Chewacla State Park
Caitlyn White
Chewacla State Park’s 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation, just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails. Chewacla State Park is located at 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, in Auburn, Alabama. For more information, click here. Lake Chewacla is perfect for reeling in bream, bass, crappie and catfish or taking a dip off the beach area. Chewacla State Park is a gorgeous place to visit and explore, the team from CAMP have done an outstanding job on the trails and the lake is always beautiful. A visit to Chewacla State Park is worth the trip from anywhere.
Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave National Monument is nothing short of an archaeological wonder! This gorgeous cave, is located at 3729 County Road 98 in Bridgeport Alabama. For more information on the park, click here. Russell Cave is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. No matter what day of the week that you come to visit Russell Cave, you can always participate in the self-guided tour out to the cave shelter. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, you can sidestep onto our 1.2-mile hiking trail just off the boardwalk on your way out to the cave shelter. This mossy and sometimes broken in places, asphalt loop offers an escape to nature as you walk among the native trees and plants that line the path. This trail is steep and can be strenuous for some, so be prepared with proper shoes and water. Picnic benches can be found around the parking area of Russell Cave.
Rickwood Cavern State Park
What makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that contains 260-million-year-old formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed. If you’re looking to cool off from the sweltering summer temperatures or warm up during those cold winter months, this underground wonder maintains a constant 58-62 degree temperature year round as you travel 175 feet beneath the earth. Visit anytime of year to experience the wonder of Rickwood Caverns Cave Tours. Rickwood Caverns State Park is located at 370 Rickwood Park Rd, in Warrior, Alabama. For more information, click here.
DeSoto State Park
DeSoto State Park is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away. DeSoto State Park is located at 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, in Fort Payne, Alabama. For more information, click here. Whether a nature hobbyist, outdoor enthusiast, or sporting fanatic – DeSoto State Park has plenty to do to keep you pleasantly entertained. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, cycling, rappelling, bouldering, picnicking, wildflower expeditions, and just exploring nature – they literally have it all! There is a plethora of outdoor activities you can enjoy at DeSoto State Park, including swimming, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and chasing waterfalls!
Little River Canyon
NPS / Matt Switzer
Beautiful waterfalls, breath-taking overlooks, wooded trails, and peaceful picnic areas – Little River Canyon has something for everyone. The Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The 15,288 acre preserve spans from Fort Payne, Alabama down to Cedar Bluff, Alabama. The Visitor Center is located on AL Hwy 35. The entrance is located on the left just before you cross the AL Hwy 35 Bridge (Fort Payne side). For more information, click here. Little River Canyon is made up of forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Little River Canyon is open year-round from sunrise to sunset! This is a day use only park and camping is prohibited.