Alabama State Parks

1. Bladon Springs State Park

• What is Bladon Springs State Park?
  • Bladon Springs State Park in Alabama is a public recreation area which once housed a historic spa.
• What was the significance of the mineral springs?
  • One of its main features was the four mineral springs that were located there, and though the spa is no longer available, visitors today can still refresh and rejuvenate themselves in the calm and tranquility of this wonderful location.
• When did Bladon Springs become a state park?
  • Since its conversion to a state park in 1934, visitors have come from far and wide to enjoy picnicking in the lush outdoor space.
• What recreational activities are available at the park?
  • Visitors can make use of its playground facilities and partake in birdwatching.
• What wildlife can be seen at Bladon Springs State Park?
  • The park is a part of the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail and is often home to woodpeckers, raptors, and songbirds.
• Where is Bladon Springs State Park located?
  • Address: 3921 Bladon Rd, Silas, AL 36919, Phone: 251-754-9207

2. Blue Springs State Park

• What is Blue Springs State Park?
  • Blue Springs State Park is a 103-acre Alabama state park that is loved by local and visiting guests because of its main feature: a natural, clear blue spring which supplies water into two concrete swimming pools for people to enjoy.
• How long has Blue Springs State Park been around?
  • The outdoor recreation area has been around since 1963 and offers an array of activities in addition to swimming.
• What facilities are available at the park?
  • A designated picnicking area complete with pavilions.
  • A sand volleyball court.
  • A playground for children ages 2 to 12.
  • A small fishing pond that is stocked with bass and catfish.
• What camping accommodations does the park offer?
  • Modern and primitive campsites.
  • Rental campers and rental cabins scattered throughout the park.
• Where is Blue Springs State Park located?
  • Address: 2595 AL-10, Clio, AL 36017, Phone: 800-252-7275

3. Bucks Pocket State Park

• What is Bucks Pocket State Park?
  • Located on Sand Mountain, Bucks Pocket State Park in Alabama is a 2,000-acre recreation area which surrounds a natural canyon on the Appalachian Mountain chain.
• When was Bucks Pocket State Park established?
  • The park was established in 1971 and is renowned for its panoramic views of the lush and seemingly untouched landscape you can see from the top of Point Rock.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Bucks Pocket State Park?
  • Hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding through the 15 miles of trails.
  • Picnicking in an area with a stunning view of the canyon.
  • Boating and fishing at Lake Guntersville.
• How far is the park from Birmingham?
  • About 1.5 hours from Birmingham, Bucks Pocket State Park is a fun day trip from the city.
• Where is Bucks Pocket State Park located?
  • Address: 393 Co Rd 174, Grove Oak, AL 35975, Phone: 800-252-7275

4. Cathedral Caverns State Park

• What is Cathedral Caverns?
  • Cathedral Caverns was originally called ‘Bat Cave’ but was eventually renamed because of its cathedral-like appearance.
• When did Cathedral Caverns State Park open?
  • The surrounding state park took on the name of the namesake cavern and has been providing people with a fun outdoor space to explore since its opening in 2000.
• What is the main feature of the park?
  • The caverns themselves are the main feature of the park, and you’ll definitely not miss its massive entrance.
• What notable formations are inside Cathedral Caverns?
  • Inside, you’ll find beautiful formations, including ‘Goliath’ - one of the largest stalagmites in the world at over 45 feet tall.
• What activities are available at Cathedral Caverns State Park?
  • Visitors can participate in cave tours.
  • Gemstone mining, which is especially popular with younger visitors.
• Where is Cathedral Caverns State Park located?
  • Address: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, Phone: 256-728-8193

5. Cheaha State Park, Alabama

• What is Cheaha State Park?
  • Cheaha State Park is Alabama’s oldest continuously operating state park and can be found adjoining the Talladega National Forest.
• When was Cheaha State Park established?
  • The outdoor recreation area was established in 1933 and spans 2,799 acres.
• What is a notable feature of the park?
  • Within the park’s premises, you’ll find Mount Cheaha, which is the highest natural point in the entire state.
• What facilities does Cheaha State Park offer?
  • Hiking trails, campsites, lodgings, and a restaurant.
  • 73 modern campsites and a number of semi-primitive campsites.
  • Several chalets and cabins, along with a 30-room hotel.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Cheaha State Park?
  • Picnicking, swimming, and fishing.
• Where is Cheaha State Park located?
  • Address: 19644 State Rte. 281, Delta, AL 36258, Phone: 256-448-5111

