Alabama is spoiled for choice when it comes to state parks. The southern state has a variety of landscapes from beaches to caverns to cascading waterfalls. Most of the state parks were built with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930s. Today, you’ll see many trails, lodges, and handcrafted structures still standing due to the efforts of these young men across various state parks.
Here is the list of the top 10 state parks in Alabama:
1. Monte Sano State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
In Spanish, Monte Sano means ‘Mountain of Health’ which is fitting for this beautiful area as it was once the destination for diphtheria, cholera, and yellow fever sufferers. These visitors traveled to the mountain as a holistic retreat – looking to soak in the fresh air, spectacular views, and mineral springs in the late 1800s.
Today, the park features 14 CCC-built rustic cottages, picnic areas, a Japanese garden, hiking trails, a planetarium, a camp store, and an RV campground with 89 sites. The cottages are built in Arts and Crafts style with hand-crafted stone fireplaces and original wood flooring.
Monte Sano is great for hiking or mountain biking but not the best for trail runs as there is a bit of steep loose rock. The cost of entrance is $5 per adult and it’s a quick 15-minute drive east from downtown Huntsville.
2. Cathedral Caverns State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
When you arrive at Cathedral Caverns State Park, you’ll be greeted by a grand 126-foot-wide entrance, all naturally formed by Mother Nature. This is an incredible cave system that takes approximately an hour and a half to explore. The earliest traces of human habitation in the cave can be traced back to 8,000 years ago. To enter the caves, you’ll have to pay $20 for a tour guide which is well worth the experience. Film and flash photography are permitted and there’s even a laser projection display at the end. One of the largest stalagmites in the world measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference called Goliath can be found here. Cathedral Caverns is around a 30-minute drive from Huntsville which was named the number one place to live this year by the U.S. News & World Report. This is one of the ‘coolest’ underground adventures that you can’t miss when in northern Alabama.
3. DeSoto State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
DeSoto State Park is truly beautiful to kayak, fish, boulder, hike, rent cabins, or just drive up and go see the beautiful waterfalls. The impressive 107-foot DeSoto falls is in a separate area from the main park, just a short drive north located off Highway 129. Like many state parks in Alabama, DeSoto was developed by the CCC in the late 1930s. The CCC built many areas including the lodge, restaurant, and cabins. There’s no entrance fee and an accessible parking lot. To note, the trails may not be clearly marked so come prepared with maps and your best wayfinding skills.
4. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach State Park is in southern Alabama right on the Gulf of Mexico. This wonderful park has lots of amenities and even has a nature center offering weekly activities. Campers will be delighted to find spacious sites with full hookups and reliable Wi-Fi. There’s a laundry facility, a pool, trails, tennis courts, and a beautiful, white sandy beach and pier across the street. The park has free admission, ample parking, and complimentary bikes located throughout the park. Kayaking the lake during sunset is also highly recommended. The park is about an hour’s drive from Pensacola, Florida – known for its pristine, relaxing beaches. Pensacola is also a relatively safe city with a lower than the national average violent and property crime rate.
5. Oak Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Alabama’s largest state park is Oak Mountain State Park. This vast 11,632-acre playground offers a plethora of activities including camping, water sports, swimming, hiking, golfing, a basketball court, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and much more. Entrance is $5 per person and all the grounds and restrooms are very well-maintained. The closest major city is Birmingham, which is only 30 minutes north of the park.
6. Chewacla State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Chewacla State Park is just a short 10-minute drive from Auburn University and about 150 miles from Birmingham. The state park has extensive hiking and mountain bike trails that are lovingly maintained. Both natural and manmade waterfalls can be found throughout the park. However, the most popular one is a manmade waterfall located on the backside of the 26-acre lake. Creek View and CCC are both popular intermediate trails within the park. Planning to stay overnight? Campsites are available and each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. The bathrooms are, however, a bit primitive. But hey, you’re camping already so why not go in the great outdoors?
7. Wind Creek State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Hugging the shores of scenic Lake Martin is Wind Creek State Park. This state park is home to Aerial Adventure Park where you can experience a rush of adrenaline while exploring beautiful tree canopies from 70 feet in the air. Wind Creek also has a swimming beach, putt-putt golf, and a horse-riding trail near the campground.
The beautiful campground sits right on the lake. Some of the sites along the shore do not have sewers, but almost all the other sites have full hookups. There are many sections to choose from, each with a beautiful view.
8. Cheaha State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Cheaha State Park is home to Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state, rising 2,413 feet above sea level. The park is stunningly beautiful and has great hiking trails, waterfalls, a museum, a lodge, chalets, cabins, hotels, camping grounds, and a restaurant. The park offers a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that leads to a great view. Cheaha State Park was even awarded TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award in 2020 for consistently earning high user reviews.
9. Roland Cooper State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
In southwest Alabama, you’ll find Roland Cooper State Park which offers access to the Alabama River. This spot is a peaceful place perfect for birding, fishing, and camping. You may encounter various raptors, waterfowl, songbirds, bald eagles, and even osprey. Although the décor in the cabins may be a tad outdated, beds are comfortable, satellite TV is available, and necessities like firewood are available at the main office. The availability, helpfulness, and friendliness of the staff are unparalleled at this humble state park. The closest major city is Montgomery which is about 77 miles northeast of the park.
10. Lakepoint Resort State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
Lakepoint Resort State Park sits right on Lake Eufaula, or ‘The Big Bass Capital of the World.’ This state park borders Georgia and is about an hour and a half drive from Montgomery. Lakepoint offers a full-service restaurant and lounge, a marina, hiking trails, a campground, a swimming complex, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The lake is popular for fishing but don’t jump in to swim as there are alligators!
The Heart of Dixie
Thinking of moving to Alabama? Check out the best places to live in Alabama and when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.
Rakini Bergundy was born in a little surf town called Houhai in China and loves writing. She’s passionate about dogs, home renovations, and politics.
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