Alabama is home to more than 20 amazing state parks, including Gulf State Park. Travel & Leisure recently named Gulf State Park the state's single best state park. For information about Gulf State Park, including why it's perfect for anyone wanting to explore the outdoors, take a look below.
Gulf State Park is located on Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast in Gulf Shores.
One of the many reasons Gulf State Park receives countless visitors each year is because it offers such a variety of recreational activities for all ages. From swimming, and...
For more information about Alabama's Gulf State Park, you can view its webpage here and its Facebook page here. Hours: Offices, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Trails/Picnic Areas, Sunrise to Sunset.
Have you ever explored Alabama's Gulf State Park? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below.
This State Park in Alabama Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem
Buck's Pocket State Park been compared to a miniature version of Great Smokey Mountain National Park, and it's every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest.
Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, Buck's Pocket State Park in Northern Alabama is undeniably one of the most naturally beautiful places in the state. It's situated atop Sand Mountain's plateau, offering sweeping views of the rugged, seemingly untouched landscape. Well-loved by locals, it's often described as one of Alabama's best-kept secrets. Come with us as we dive into what makes this park so visit-worthy.
advertisement
Buck’s Pocket State Park Alabama
Buck's Pocket State Park is located just outside of Oak Grove, Alabama, but it spans three counties (DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall). It's perhaps the most remote of all of Alabama's state parks, being tucked away in a natural pocket within the mountains. The name of the park is said to have been inspired by the presence of deer, specifically bucks, that once roamed the area by the hundreds.
Since 1971, the park has offered a treasure trove of outdoor attractions and amenities, ranging from equestrian trails to campgrounds and, of course, plenty of hiking options.
Of these trails, the Point Rock Trail to Jim Lynn Overlook is the most popular. The 2.3-mile trail is well-marked and features a waterfall and stunning overlook. Hikers have noted that the terrain is steep and can become quite rocky in some places, so excellent hiking shoes are recommended. Two other popular hiking trails include Buck's Pocket: Primitive Campground Trail and Indian House Trail.
For those interested in staying for longer than a day, a newly renovated campground is bound to impress. Campers will find 23 sites to choose from, some of which offer sewer and water hookups. There are currently 11 primitive campsites in the interior of the campground, and even more are planned for the future. So, whether you prefer RV camping or car camping, you'll find a site to accommodate you. An ADA-accessible campsite is also available. Folks appreciate the well-maintained campsites as well as the fact that the hosts are friendly and knowledgeable.
Another thing to note: the drive in and out of the park is windy and steep, so you'll want to take caution. However, this only underscores the fact that what you're experiencing is a rugged, unspoiled slice of Alabama nature at its finest. Be sure to arrive with all of the hiking and camping equipment that you need, but most importantly, leave it as beautiful as you find it! For more information on planning your trip to Buck's Pocket, you can visit the official Alabama State Parks website.
While Alabama’s fall foliage show starts in the northern part of the state, do not discount the wondrous wash of colors that extend far to the south. One such destination is the sprawling, 11,861-acre Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Established in 1927, it is the state’s oldest state park. It’s also the largest and a definite favorite among trail adventurers, especially when the leaves change each fall.
advertisement
The color of Autumn in Alabama
Located just 20 miles south of Birmingham in Pelham, the park has over 100 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrians. While some of that total is multi-use, a good amount is set aside for each of these groups so they can enjoy their chosen adventure to its fullest: 27 miles are for equestrians only; 32 are for hikers only; and 42 are for mountain bikers and hikers.
Since the whole park bursts with color during peak leaf season, it can be tough to pick one trail among these to be the “best.” That said, I am going with the Red Road Trail for its solid trail user ratings, the fact it’s considered moderate, and perhaps most of all, its 12.7-mile, out-and-back route. It’s long but not too tough for beginners and gives you ample time to take in the fall wonder of the dense forest surrounding you. And of course, you don’t have to do the whole thing, depending on how much time you have!
The Red Trail/Road begins at the North Trailhead on John Findley Drive, which is about six miles into the park from the front gate and about two miles in from the back gate. Other trails that start here are the White, Blue, North Lakes Connector, and Yellow trails. This trail is called a “road” because it follows an original logging road used by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the 1930s as they built out the park.
The admission fee to access the park is $5 for ages 12 to 61; $2 for ages 4 to 11; and $2 for ages seniors who are 62 or older. Admission is waived for kids who are age 3 or younger, as well as active or retired military members and veterans.
What makes fall colors so special here is the contrasts: The largest longleaf pine forest in Alabama soars from the grounds of Oak Mountain State Park, framing all of the color pops of the deciduous hardwoods. The park also has the largest known population of much shorter and endangered Boynton Oak Trees. There are two more rare species discovered in recent years here, too — the Georgia Aster and Alabama Sandstone Oak.
Rocky outcrops and creek crossings punctuate the trail, so wear sturdy and water-resistant shoes. Some hikers recommend leather boots to tackle the rocks comfortably. You’ll see hikers and mountain bikers on this trail, which includes easy walking on gentle inclines to steep ascents in some places, giving it that moderate difficulty rating.
Along the way, keep watch for the park's abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and dozens of bird species. If you’re doing the whole trail, pack snacks for a well-earned pause midway through. (As always, remember to pack up your trash and leave no trace.) Also, pups are welcomed as long as you keep them on a physical leash no longer than six feet in length. The park does have an off-leash, enclosed dog park for freer romping if needed.
Just a few other amenities you can enjoy at this massive park include fully renovated camping facilities, multiple picnic areas, and a golf course. If you’re like me and want a dose of education with your recreation, plan some time to visit the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center and Alabama Wildlife Center to learn more about the park’s history and the creatures who call it home.
If you've not taken this trail before, consider signing up for an AllTrails account to get more details and firsthand reviews from hikers about the Red Road Trail at Oak Mountain State Park. And if you're a frequent OMSP trail trekker, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this one!