6. Chewacla State Park

• What is Chewacla State Park?
  • Chewacla State Park in Auburn is a nearly 700-acre green space which was established in 1939.
• What is a main feature of Chewacla State Park?
  • One of the park’s main features is the 26-acre Lake Chewacla, which sits in the middle and allows visitors to partake in swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
• What recreational activities are available at the park?
  • Swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating in Lake Chewacla.
  • Hiking and mountain biking on the park’s trail system.
• What camping options are available at Chewacla State Park?
  • Visitors who enjoy camping can choose from one of the many campsites scattered throughout the park, which are suitable for tent or RV camping.
• Where is Chewacla State Park located?
  • Address: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830, Phone: 334-887-5621

7. Chickasaw State Park

• What is Chickasaw State Park?
  • Spanning 520 acres, Chickasaw State Park was established in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• What facilities does Chickasaw State Park offer?
  • A playground and a wading pool.
  • Modern campsites and rental pavilions.
  • Plenty of sprawling green space for visitors to enjoy a picnic on.
• What kind of wildlife can visitors see in Chickasaw State Park?
  • Several species of birds such as palm warblers or white-eyed vireos, since the park is a stop on Alabama’s Black Belt Birding Trail.
  • Other animal sightings may include Eastern wild turkeys, bobwhite quails, or white-tailed deer.
• Where is Chickasaw State Park located?
  • Address: 26955 U.S. Highway 43, Gallion, AL 36742, Phone: 334-295-8230

8. Desoto State Park

• What is Desoto State Park?
  • Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama is a marvelous, family-friendly outdoor space which is a favorite with visitors of all ages.
• When was Desoto State Park developed?
  • The park was developed and enhanced in the late 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• Where is Desoto State Park located?
  • The park can be found nestled atop scenic Northeast Alabama’s Lookout Mountain.
• What amenities does Desoto State Park offer?
  • A museum dedicated to the CCC.
  • A restaurant and a seasonal Olympic-size swimming pool.
  • A nature center that houses several live animals and conducts interactive programs.
• What outdoor activities are available?
  • Hiking or mountain biking on the 25+ miles of trails.
  • Kayaking, fishing, and bouldering.
  • Going on expeditions and more.
• Where is Desoto State Park located?
  • Address: 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-0051

9. Frank Jackson State Park

• What is Frank Jackson State Park?
  • Frank Jackson State Park is an outstanding green space in Opp, Alabama.
• How large is Frank Jackson State Park?
  • The park spans over 2,050 acres, half of which is taken up by the shimmering Lake Jackson.
• Why is the park popular with anglers?
  • Because of the large lake, the park has become an extremely popular spot with anglers who come fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.
• What fishing options are available?
  • You can choose to use their boat launch to get out on the waters or fish from their handicap-accessible platform.
• What other features and amenities does the park offer?
  • Lakefront tent or RV camping.
  • Three miles of walking trails.
  • Designated picnic areas and a modern bathhouse.
  • A boardwalk which leads to an island in the middle of the lake.
• Where is Frank Jackson State Park located?
  • Address: 100 Jerry Adams Dr, Opp, AL 36467, Phone: 334-493-6988

10. Gulf State Park

• What is Gulf State Park?
  • With over three miles of beach complete with golden sands and surging surfs, Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is a popular outdoor space for visitors of all ages.
• What recognition has Gulf State Park received?
  • It has received the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by TripAdvisor for several years in a row.
• What camping accommodations are available?
  • You can go camping on one of their 507 modern or primitive campsites.
  • You can also choose to rent out one of the many cabins or lakeside cottages scattered throughout the park.
• What facilities are available near the campground?
  • Bathhouses and laundry facilities.
  • A swimming pool, tennis courts, and a nature center.
  • Much more for visitors to enjoy.
• What amenities are available at the beach?
  • Rentable pavilions and a number of concession stands.
• Where is Gulf State Park located?
  • Address: 20115 AL-135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Gulf Shores AL Events:
- National Shrimp Festival - Gulf Shores, October
- Independence Day Celebration - Gulf Shores, 4th of July