5 National & State Parks In Alabama You Have To Visit

From the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the sugar-white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama's diverse landscapes are just waiting to be explored. If that sounds like something you’d like to do, Alabama's 21 state parks, along with its federally protected areas, are ideal destinations. Home to some of the Southeast's most appealing scenery, Alabama’s preserved spaces include everything from deep canyons to unique coastal ecosystems, with dozens of beautiful waterfalls and vast woodlands thrown in for good measure. It's an especially attractive collection of natural splendor for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless year-round opportunities to explore Alabama at your own pace. Read on to find out more.

Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park hosts Alabama's highest point. Reaching 2,407 feet above sea level, this stunning region of exposed granite and ancient trees is to be found at the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It’s also surrounded by the Cheaha Wilderness and the even larger Talladega National Forest, a vast area that stretches for miles in all directions.

The star attraction is the stone Bunker Tower, also known as the Cheaha State Park Observation Tower. Completed in 1934, this impressive structure boasts panoramic views that stretch for miles across the surrounding valleys and ridges. You can park within feet of the summit, making Cheaha Mountain one of the most accessible highest points in the country. Check out the Rock Garden trail, which leads to one of the park's most scenic overlooks. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the Chinnabee Silent Trail along Cheaha Creek past Devil's Den Falls and Cheaha Falls. It’s particularly pretty in the fall.

In addition to rustic cabins and chalets, the park offers several camping experiences, including “primitive camping” near its highest point as well as on the shores of Cheaha Lake. The historic Bald Rock Group Lodge with its 12 bedrooms is ideal for group retreats or weddings, with incredible views as a backdrop. Other fun things to do in Cheaha State Park include geocaching, rock climbing, mountain biking on three dedicated trails, and ziplining.

When To Visit: Sunsets here provide spectacular photo opportunities any time of year. Spring’s wildflower season is ideal, too, as is fall’s foliage, which peaks from October through mid-November.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

One of the newer parks on this list (it was created by an Act of Congress in 1992), Little River Canyon National Preserve covers an area of 15,288 acres and protects one of the nation's longest mountaintop rivers, the Little River. Here, you’ll see tall sandstone cliffs towering up to 600 feet above the narrow canyon floor, some of them visible as you approach along the 12-mile-long Little River Canyon Rim Parkway.

In addition to its scenic drive and overlooks, three major waterfalls are located along the river’s route. These consist of Little River Falls at the beginning of the canyon; DeSoto Falls; and the seasonal Grace's High Falls, Alabama's highest waterfall at 133 feet. While just 45 feet tall, Little River Falls is popular as it features an accessible boardwalk leading to close-up views.

The river, one of the cleanest and wildest waterways in the South, is popular among experienced kayakers who tackle the class 3 and 4 rapids during high-water periods. You can learn more about the park and its stunning scenery at the Little River Canyon Center, which provides visitors with information and educational experiences.

When To Visit: Spring boasts the most impressive waterfall flows, especially after heavy rains, while fall adds a splash of color.

Oak Mountain State Park

Alabama's largest state park, Oak Mountain, covers close to 10,000 acres in Pelham and is just a short drive from Birmingham. Established in 1927, today it features more than 100 miles of trails ranging from short loops to longer overnight trips. One of the best, the nearly six-mile-long Red Road Trail was purpose-built for mountain biking.

Peavine Falls, accessed via well-marked trails that wind through forests along a rocky ridgeline, is also well worth a visit for its views. And if fishing’s your thing, the park has three well-stocked lakes with largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

Flip Side Watersports is perfect for sports lovers and features cable wakeboarding, an inflatable aquapark obstacle course, marina rentals, basketball and pickleball courts, an 18-hole golf course, as well as two great beaches. Be sure to include the Alabama Wildlife Center in your itinerary. This first-rate facility provides rehabilitation services to injured native birds, with resident birds viewable from its treetop nature trail. The nearby Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, with its interesting interactive exhibits about the region, is also worth visiting.

When To Visit: While spring and fall provide ideal temperatures for hiking and mountain biking, summer’s best for swimming or relaxing on the beaches.

Gulf State Park

If you’re a beach lover, then Gulf State Park is a must-visit. Set overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, here you’ll have the chance to enjoy 2.5 miles of white sand beaches, along with marshland, pine forests, and three spring-fed freshwater lakes, including Lake Shelby. Established in the 1930s and reconstructed after Hurricane Ivan’s devastation in 2004, new park additions include a fishing pier, a large swimming pool and adjacent splash pad, as well as an interactive nature center.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail network is a must-explore and features 28 miles of paved paths that wind through nine distinct ecosystems, including freshwater marshes, pine savannas, and coastal hardwood swamps. Several boardwalks and observation platforms overlook Lake Shelby, and activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling are also popular here.

There’s also a fun butterfly garden, along with a Nature Center and an Interpretive Center. For longer visits, check into the Lodge at Gulf State Park for modern accommodations, including lakeside cabins and cottages.

When To Visit: March through May is perfect with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. October through November provides excellent fishing and comfortable hiking weather.

DeSoto State Park

Located on Lookout Mountain, a few miles northeast of Fort Payne, DeSoto State Park features a fascinating diversity of natural splendor. Established in the 1930s, here you’ll find forests, rivers, and rugged mountain terrain bordering Little River, as well as the 104-foot DeSoto Falls. The state's highest waterfall (measured by a single drop rather than its cascade), you’ll want to have your camera ready for this remarkable sight.

The park also has more than 35 miles of hiking trails and 11 miles of mountain biking trails, making it ideal for those who enjoy both pastimes. There’s also the Azalea Cascade Boardwalk, which leads to a large deck positioned over the pool created by the cascade; it’s an especially pleasant place to hang out when wild azaleas bloom in mid-April.

Other waterfalls include Indian Falls, which drops 20 feet into a small ravine; Laurel Falls with its 6-foot cascade; and the seasonal Lost Falls. The park also features accommodations, including a lodge, cabins, and chalets, as well as campsites. The park's Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is also worth stopping at and celebrates the group’s work here and throughout Alabama state parks.

When To Visit: Fall color peaks from early October through mid-November. Spring brings wildflowers from March through May, along with the best waterfall flows.

The Bottom Line

There’s little doubt that Alabama's state and national parks have done a great job of preserving an extraordinary range of natural landscapes. Rivaling any such areas of outstanding natural beauty in the Southeast, these five parks provide accessible wilderness experiences, all within easy reach of major cities, making them ideal for daytrips. Add to this mix their camping and lodging facilities, and you’ll agree that Alabama deserves recognition as an outdoor destination worth exploring at any time of year.