Most reviewed Nature & Wildlife Areas in Alabama


  1. 4.5 Alligator Alley (543 reviews)
    - Unexpected gem
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Alligator Alley image
    We were visiting Orange Beach from Kansas in late August, and I scoped this place out as something I thought my 4 year old would enjoy. It was a little drive from Orange Beach, but a great break from the sand for a day. I don't know what I expected, but this place was fantastic. It is very well maintained and the staff is super friendly. We were there for a feeding and the handler doing the feeding was entertaining, knowledgeable, and answered all sorts of questions. My daughter got to hold and pet a baby alligator as well. You have opportunities to buy reasonably priced "treats" to feed the gators and they come in a cute souvenir cup you can take home. Really enjoyed the swamp area and walking on the boardwalks looking at all the massive adult gators. See more..
  2. 4.5 Harmony Park Safari (500 reviews)
    - So much fun
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Harmony Park Safari image
    My husband and I visited here with my brother, his wife and our 2 little nieces and we all had a great time. We ended up renting one of their SUVs for $15 so we could all drive together, plus it saved our rental car from getting any potential damage from animal horns. There were so many different types of animals here and they all seemed to be well-cared for. We enjoyed having them come up to us in the car, then we had fun seeing all the different reptiles in the reptile house afterward. Our nieces loved it. They also provided free food cups to feed the piglets as well, which was super cute. Definitely a fun afternoon. See more..
  3. 4.5 Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (278 reviews)
    - Beautiful walk to the Beach. —Pine Beach Trail
    Saturday: Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge image
    A 6,000-acre nature preserve with a number of endangered species. See more..
  4. 4.5 Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain (245 reviews)
    - What a lovely place to smell the roses!
    Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain image
    Madison County Nature Trail The Madison County Nature Trail was constructed beginning in 1974 with completion in 1975. The construction was financed jointly by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Madison County Commission. It has been noted that the Chairman, James Record, had a special love for nature and the environment and was instrumental in the building of the Nature Trail. The Nature Trail is a Park for all seasons containing 72 acres which rests above the surrounding communities atop Green Mountain in southeast Huntsville. The Park is open free to the public each day from 7 a.m. until 30 minutes prior to sunset, closing only on Christmas Day and New Years Day, or during inclement weather. Sky Lake which consists of 17 acres of mountain water is encompassed by a 1 ½ mile trail. Other facilities include an open air pavilion, a-frame chapel, outdoor classroom, covered bridge, picnic area and accessible restrooms. Use of the Pavilion and Chapel are provided by reservation with all other areas of the Park used on a first come first served basis. Fishing is provided for children less than 16 years of age or seniors over 60. A fishing fee is charged and fishing is allowed Monday through Friday only. Since the construction of the Nature Trail, renovations consisting of trail improvements and restroom improvements were completed in 1998. Funding was provided by a National Recreational Trails Grant provided through the Alabama Department of Economic and community Affairs. In 2012 a grant was also obtained providing for a new waterfall pump and accessories. There have also been several projects improving the facilities, many of which have been accomplished through volunteers such as Boy Scouts earning various merits up to and including Eagle Scout. The Nature Trail is funded by the Madison County Commission. It is operated by a Park Manager (Bobby Cobb), Park Maintenance Worker, and two Part Time Park Attendants. During open hours there is a... See more..
  5. 4.5 Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary (214 reviews)
    - Nice Walk, Plenty to See
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary image
    After several tips to the island, we finally made a point to visit the sanctuary. We should've done this sooner! It's a great place to wind down, take a stroll, and enjoy the sights/sounds of nature. Easy trails take you around a small lake (say hey to the alligators) and out to the beach (beautiful views and benches). Parking can be complicated, but it's not terrible. A free, family-friendly, accessible activity you should definitely put on your list! See more..
  6. 4.0 Dismals Canyon (213 reviews)
    - Stunningly beautiful
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Canyons
    Dismals Canyon image
    Surrounded by a scenic forest that once belonged to the Chickasaw Indians. See more..
  7. 4.5 Desoto Falls (207 reviews)
    - The Art of the Stairs
    State Parks • Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls
    Desoto Falls image
    These falls were so nice and pretty to look at. The rocky area is a little hard to navigate, but that can be expected. The stairway leading towards the falls has some nice colored glass affixed to each step, which adds a bit of eclectic art. There are some picnic tables about which were in use by families. There are also some hiking trails that you can get lost in for a short period of time. Overall, a pretty waterfall. See more..
