With warmer weather rolling in, now is the perfect time to get outside and explore some new places. Whether you are looking for a cool swim in front of a waterfall or a calm walk through peaceful woods, this list of outdoor excursions will have you covered. While places such as Red Mountain and Ruffner Mountain are great, there are a huge variety of spots just outside of Birmingham with great experiences to offer. So, here are eight nature spots — all less than 100 miles away from campus — that you should visit this summer!
Cheaha State Park
There truly could not be a list of best outdoor places in Alabama without mentioning the state’s oldest park. Cheaha is the main attraction of the Talladega National Forest, and for a good reason. It is home to some of the best waterfalls, hiking trails and backpacking campsites the state offers. The mountain is the southernmost tip of the vast Appalachian Mountain chain. One of the park’s most popular trails, the Pinhoti Trail, connects directly to the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Hiking can range from very easy to quite difficult, so make sure to do your research before taking off on a path. Clocking in at 80 miles from campus, the highest point in Alabama needs to be on your summer bucket list.
Little River Canyon
Coming in at just under 100 miles from UAB is Little River Canyon Nature Preserve. Waterfall-chasers, this one is for you. The massive and breathtaking falls are the area’s main attraction, with the Little River cascading over a bluff into a large pool of water below. The falls are easily accessible, with clearly posted signs and boardwalks along the way to guide you. Although the bottom of the falls may not be the safest place to swim, there are great watering holes just downstream if you want to jump into what is said to be the longest mountaintop river in the country. Look into Hippie Hole if you are interested. It’s located near other great spots on this list, but Little River Canyon is a must if you are in the area.
Wind Creek State Park
Positioned along the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Martin is the main swimming attraction on this list, Wind Creek State Park. There aren’t enough good things to say about the lake, and the state park is the best way to access it. Whether you would want to take advantage of the boat rentals to wet a line, bring your canoe or kayak down to explore the park via water or use the beach area to swim with friends, Wind Creek is your place. The campground is also one of the state’s nicest, though you may want to book your spot well in advance, as they tend to fill up a lot over the summer. Even if you aren’t staying the night, the calm waterfront picnic tables and red-clay riverbank hiking trails are well worth the 75-mile drive from campus. Also, if you are in the area, check out the Smith Mountain Fire Tower trail. The mile-long hike that gives you the best view of Lake Martin you can get.
Cahaba River Park
If you still want to take your canoe out with some friends but would rather wade down the river than paddle across the lake, then Cahaba River Park is your place. Located in Helena, just 36 miles from campus, this is one of the newest places to put in the Cahaba River and float. With multiple places to push off in Helena, including Buck Creek Park and Canoe the Cahaba, Cahaba River Park is a great place to end up. Even if you don’t float down the river to get there, the park is still a good spot for riverfront swimming and fishing. Another impressive thing about this quiet park is its 17 miles of hiking and biking trails crisscrossing through the woods near the river. This is an excellent spot for trail-bikers looking for less populated yet equally entertaining trails as those at Red Mountain Park. If you can make time to go during the week, you will feel like you have this little park all to yourself, making it a lot of fun to explore.
Tannehill Ironworks
The nearest entry on this list at just 30 miles from UAB is Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. The park hosts a variety of historical sites, such as the furnace that opened in 1830 and gives the park its name. The old, restored cotton gins and farmhouses add to the park’s ability to make you feel completely unplugged from the city while not being that far away. Some of the buildings are still operating, with blacksmiths and craftsmen showing off their skills to visitors out of pioneer cabins. The various hiking trails trace roadways used over 150 years ago and are pleasant and comfortable for those who may have less experience with challenging hikes. This is certainly the least physically taxing entry on the list. If you are looking for a peaceful time spent outdoors reconnecting with the area’s history, Tannehill cannot be recommended enough.
Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon is a gorge in northwest Alabama recognized by the National Natural Landmark Program. It provides one of the most special experiences one can have exploring nature in this state. The 1.5-mile hiking trail along the canyon floor will take you weaving through massive rocks and crisscrossing over the creek that flows from the stunning waterfall at the start of the canyon. The towering boulders that line the canyon create a dark and almost mystical feel to the area, and the caves are home to another great feature. At night during April and May, there are larvae known as “Dismalites” that line the canyon walls and give off a blue light to attract food. The result is dozens of glowing blue lights against a pitch-black backdrop, creating a scene that looks like stars on a clear night sky. If you can afford to take the 95-mile drive up one weekend and stay the night at their campground, then this experience will be well worth it.
Cherokee Rock Village
Probably one of the lesser-known places on this list but the one most deserving of an entry is Cherokee Rock Village. Located 87 miles from campus, this campground is nestled atop sandstone boulders (some as large as 200 feet) hanging off the side of Lookout Mountain. Cherokee Rock Village is a rock climber’s paradise, with over 200 routes for beginners and experts alike. If you are not a climber, you can still enjoy the stunning views of northeast Alabama that the park offers at their campground. Several hiking trails take you to the bottom of the cliffs, which are the best way to see just how impressive these stones are. The wind on the top of the mountain makes the campground a little colder at night than some of the other entries on this list, but in the warmer months, that may be appreciated. If you can make the time this summer, camping up on the boulders at Cherokee Rock Village has to be part of your plans.
Noccalula Falls
The last entry on our list is Noccalula Falls, the 90-foot waterfall cascading over a cliff into the Black Creek imbued with a unique history. There is a Native American legend that tells of a young Princess Noccalula who threw herself over the falls after refusing to go along with an arranged marriage. Her father, in his grief, named the area after his fallen daughter. There is now a statue of the princess right on the edge of the cliff in her memory. Not only does this park have history, but the falls are a true sight. Take the trail down to the bottom of the falls to get an even better idea of the sheer size of the cliff, although the water level will depend heavily on the amount of recent rainfall. After a stormy day this summer, take this easy 65-mile trip and see one of the prettiest waterfalls in the state.
BONUS: Walls of Jericho
Walls of Jericho is an honorable mention on this list because, although it is further than 100 miles from UAB, it is still a great place for more experienced hikers to enjoy themselves this summer. Up in Estillfork, just shy of the Tennessee border, sits one of the most rewarding hikes in the state: an 8.1-mile trek through the woods to a series of waterfalls spilling over limestone rock and into cool, blue pools of fresh water. This is another place where the experience may be affected by a lack of rain, but if you go when the water is running strong, this truly is a sight to see. Although it is a more challenging hike, the path is clearly marked the whole way to the falls, so there is no need to worry about getting lost. The trip can be made in a day, but getting an early start may be a good idea, especially if you plan on swimming in the water. A tip if you decide to make the journey: once you first get to the waterfall, keep going! There are more waterfalls further upstream that are well worth the extra bit of hiking.
