Parks
With high Appalachian ridges, winding rivers , crystal blue coastline and forested lowlands, Alabama is a natural wonderland. The state is fortunate to have many excellent parks that allow the public to take in the great beauty that surrounds us. Cheaha Resort State ParkAt 2,407 feet above sea level, the Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in the entire state. The park provides grand views of the Talladega National Forest, which surrounds the 2,799-acres of the park itself. Over 80 campsites, 10 cabins and a number of trails are available for outdoor enthusiasts. The Bald Rock Group/Conference Lodge was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, and is a popular site for weddings, business meetings, and family gatherings. A full-service restaurant on the side of Cheaha Mountain serves regional cuisine to compliment the stunning view. Vulcan Park (Birmingham)Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was chosen as a symbol for the city of Birmingham prior to the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The 56-foot cast iron stature (the world's largest) overlooks the city atop a 124-foot pedestal on Red Mountain. Recently restored to it's original state, the statue and adjoining observation tower are the centerpiece of Vulcan Park. The park hosts many outdoor events throughout the year, and the view of the city is unparalleled. Chewacla State ParkChewacla's facilities include 696 scenic acres for hiking, camping, and picnicking. Their 26-acre lake allows for boating, swimming and fishing. Conveniently located south of Auburn off I-85, Chewacla offers a convenient getaway. Frank Jackson State ParkFor those who love fishing, this 2050-acre park serves as the premier fishing destination with its 1000-acre stream-fed lake. Lake Jackson is great for swimming, and the park includes shoreline picnic areas, lakefront camping sites with cable TV hookups, and a modern bathhouse. Gulf State ParkJust east of Gulf Shores city limits lies Gulf State Park: more than 6,000 acres of lake, wooded trails, and white sand beaches. The showcase of the park is its 2 mile stretch of beach along the Gulf Coast, but the park also includes a 900-acre lake, an 18-hole public golf course, tennis courts, hundreds of campsites and a nature center. The park also has 20 modern cabins in two different sizes, some of which feature lakeside locations. Cathedral CavernsThe gaping entrance to Cathedral Caverns stretches 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. The inside of the caverns are even more impressive, with towering columns of stalagmites and incredible rock formations throughout the underground canyon. The cavern is open for tours year round, and maintains a 60-degree temperature that makes visits comfortable no matter how cold the weather outside is. |