  8. 4.5 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (159 reviews)
    - Visit the cranes
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge image
    We went over on Sunday of the crane festival. We got there about 2 and had to wait about 30 minutes for a parking spot. We enjoyed going to the observation building to see the cranes. There were thousands of them. They had a microphone that picked up and calls as the birds flew over and sounded in the building. It was really great. They had scopes set up so that you could see the birds if you didn't bring your binoculars. The cranes are at the park mid-November to mid-February. Go see them. It's best to go mid day because by 3:30 they were starting to go to their night spots. The museum inside is worth seeing and we enjoyed the film about the cranes. We enjoyed walking on the wetlands boardwalk too. See more..
  9. 4.5 Alabama Safari Park (123 reviews)
    - Fun day with the grandkids
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Alabama Safari Park image
    At Alabama Safari Park, you can see our resident animals, including sweet llamas and cute lemurs to exotic kangaroos and zebras. Feed the giraffes from our Giraffe Tower. Drive through our 350-acre park more than once to spy as many animals as you can. Interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our 350-acre drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-about, up close when feeding the giraffes on the giraffe tower, or in the petting area where you will find all your farmyard favorites. See more..
  10. 4.5 Natural Bridge Park (119 reviews)
    - Beautiful day trip
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Natural Bridge Park image
    We took our grandkids to the Natural Bridge. The short hike was perfect for small children. We had a picnic. It was a beautiful spot. The lady running the small gift shop and collecting a small fee, was extremely nice and friendly. I recommend this spot if you are looking for a short day trip. We were passing through the area and it was a wonderful area to let the kids run out some energy and have a good lunch area. See more..
  11. 4.5 Tigers For Tomorrow (118 reviews)
    - Awesome little place
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Tigers For Tomorrow image
    Tigers for Tomorrow is a non-profit 501(c)3 Wild Animal Preserve and Environmental Educational Center, home to over 160 animals including tigers, mountain lions, African lions, bears, wolves, black leopards and so many more wonderful animals. As a last stop preserve, the animals that come to live with us remain here for the rest of their lives. Located on 140 acres, Untamed Mountain, home of Tigers for Tomorrow, is open to the public as a premier wild animal park, preserve, and family recreational destination. We provide environmental education to the community and tourists of North Alabama. Our Mission is to uphold the highest standards of care and respect for native and exotic animals in need of secure, permanent homes. Our goal is to bridge the gap between humans and animals through education, preservation, and conservation. Our residents help us to achieve this goal by acting as ambassadors of their species. Admission Prices are : Children 4 - 11 are $7.50 and 12 is $15.00. See more..
  12. 4.5 Ruffner Mountain (114 reviews)
    - Solid Hike!
    Saturday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Ruffner Mountain image
    Ruffner Mountain is a 1,038 acre urban nature preserve in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama providing science and nature education programming, 14 miles of trails, and a protected area for thousands of species of native flora and fauna. It is a site for Citizen Science programs and an array of scientist conducted research projects, including native bat and amphibian surveys, research into the causes of American Chestnut Blight, and groves of new-growth long leaf pine. Each year, through nature education and EcoArts programming, it impacts the lives of countless students and scores of schools and universities across the state. See more..
  13. 4.5 Weeks Bay Reserve (76 reviews)
    - Nice boardwalk in the country
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Weeks Bay Reserve image
    A government protected wildlife reserve. See more..
  14. 4.0 Wilderness Park (61 reviews)
    - Really unique
    Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
    Wilderness Park image
    Small park with several different types of bamboo. It really felt like you were in China. Loads of turtles bathing on fallen logs in the middle of the pond the walkway circles. There are also minnows galore. You won't spend a lot of time there but you will certainly remember it. See more..
  15. 4.5 Walls of Jericho (60 reviews)
    - Fun beautiful hike.
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
    Walls of Jericho image
    This hike is beautiful. If you are in the area it is worth your time!!! It is about 7.2 miles round trip up and down hills. It is a little slippery the last 1/2 mile but amazing surprise at the end. Beautiful waterfall and blue pool. Make sure you go all the way or you will miss the waterfall and limestone rock walls. Take a water bottle and snacks. Wear hiking shoes if possible and take a camera. Enjoy. I would rate it difficult but fun. See more..
  16. 5.0 Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve (52 reviews)
    - MUST VISIT
    Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Canyons
    Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve image
    Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 700-acre, privately owned, scenic, natural area in the Little Mountain region of southern Colbert County. Open year-round to the public. There are more than 15 miles of maintained hiking trails. Hours: Open year round. Call to ensure gate is unlocked. Maps available on site. Free. See more..
