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Nature|Mountains

These 8 Epic Mountains In Alabama Will Totally Drop Your Jaw

Alabama offers numerous picturesque mountains with incredible views and recreational opportunities.

Updated Oct 2, 2022

Written by 

Jennifer Young

No matter what part of the state you're in, there are many picturesque mountains in Alabama. Sure, some are a great deal higher than others, but each of them offer incredible views. Some of these mountains also offer great recreational opportunities. It's no wonder that people keep coming back to them time and time again! Here are eight of our favorite mountains in Alabama that are definitely worth checking out next time you're looking for an adventure:

1. Cheaha Mountain - Delta

Lush green mountains stretch into the distance under a cloudy sky, creating a serene, misty landscape.
wikimedia commons

With an elevation of 2,411 feet above sea level, Cheaha Mountain is the highest natural point in the Cotton State. You'll find the mountain at the state park that shares its name, and it's no wonder this is one of the most-visited state parks in Alabama. The trail here will give you some of the most incredible views in the entire state.

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2. Lookout Mountain - DeKalb County

A couple sits on a rocky ledge, overlooking a lush valley and river at sunset, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.
Lookout Mountain Alabama/Facebook

Lookout Mountain spans three states: Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. This is an amazing spot that features beautiful waterfalls, lovely canyons, unique villages, and so much more. No matter the season, it's the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of Alabama. This mountain just might be the most beautiful place in Alabama.

3. Monte Sano Mountain - Huntsville

Lush green hills under a cloudy sky, with layers of mountains fading into the distance.
flickr/emdoylethemick

Monte Sano Mountain is located in Madison County. It's a horseshoe-shaped mountain with an elevation of 1,621 feet. The name "Monte Sano" means "mount of health" in Italian. The state park that's named for it is a great Alabama day trip that will make you feel miles away from your troubles.

4. McDill Point - Oxford

A panoramic view of rolling green hills under a clear sky, with a tree branch in the foreground.
flickr/Thomas Wolff

McDill Point has an elevation of 2,188 feet. It's the ninth-highest mountain in Alabama. One thing that is unique about this mountain is a trail to a plane wreck from 1972.

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5. Red Mountain - Birmingham

A panoramic view of a colorful autumn forest with a city skyline in the distance under a clear blue sky.
facebook/Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain is part of the Ridge-and-Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains. It's also home to Red Mountain Park, an adventure park with plenty to entertain you, from hiking to biking and zip-lining.

6. Talladega Mountains

Lush green mountains under a blue sky with fluffy clouds, showcasing a serene natural landscape.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

The Talladega Mountains contain the state's highest peaks. The range runs through parts of Cherokee, Calhoun, Cleburne, Talladega, and Clay Counties. The Talladega Mountains also contains the longest hiking path in Alabama: perfect for an afternoon adventure!

7. Bald Rock Mountain - St. Clair County

A panoramic view of a lush green landscape under a cloudy sky, with distant mountains fading into the horizon.
wikimedia commons

Bald Rock Mountain has an elevation of 1,558 feet. It offers excellent hiking opportunities. The overlook here offers some of the best views in Alabama. It's accessible year-round and is beautiful in any season.

8. Shades Mountain - Hoover

Lush green hills under a clear blue sky, with trees and foliage in the foreground.
Friends of Shades Mountain

Shades Mountain includes all of Birmingham's Bluff Park neighborhood, in addition to portions of Vestavia Hills, Homewood, and Mountain Brook. This is such a beautiful place!

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Have you ever visited any of these amazing mountains in Alabama? Have any other favorites that you think belong on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Nature|Mountains

Climb 111 Steps To The Top Of The Smith Mountain Fire Tower In Alabama And You Can See Across Beautiful Lake Martin

Smith Mountain Fire Tower in Alabama offers breathtaking views of Lake Martin after a short hike and climb.

Published Jan 5, 2023

Written by 

Jennifer Young

There are many places in Alabama that offer an incredible view. While some of these places are easy to access, others require quite a climb. One of these places that you'll have to climb in order to enjoy the view is the historic Smith Mountain Fire Tower. To learn all about the Smith Mountain Fire Tower in Alabama, including what it takes to reach the top, take a look below.

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Alabama's Smith Mountain Fire Tower is located in Jackson's Gap and is accessible via the Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail, which is simply known as the “Smith Mountain Fire Tower Trail.”

Wooden sign marking the entrance to the "Walnut County Smith Mountain Trail," surrounded by trees and greenery.
google/luke lewis

The

Smith Mountain Fire Tower Trail is an easy, 0.7-mile loop trail that's enjoyed by hikers all year long.

