Alabama, known for its inland waterway system, is located in the southeastern part of the U.S., bordered by Mississippi to the west, Georgia to the east, Tennessee to the north, and both Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.
The Tennessee River cuts through northern Alabama, forming many creeks, streams, rivers, mountains and lakes. Here, you’ll find popular hiking areas in and around Birmingham, the largest city.
People often think Alabama is flat, says Callie Thornton. A hike on the Pinhoti Trail is the quickest way to prove them wrong.
The hardwood forests, scalped cliffs, and sandstone caves of northern Alabama are good any time of year, but they’re hard to beat with fall’s mild temperatures and electric foliage. It’s time to reap the rewards of the South’s best season.
Skyline Wildlife Management Area, Alabama
Our field scout explores Orange Beach, Alabama.
Get the best of summer (waterfalls, swimming, beaching) with the best of fall (mild temps and colorful foliage) on this overnight through DeSoto State Park. BY VICTORIA STOPP
Camp in comfort at DeSoto State Park, rent this three-sided shelter for a family weekend of hiking, biking, and swimming under southern waterfalls.
This easy 3.4-mile dayhike skirts the swift waters of the Little River, then gently climbs to clifftop views of a deep river canyon in DeSoto State Park.
This 4.8-mile hike zigs along photogenic Mill Shoal Creek and leads to scenic, out-of-the-way waterfalls in Talladega National Forest.
Stroll through a tableau of pine-studded foothills past a secluded lake, then climb to a steep saddle on this 7.5-mile loop in Oak Mountain State Park.
Explore seasonal waterfalls, mellow woods, and a large quarry on this moderate 4.5-mile loop along the relatively steep flanks of Monte Sano Mountain.
Hike 'Bama's longest trail to reach its highest peak on this 20.6-mile out-and-back near the southern anchor of the Appalachian Mountains.
See gators, sea turtles, and life-list birds on this 3.7-miler in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, one of the Gulf Coast's last undeveloped tracts.
Ford creeks and rivers and traipse past rocky overlooks on this 17.6-mile loop along Alabama's secluded Pinhoti Trail.
Traverse old-growth forest and clamber over sandstone boulders on this 13-mile hike in Alabama's premier wilderness area.
Escape to solitude and panoramic ridge views on this 12-mile loop in Talladega National Forest.
Waterfalls, wildflower caches, stunning limestone canyons: this 7-miler hits the highlights of a unique Alabama backcountry preserve.
Wander a 4.2-mile figure 8 that tours rhododendron clusters, rock formations, and serene cascades in a diverse hardwood forest near the Alabama-Georgia state line.
This trio of trails tours the rim of a ravine down to a waterfall that plunges 104-feet into an aquamarine pool feeding DeSoto Falls Lake.
This short hike is a lesser used approach to view Desoto Falls from the canyon rim. Views of the falls and river are beautiful.
Outdoor pros Sheri and Randy Propster will share their trail-tested tips in more than 60 events across the nation in 2012.
Go from the path of racecars to the path of a high point.