  17. 4.5 Land Trust of North Alabama (47 reviews)
    - A must do hike
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Land Trust of North Alabama image
    Enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding on 40 miles of trails offered by Alabama’s first land trust: the Land Trust of North Alabama. Three Nature Preserves - each larger than Central Park and all within Huntsville city limits – are open dawn to dusk. Focusing on land preservation and conservation, fresh water resource protection, environmental education, and guided hike series outreach. Don’t miss the Moon Dance and Concerts at Three Caves! See more..
  18. 4.5 Turkey Creek Nature Preserve (45 reviews)
    - Nice and Relaxing
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Turkey Creek Nature Preserve image
    Beautiful place. Had the rushing waters. Reminds me of the streams along Gatlinburg TN. Has benches to sit and enjoy the views. People swim and play in the water. See more..
  19. 4.5 Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (45 reviews)
    - Safe place to enjoy the outdoors
    Saturday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Kreher Preserve & Nature Center image
    Established in 1993, the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC) is a 120-acre nature preserve located in Auburn, AL. In order to realize this mission, to promote a sense of stewardship towards nature, the KPNC’s prioritizes the protection and conservation of wildlife while engaging the community with a vast array of nature-based resources and services. Open from dawn to dusk every day of the year, over 35,000 annual visitors enjoy over six miles of marked walking and running trails; the areas first and largest nature playground; a stream with pond and waterfalls; wildflower, sensory, and butterfly gardens; and improved facilities including restrooms, drinking fountains, and benches throughout the property. Services include educational programming in the form of field trips, workshops, events, classes, research and citizen science projects, guided hikes, camps, rental opportunities, and much more. See more..
  20. 4.5 Village Point Park Preserve (41 reviews)
    - Free. Awesome. Interesting. Wildlife. Swamp. Waterfront Views.
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Village Point Park Preserve image
    Free & Awesome. I came back a second time a few days later. I was with my dog, saw other dog walkers, families with kids, couples, senior citizens. I saw turtles, huge swamp grasshoppers, alligators, birds. Jackson's Oak, a landmark where President Andrew Jackson gave a speech from it's branches to American soldiers. There is also the D'Olive Family Cemetery within this park as well. You can begin your hike at Village Park Point Preserve & end at Bay Fromt Park which is directly next door. See more..
  21. 4.5 Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (38 reviews)
    - Stay on the beach
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Alabama Coastal Birding Trail image
    This is a amazing place to visit. The trails go through the marsh to be able to see the different bird nesting areas an goes out to the beach. See more..
  22. 4.0 Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge (35 reviews)
    - Always see wildlife here
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge image
    This is our favorite thing to do when we visit Eufaula. There is a dirt/gravel loop road that is open during the summer, and partially open during the winter (a portion is closed then to avoid disturbing migrating birds). This was our first visit in winter. We parked where the road was closed off and walked a short distance to the lakeshore, and we saw a small alligator on the bank as well as birds and an armadillo. In summer we often see multiple alligators at that spot. We saw whitetail deer on the drive in and out. The next morning we came early and parked by the impoundment and walked out on it and saw birds and deer. That afternoon we came back to the impoundment at sunset and watched the ducks fly in for the night. There are no restrooms at the refuge. See more..
  23. 4.5 Hays Nature Preserve (35 reviews)
    - Beautiful well kept park
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Hays Nature Preserve image
    Kids love the playground area up front, and the paved path that crosses the river is nice. Haven't been in a while, but you need to plan accordingly if there has been a lot of rain as the path across the river floods over. If the river is really high, I'd keep to the main park side of the river. See more..
  24. 5.0 Southeastern Raptor Center (25 reviews)
    - Worth the Trip
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Southeastern Raptor Center image
    We visited the Southeastern Raptor Center in Auburn in June 2014. You must call in advance and schedule an appointment if you are a small private party. There is a fee associated. When we went it was $100 and it was well worth every penny. The fee is used to help fund the rehabilitation and care of the raptors at the center. I have never seen such a variety of raptors in one place and I was fascinated by each of these beautiful creatures. We had the privilege of seeing about 25 and learning something about each of them. Marianne and Andrew made this informative and educational presentation interesting and fun to all ages in our group (ages 12-70+). They brought some of the birds out for us to see up close. Let me tell you, it is a thrill to be that close to a golden eagle! It was definitely the highlight of our trip. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in birds or wildlife-- a very unique experience that we are still talking about. See more..