A person walks along a trail in a wooded area with bare trees and fallen leaves.
google/Brian Jones

Since opening to the public in 2012, this fire tower has welcomed hikers of all ages from across the state of Alabama and beyond.

A tall metal observation tower surrounded by pine trees under a partly cloudy sky.
google/Justin Osborne

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower, which was originally built in 1939 by Alabama Power Company, is approximately 90 feet tall. In fact, you'll have to climb 111 steps to reach the top of it.

A spiral staircase viewed from below, featuring metal and wooden steps with a clear sky above.
google/Nina Hollingsworth

While atop of this historic fire tower, you'll get to experience beautiful views of Lake Martin. Interestingly, Lake Martin is one of the United States' largest man-made lakes.

View from a lookout tower overlooking a lake surrounded by lush greenery and distant hills under a clear blue sky.
google/Gabriel R.Laurin

And finally, the moment you experience these breathtaking views of Lake Martin, it won't take long before realizing the climb to the top of the fire tower was more than worth it.

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A scenic view of lush green islands and lakes under a partly cloudy sky.
google/Ethan Gregory

Have you ever climbed the Smith Mountain Fire Tower in Alabama? If so, what did you think of the view? Was it well worth the climb? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

For more information about Lake Martin, be sure to take a look at the following article: Alabama’s Lake Martin Is One Of The South’s Greatest Lakes And It’s Easy To See Why.

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Nature|Mountains

7 Overlooks In Alabama That Burst With Fall Color Every Year

Published Sep 12, 2022

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Here in Alabama, we're very fortunate to be able to experience all four seasons, especially fall. Fall is such a beautiful time of year because of its colorful foliage. Listed below are seven overlooks in Alabama you'll definitely want to visit this fall because you'll get to experience gorgeous views bursting with colors. Don't forget to add these overlooks to your fall bucket list.

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1. Cheaha Mountain

A panoramic view of rolling hills covered in autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.
flickr/Melissa Johnson

Cheaha Mountain is Alabama's highest natural point, making it the perfect spot to visit during the fall season. The colorful foliage is as breathtaking as the unforgettable view.

2. Little River Falls Overlook

A scenic view of a waterfall cascading into a serene pool, surrounded by autumn foliage and rocky terrain.
google/Shannon Sandlin

Located within Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne is the Little River Falls Overlook. The view of Alabama's Little River Falls from this overlook is amazing during the fall season.

3. Crow Point Overlook

A scenic overlook of a river winding through autumn-colored hills and trees, with stone railings in the foreground.
google/Jitka Kacerova

Just like the Little River Falls Overlook, Alabama's Crow Point Overlook is also located within Little River Canyon National Preserve. This overlook offers an amazing view of the canyon below, and you'll also be able to see where Bear Creek and Little River joins each another. Alabama's Crow Point Overlook is a great spot to view beautiful fall colors.

4. Inspiration Point

A scenic view of rolling hills and trees in autumn colors, with a golf course visible in the foreground.
flickr/Kerry Sanders

Inspiration Point is located within Palisades Park in Oneonta, Alabama. It's one of the state's most beautiful city parks, especially during the fall season.

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5. King's Chair Overlook

A panoramic view of a forested landscape with autumn colors, seen from a rocky overlook under a cloudy sky.
alltrails/Mariah Snipes

Alabama's King's Chair Overlook is located in Pelham at Oak Mountain State Park, the state's oldest state park. This overlook includes a massive rock outcropping, which resembles a king's chair. When visiting this overlook during the fall season, you'll be able to see miles and miles of rich and beautiful fall colors.

6. Jim Lynn Overlook Area

A panoramic view of a forested hillside with autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.
google/Jitka Kacerova

The Jim Lynn Overlook Area is located at the end of Point Rock Trail in Buck's Pocket State Park. It offers an incredible view of the canyon below, and the surrounding foliage during the fall season is definitely worth the hike getting there.

7. Ruffner Mountain

A panoramic view of a city skyline surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.
flickr/Alby Headrick

Ruffner Mountain, which is located in Birmingham, offers a wonderful view of the city's skyline. During the fall season, this view is bursting will gorgeous colors.

Have you ever experienced a view from one of these seven overlooks during the fall season? If so, what did you think? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

To learn more about Cheaha Mountain, be sure to take a look at the following article: Few Alabamians Know That Cheaha State Park Was The First State Park In Alabama.

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