The Best Swimming 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...

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 ...

Little River Falls is a popular site within the Little River Canyon National Preserve, a 12 mile long, 600 ft deep canyon.The 45-foot falls can be accessible from two different vantage points – either via a paved but steep path from the parking lot down to an overlook, or by driving to a higher l...

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 ...

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 ...

I'll be honest, I've gotten a little caught up (obsessed) in the Overland hype the past few weeks and wanted to get out and explore. I didn't want to start off with anything crazy knowing the kids would lose interest pretty quickly. I sat at my desk and did some research and I'm glad that I did. ...

The point on the map takes you to a small pull off on the side of the road. Park here and walk over the small dirt mound blocking vehicles from going down the trail. It is less than half a mile to the top of the falls. This is the easy part of the hike though. There is a small trail that leads do...

There are two access points to the park from the Parking lot area. The first is just up the road to the east of the top of the parking area, this is the trailhead to the exit portal trail, which is about .2 miles to reach the central hub. From the hub, there are two separate loops that wind throu...

Lake Harris opens one hour prior to sunrise and closes one hour after sunset. No camping is allowed nor are motor vehicles allowed on this serene lake. From Lake Nicol Road, turn onto the dirt trail, Lake Harris Road. Follow Lake Harris Road for approximately three miles until you encounter the l...

Orange Beach is roughly 7 miles long and features many public beach access areas; I parked at the Gulf State Park Cotton Bayou Beach Access area. This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161, nestled between some of the most popular condominiums in the area. T...

Devil's Den Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Cheaha State Park. This is a state park within Talladega National Forest. The easiest access is from Lake Chinnabee which is about one mile round trip from the parking area. It can also be accessed from Turnipseed campground, but that is about six mil...

The Deadening Alpine Trail, that name just reeks of adventure. It is about half way between Birmingham to the north, and Montgomery to the south, (The Deadening Alpine Trailhead, 354 Long Branch Dr. Dadeville, AL 36853). It runs through an isolated area on Lake Martin, which is a popular playgrou...

This is an iconic spot in central Alabama. It is below the great fishing lake Jordan, and above the most common entry for the Coosa River kayaking adventure. Approximately a one mile hike from the dam to the boat launch. However, the rock formations you have to cross are not for the faint of hear...

Little Lake Willis in the Talladega National Forest is lost in time. It was built in 1954. This place has few visitors. It is a stream fed 22-acre lake. Lost in the forest. Great fishing hole (bass, bream, and catfish) in a narrow southern Appalachian valley. No motorized boats permitted.  It is ...