  25. 4.5 Environmental Studies Center (25 reviews)
    - Wonderful place
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Environmental Studies Center image
    This place is a nice choice for an educational outdoor setting located at 6101 Girby Road. They are part of the Mobile County School Board and open to the public also. They have an indoor classroom as well that houses some of their snakes, birds, and other various reptiles.Outside they have animals which were rescued or donated to them that are not able to be released into the wild due to an injury or other reason. The facility outdoors house dozens of animals to view by following the trails such as deer, a bald eagle, golden eagle, coyotes, racoons, owls, and even a goat. Viewing of the animals vary depending on circumstance. They occasionally get in different animals.They have a lake with ducks, fish, and even an American alligator. You simply drive there, follow the drive and signs posted for the parking area, walk inside the office, sign in, leave a donation in the container if you would like to help them with items and supplies for the animals, then tour the establishment. If viewing the inside, be sure to ask what rooms you can see since sometimes field trips are taken there and classes may be held. Please keep in mind that this is also a healing place for some of these animals and the people that work their take great pride in their job as well as keeping this place a nice home for their animals so please be courteous and follow the rules posted, stay on the trails, and don't try to touch the resident animals on the property.The staff are exceptional and usually someone is available to answer questions you may have. Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Saturday and Sunday CLOSED See more..
  26. 5.0 Monte Sano Nature Preserve (24 reviews)
    - Love hiking multiple trails
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Monte Sano Nature Preserve image
    We have explored several of the trails in recent weeks. Most of them accessible from trailheads that have free parking. (For a while that was our hesitation for going to Monte Sano. We thought you would have to pay. Which, if you'd like to park in the state park, you do. But, there are plenty of Land Trust parking areas to explore the trails for free.) The trails were well marked, and most were well traversed. We always enjoy exploring and catching some beautiful views, or waterfalls, creeks, animals, etc. We have been able to do all of the trails we have done with our four kids easily. Ages 13, 12, 8, 6. See more..
  27. 4.5 Alabama Wildlife Center (23 reviews)
    - Very interesting
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
    Alabama Wildlife Center image
    Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, caring annually for almost 2,000 wild bird patients from more than 100 species. AWC is a nonprofit organization with a dual mission: (1) to provide medical and rehabilitative care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds in order to permit their return to the wild, and (2) to educate people in order to heighten awareness and appreciation of Alabama’s native wildlife. Founded in 1977 as a small, home-based, all-volunteer organization, the Alabama Wildlife Center has grown to be Alabama’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center and a leader in the rehabilitation of wild birds. Some of the methods developed here are now used in rehab facilities all over the world. Since AWC's inception, well over 50,000 native Alabama wild animals have been helped because of the center's efforts. The organization has been in continuous service 365 days a year for over 30 years. Free with paid admission to OMSP See more..
  28. 3.5 Buck's Pocket State Park (17 reviews)
    - Hurry and visit while it is still new, and hasn't flooded yet
    Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Buck's Pocket State Park image
    Glad this place is open again, but with all the renovations, nothing was done to prevent flooding during the winter. Great place to visit, hike, and do day trips around the area. We set up camp here and do day trips to Huntsville Space Center, High Falls, Little River Canyon, Cherokee Rock City, Cathedral Caverns, The Stone Door, Racoon Mountain TVA Pump Storage Project, Ocoee River Rafting. See more..
  29. 4.5 Bradford Creek Greenway (16 reviews)
    - Excellent Dog Walking Trail
    Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Bradford Creek Greenway image
    This paved, wide pathway runs adjacent to Bradford Creek and is perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, and those walking their dogs. There are several trash bins along the route, as well as poop bag dispensers for those walking their dogs. The pathway was immaculate and in excellent condition. We'll be back frequently to walk our dogs! See more..
  30. 4.5 Autauga Creek Canoe Trail (14 reviews)
    - Fun day on the creek
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Autauga Creek Canoe Trail image
    We enjoyed floating down the Autauga Creek Canoe Trail. You could easily kayak or canoe this trail but we chose to float on inner tubes. We used two cars and left one at the take out point on Doster Road and the other at the put in site behind city hall. At the put in site, there is a little beach area for playing in the water. You can also walk to the right up toward the dam in the shallows. As we floated down the creek, we found several places to stop and play in the water. We took about two hours to do this trip but it could be done much quicker or longer if you stopped and played or swam. We chose to take out on Doster Road but you can go on much further and take out at the Reuben Road point. We took a small cooler with a couple of waters and sandwiches and stopped and picniced along the way. This is a great FREE activity on a hot summer day. See more..
