 miles from Anniston eastward to the Alabama/Georgia line, this route provides a more leisurely pace, as it’s a converted rails-to-trails site. This paved former rail bed is a fairly casual trail and can be enjoyed by many levels of cyclist experience.
Eastern Shore Trail: If you’re looking to take in the sites of the Gulf Coast, consider this trail for its mixture of cycling adventure and shoreline scenery. The trail runs for 24 miles as a winding pedestrian/cycle path from the U.S.S.
These are just a few popular outdoor adventures to choose from in the great state of Alabama, but keep in mind that the waterways also provide even more in the way of activity and recreation. Check out Alabama Outdoor Adventures <<HERE>> to get more information on kayaking, boating, rock climbing, birding, and any other type of outdoor activity you seek!
