There are many beautiful places in Alabama. As a matter of fact, some of these places are so beautiful that they're basically 'Heaven on Earth.' One place in particular that fits this descriptor perfectly is Ruffner Mountain.
Ruffner Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve that covers 1,038 acres and is located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Iron ore mining was the primary activity that took place on Ruffner Mountain during the late 1800s to the 1950s. Today, the mountain offers a great view of what was once the quarry.
There are 14 trails located throughout the preserve that are used for hiking, running and wildlife viewing. These trails are open to the public every day from dawn until dusk.
Have you ever explored this beautiful spot in Alabama? For more beautiful places in Alabama that are perfect for exploring, hop on the highway for our road trip to scenic places in Arizona. We've even got a road trip packing list for you to help you get out there even faster!
You Might Be Surprised to Hear the Predictions About Alabama’s Damp and Cold Upcoming Winter
Discover the Farmers' Almanac 2024-2025 winter forecast for Alabama, predicting a mild but damp season with average temperatures and higher precipitation due to El Niño.
Are you ready for what’s coming this winter in Alabama? The Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in Alabama predictions are in. The Farmers’ Almanac has been a relatively reliable source for long-range weather forecasts since 1818. For those of us who know how the weather in Alabama seems to turn on a dime, it may seem funny to see the words “reliable” and “long-range weather forecast” in a sentence. However, those who swear by the almanac claim it has as much as 85 percent accuracy. With that in mind, it’s worth a look into what the Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for Alabama has to say. If the predictions are accurate, we can expect a mild but damp winter season and a “wet winter whirlwind” for the rest of the country.
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Overall, Alabama’s 2024-2025 winter predictions call for average temperatures, which translates to around 48 F for the entire state and varies a bit depending on the region.
What won’t be considered average is our precipitation. The reason? The almanac is taking into account the possibility of an El Niño, which occurs when the water temperature off South America’s Pacific Coast is unusually high. Should it happen, the entire country can expect more wet conditions than normal.
While winter officially begins on December 21, the extended forecast predicts a “temperate, uneventful winter” for the upcoming season. Some regions including New England, as well as states in the north-central region of the U.S. and even the northern and central parts of adjacent states, can expect some frosty conditions, but overall the winter will be fairly mild.
If you’re a snowbird heading south soon, you might pack a little lighter than you usually would. As you aim to escape the more frigid conditions around your summer home, the extended forecast predicts a “warmish winter, with above-average temperatures” in store for Alabama and the Southeast region.
Instead of being caught off-guard by unpredictable temps, use them as a good reason to gear up for the winter. Check out REI’s wide selection of options for cold weather clothing, which is the best plan for fluctuating temps.
If you’re anything like me, you may be wondering what this means for the holiday season in Alabama and more specifically — snow on Christmas Day. Alabamians know to not count on it, but that doesn’t mean we’re not dreaming of it - or that it never happens. The chance of a white Christmas is not in our stars this year but we’ll keep on hoping that future winter weather predictions in Alabama will be extra frosty.
Even with the wet weather predictions this year, the Farmers’ Almanac points to historical NOAA National Weather Service data that gives Alabama a less-than-10 percent chance.
The coldest period in the Alabama winter predictions is for late November and late January into early February. Prepare now to embrace it by stocking up on hot chocolate, fuzzy blankets, and anything else to stay cozy. If you plan on traveling this year, be sure to check out our ultimate packing list for cold-weather essentials.
If you’re feeling the chilly temps and yet “not feeling it” about winter weather in general, it’s the perfect time to start gardening wish lists or holiday break plans for spring, which rolls back around on March 20.
For things to do during the season (and road conditions permit), check out these must-visit winter destinations in Alabama. Are you a devotee of the yearly winter forecasts? What do you think about the Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in Alabama predictions? Tell us below!
Besides being home to the hidden bamboo forest of Wilderness Park, the many artesian wells in Prattville, Alabama, are another natural phenomenon many folks don't seem to know.
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Autauga Creek Prattville Alabama
Prattville's artesian fountains give the historic town its nickname, "The Fountain City." Fed by underground aquifers, the fountains provide a continuous flow of fresh, pure water and are popular among locals – and visitors, too, once they hear about them.
For centuries, people throughout the world have relied on artesian wells for a reliable source of fresh water. At one point many years ago, Prattville's wells even helped supply the town's water system. Artesian wells form when water from an aquifer – a porous rock layer containing water – is pressurized between layers of impermeable rock. The pressure forces the water to rise and create a natural well that reaches the ground surface.
In 1933, the Prattville Progress recorded as many as 400 of these wells throughout the town and beyond. While the fountains have long been part of the town's identity, there are fewer today. Even so, you can visit four easy-to-find artesian wells in and around downtown.
These wells are located at the Prattaugan Museum, Heritage Park, the parking lot of First Baptist Church, and under a shelter on Doster Road. You'll often see people filling large bottles and other containers at these sites, especially the Doster Road Artesian Well House. The Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority and the City of Prattville partnered in 2001 to build the well house, which has become a gathering spot ever since. Some say it's the best water they've ever had! When there's a line, no one seems to sweat it, thanks in part to a nearby swimming hole and creek to enjoy.
To fully experience the history and charm of Prattville, book a stay in a beautiful historic home just two blocks from downtown. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house dates to 1880, just 41 years after the town's founding by early industrialist Daniel Pratt. It was Prattville's water supply and other natural resources like timber that led Pratt to choose this location for his cotton gin mill. Autauga Creek and other streams offered a reliable water supply critical to powering the machinery.
In late 2023, developers held a long-anticipated ribbon cutting for "The Mill at Prattville," the culmination of a reportedly eight-year, $37 million project to create 127 apartment units within renovated and repurposed mill buildings of the original factory on Autauga Creek. The mill and spillway are a focal point of the town's historic retail district, which is filled with cute shops, eateries, and some office space. A must-visit time of year? The winter holiday season. The entire area transforms into a wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink.
Did you already know about the artesian wells in Prattville, Alabama? If so, I guess I owe you a drink from one ... they're free, after all! All jokes aside, we'd love to hear about your experience there.