  31. 4.5 Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of the Alabama Gulf Coast (13 reviews)
    - Great family campground
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of the Alabama Gulf Coast image
    We stayed here in July 2012 and March 2013. They became a Jellystone Park about 1 1/2 years ago and have worked hard to provide a wonderful experience for kids of all ages. The campground is well groomed and very clean. Like other Jellystone parks there are themed weekends with Yogi and "Hey Rides" through and around the park. These were probably our grand kids favorite activity with lots of music and Yogi dancing with them. It is family owned and obvious they take pride in maintaining the property and making your stay comfortable. Large campsites, some with full hookups, shady with pine and oak trees with manicured lawn. Fishing pond, in which there were Canadian Geese during our July stay, swimming pool, air conditioned clubhouse for activities which is important during hot summer months. Very relaxing and homey. Price is fair for value. See more..
  32. 4.0 Town Creek Fishing Center (12 reviews)
    - Pontoon Rental
    Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Town Creek Fishing Center image
    Season March 1st – October 31st - Town Creek Fishing Center is located at Lake Guntersville State Park near the mouth of Town Creek. One of the oldest campgrounds in the area, Town Creek serves bass boat, pontoon, fishing, canoe, and kayak rentals. Also available: fishing license, camping, convenience store, and non-ethanol gas on the water. See more..
  33. 5.0 Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge (7 reviews)
    - Great Place to Relax
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge image
    This is a lovely place to visit! My husband and I went last year but the water was real shallow. We went again this year and the water was up. The river is beautiful. It's a great place to bring your family, for teens, or adults to hang out! They also have some hiking trails, one leads to the over look. It's beautiful. We plan to go back once the Lily's are bloomed! I am super excited to seen them! I'm ready for the festival as well!! See more..
  34. 3.5 Limestone Park (7 reviews)
    - Many rare birds and plants
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Limestone Park image
    A hidden biodiversity hot spot. Part of the Alabama Birding Trails system, Limestone Park is a mixed use facility on the edge of a water tupelo swamp. When you first drive in it looks like a lot of nothing but slow down and take a moment and you'll start to see what is there. Over 288 species of animal and plant life have been catalogued so far at the park, including locally rare species like Bald Eagle, Osprey, Sandhill Crane, and Anhinga. There is a wheelchair accessible birding platform to the right side of the park and a road that you can take to two marsh areas on the left (this is near the police firing range so do not be alarmed if you hear a gunshot when they are training). On the far side of the central pond is an RC airplane airfield. See more..
  35. 4.0 Hickory Dickory Park (7 reviews)
    - Hickory Dickory Park in Auburn, AL
    Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Playgrounds
    Hickory Dickory Park is “a unique playground experience for children.” I was blessed enough to participate in building it with other volunteers and I have so many great memories of the experience. When my daughter was younger we spent many hours enjoying this absolutely fabulous playground. It was definitely a happy spot for us and we have so many great memories from this lovely park. See more..
  36. 5.0 Lake Nicol (7 reviews)
    - Perfect Way to Cool Off & Explore
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Lake Nicol image
    My 14 year old daughter and I were visiting BAMA and took a couple hours on a Sunday to see this lake. There was a man renting paddle boards for $15 an hour and we had a blast exploring the lake via paddle board. There were cliffs to see, islands, wild life. I would definitely do this again. It was the perfect thing to do in the hot summer heat. See more..
  37. 5.0 Gulf State Park Nature Center (7 reviews)
    - This was such a fun place to spend an hour! My mom and I stayed at The Lodge in the state park (highly recommend btw) an
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Gulf State Park Nature Center image
    My mom and I dropped by one afternoon and it was such a great way to spend an hour! We were staying at The Lodge (highly recommend btw) and loved seeing the creatures here: all kinds of snakes and turtles, a bat, seahorses, and more. A Hawk and owls outside. The staff were great about spending time answering questions. And it’s free!! Great stop. See more..
  38. 4.5 Payne Lake Recreation Area (6 reviews)
    - Payne Lake Recreational Area - Campground
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Payne Lake Recreation Area image
    The campground is really nice, the campsites are huge and there are tent sites right next to the water. Plenty of RV sites as well. We loved the solitude and it was a great place to stop for a couple night during our road trip. The grounds are very clean and each site has electricity and water. They also take Access Pass being in the Talladega National Forest. Shopping is less than 20 mins away by car if you need supplies. See more..
