Alabama State Parks

Nestled in the foothills of the lower Appalachian Mountains, this state park is enveloped in natural beauty. The six-acre Lake Cheaha provides families with the opportunity to engage in fishing, swimming, and paddle boating.

Split in two by the waters of the Tennessee River, which feed into the 70,000 acre Wheeler Lake, this state park resort offers a wide variety of family-friendly water sports and activities.

Close to the gorgeous white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf State Park has a wide variety of activities and adventure for all ages. The largest pier in the Gulf is located in the park and is open for fishing with equipment rentals. Weekly educational programs allow visitors to explore the wildlife and eco-system of the area. Bicycle, segway, and kayak rentals provide families with fun alternative ways of exploring the park.

At just shy of 10,000 acres, with 50 trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty, the Oak Mountain State Park is one of Alabama's most popular locations for hiking, as well as biking. Beginner hikers have short loop options, while experienced hikers will enjoy the possibilities for longer overnight backpacking trails.

Twenty trails offer twenty-two miles of hiking, from easy to extremely difficult. There is much to explore if you are interested in a simple stroll through the gorgeous natural surroundings. However, if you are looking for a challenge, the 5.5-mile Arrowhead Trail will present even the most seasoned hikers with some trials.

This park, located at the confluence of the Tombigbee and Alabama River gives a unique perspective of the area. This Mobile Bay watershed area is rife with natural wonders and is a habitat for numerous bird species. Two self-guided trails with boardwalks wind through the wetlands providing glimpses of such treasured birds as Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, American White Pelicans, and Clapper Rail.

Opportunities for adventure abound in this Lookout Mountain locale. Anything that gets your heart and adrenaline pumping, form 25 miles of mountain biking thrills to bouldering and repelling pursuits, will be found in this mountaintop wonderland.

For high flying fun, Wind Creek Aerial Adventures offers zip lines that soar over the park as high as 70 feet, and up to 750 feet long. Experience unparalleled views as you sail high above Lake Martin.

In partnership with Central Alabama Mountain Peddlers (CAMP), an official chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Chewacla State Park has developed an extraordinary series of mountain biking trails throughout the park. Those that are new to the sport will appreciate the opportunities for practice. On the other hand, expert bikers will want to tackle the challenging 8-mile For Pete's Sake Trail.