The Best Chillin in Alabama

This park is fairly small and definitely off the beaten path on Alabama's back roads, so be sure to pay attention to which streets you're on.From Birmingham or Chattanooga, take Interstate 59 to Exit 218 in Fort Payne. Take Highway 35 West to Rainsville, then turn left onto Highway 75. Follow Hig...

The pin leads you to the parking lot of Oak Mountain State Park. To get into Oak Mountain State Park there is a $5 fee. From the parking lot, the trail head is easily visible and right across the road. The trails split in a couple of different directions at the trail head, but to go to the King's...

Acapulco Rock is a great spot for cliff jumping for all ages. There are plenty of spots to jump from varying heights. Acapulco Rock (also referred to as Chimney Rock) is accessible only by water. Following the pin provided will lead you straight to the rock.In summer, you can expect a good crowd ...

Park at the little league baseball fields that are across the road from the access point where the trail meets the road on the southeastern corner of the preserve that you can see on the map. Hike up a gentle incline NW on the Ridge and Valley Trail for about fifteen minutes to the trail intersec...

The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. Afte...

Little Falls, also referred to as Martha Falls  and the “Hippie Hole” by the locals, is a popular swimming hole a part of Little River Canyon National Preserve, located along the state line of Alabama and Georgia. Perks include free parking and free admission. Drive up Lookout Mountain and pull i...

Around 5pm, we hiked down the only clearly marked trail that departs from the parking lot. The path begins with gentle switchbacks and great views of the forest, occasionally passing by small waterfalls, sinkholes, and caves; and arriving at the Hurricane Creek crossing (log with handrail) after ...

Start hiking at Cheaha Trailhead, located at the far end of a parking area just before you get to Cheaha State Park on Highway 281. Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overl...

Bald Rock is maybe the most easily accessible views I have ever experienced. This is not to lessen the beauty of the location, but to convey that this spot is quite fool-proof, and can be enjoyed by literally anyone. However, I do recommend this view at sunrise during the summer because of how cr...

We camped in a rooftop tent, but many people used traditional tents and hammocks. After purchasing a camping permit, drive right up to your campsite. There are three general camping areas.First is the more exposed (to the often strong winds) campsites along the tops of the cliffs that are closest...

The location of the pin leads you to a gravel road with a gated entrance. Park at the white gate and start to hike up the gravel road. The hike is not very strenuous and the waterfall is pretty easy to find. As you hike up the road for a little while the road will fork. Go left at the fork and co...

There are several places you can drop your kayak in. This is one of the more accessible spots. Another popular spot for dropping in your kayak is located on Grants Mill Road. If coming from I459, it will be on your left shortly after passing Church of the Highlands. We opted to drop our kayaks in...

Lake Nicol has several miles of unofficial trails that circle the west bank of the lake which features up to forty foot cliffs that provide both cliff jumping and an excellent view of the lake. Lake Nicol also has a boat/kayak/canoe launch area right next to the parking area. Nicol is over three ...

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower is the perfect location to get a glimpse of the vastness of one of the largest man made lakes in the United States. From the parking lot, the stroll up to the base of the fire tower follows a steep pathway for about a half mile. The hike is very easy to follow and th...

Moss Rock has abundant parking, and easy access to all climbing areas. There is no fee for use or facilities, however there are several small local restaurants and often times a food truck within walking distance of the parking lot.There are two major bouldering areas as well as hiking trails and...

Horse Pens 40 is a very well known place for bouldering throughout Alabama. The parking and location arepretty well-marked with signs as you get closer to arriving. Once you arrive and park at Horse Pens, you need to go inside the store to fill out a waiver and pay $6.50 to climb. The bouldering ...