  39. 5.0 Alabama Nature Center (5 reviews)
    - Great Staff and Facilities
    Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Alabama Nature Center image
    350 acres of striking forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds that are traversed by five miles of trails and boardwalks including a tree top viewing platform. Also includes the NaturePlex, a 23,000 square foot facility that has a 120-seat Theater; Hands-on Discovery Hall with wildlife and nature-based displays; Educational Classrooms; Community Room and a Gift Shop. See more..
  40. 4.5 Higgins Ferry Park (5 reviews)
    - Great Camping
    Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Was in Alabama for a wedding. We decided to camp at Higgins Ferry. Had a great stay. Stayed on site #2 for 11 days. Great park. Ranger and his wife were very helpful. Great bath house especially if you want to get away from that small rv shower. The view of Lake Mitchell from our site was wonderful. The other campers were friendly and helpful. We had plenty of room to get our 36' 5th wheel in. See more..
  41. 2.5 Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge (4 reviews)
    - Drove though
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge image
    It was on our way to The Wall and was pleasant to drive through. Be sure to see the native American wall, located in the area. It is worth the trip. See more..
  42. 4.0 West Blocton Coke Ovens Park (3 reviews)
    - Nice historical park
    Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    West Blocton Coke Ovens Park image
    Nice historical park. Trying to preserve Coke ovens from many years ago. Board walk through the middle of the main area. See more..
  43. 4.0 Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge (2 reviews)
    - Great
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge image
    Amazing place beautiful staff friendly and polite.We love the outdoors and cave systems this one did not disappoint.Loved it will be going back first chance we get.Great family experience.....go check it out See more..
  44. 4.0 Wehle Nature Center (1 review)
    - Great birdwatching
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    We visited as part of the Alabama State Parks event “Fins, Feathers, and Flowers.” We are not birders but most of the group were experienced birders and they spotted many species including a kestrel. We saw a fox squirrel too. There is a dirt/gravel road through the property. The property includes a few small lakes, a very long covered bridge, longleaf pines, and several buildings. We went into the restrooms at the visitor center, and ate lunch in a different building that had long picnic tables, simple but very nice. Check their website and maybe call before you go to make sure it will be open to the public when you plan to be there. They offer facility rental for meetings and group events. See more..
  45. 3.0 West Bank Dam Site (1 review)
    - Nice out of the way fishing spot
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    This is a nice place to fish it has easy access so younger children can easily walk down to the water and fish. The area is kept clean and there is a very nice parking area. We did not see very many people so it doesn't seem to be crowded. See more..
  46. 4.0 Stephens Gap (1 review)
    - Not for the faint of heart
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Caverns & Caves • Hiking Trails
    I’m so glad we did this but I won’t pretend I wasn’t nervous or even a bit frightened at times. The hike isn’t long but it is more strenuous than I expected and entering through the ‘hikers entrance’ was basically caving over big slippery rocks. I enjoyed the scene once inside but that was also the shortest part of the experience. I went with my 65yo father and he just about did better than me! It was beautiful but plan ahead as it can be extremely dangerous. The trail could stand to have a few more markers but otherwise it’s nice how natural it is. See more..
  47. 5.0 E.o. Wilson Nature Adventure (1 review)
    - Great outdoor amenities
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Great place to experience the outdoors. Includes an archery range, fishing pond, and several trails that wind along the creek and offer wildlife and nature sightings. See more..
  48. 4.0 Piper Interpretive Trail (1 review)
    - Nice walking trail with overlooks of Cahaba River
    Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Piper Interpretive Trail image
    There is a gravel parking lot and information kiosk at the start of this trail. The Piper II is named for the old Piper Mine #2 and runs along an old railroad line that served the mine. The trail seems to be well maintained and is mostly easy walking. The beginning is a switch-back downhill and has hand rails; but the return hike is uphill. This part does not last long and it evens out into a nice walking path through the pines. It was a lovely hike. There were several benches along the way and interpretive signs about the local wildlife. We turned around and headed back after stopping at the first of two overlooks. The trail down to this overlook had not been cleared in a while and was a bit overgrown. The wooden platform looked out over the Cahaba River and the beautiful lilies that bloom mid-May until mid-June. There are no restroom facilities or food vendors available in this area. See more..
  49. Land Trust of North Alabama: Bethel Spring Nature Preserve (0 review)
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
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  50. Muddy Creek Interpretive Nature Trail (0 review)
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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