Is there anything better than fall in Alabama? Most folks would agree it’s the best time of the year. Alabama heat slowly fades to cool, which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather before winter storms in. Alabama’s outdoor scene leaves you wanting for nothing, given the varied terrain and abundance of things to do, and you’ll want to mark these 10 best fall outdoor activities on your calendar.
Breathtaking views like these are best experienced without the blazing sun heating up the rocks. This rock climbing locale also offers hiking trails and camping so you can make a full weekend out of your adventure. Suitable for all skill levels, you’ll want to make this your go-to spot for all things outdoors.
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For those who like to stop and enjoy the scenery, Yellow Creek Falls is a must-visit. It’s a peaceful place with a majestic waterfall, a place to bring your boat, and amazing fall foliage. This place is truly a hidden gem in Alabama’s outdoor scene and no trip to Yellow Creek is complete without stopping here.
One of the best off-road parks in the state, Boggs & Boulders is the ride on the wild side you’ve been searching for. One thousand acres and 160 miles of trails await you, along with a fair share of mud holes, hills, and twists and turns to keep you guessing. They’re a fully loaded facility complete with camping and on-site dining.
Fuel up before (or after) your visit to Boggs & Boulders with a trip to the Surly Mermaid Deli—an experience unlike any other. This mermaid-themed food palace is a treasure trove of delicious eats you won’t find in just any restaurant. The atmosphere is fun, whimsical, and a perfect start or finish to any outdoor adventure.
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Low prices and fall scenery are what makes camping here a real treat when the weather gets cooler. There’s plenty to do for everyone in the family within the park, including a small petting zoo and exotic animals, botanical gardens, a train, and of course Noccalula Falls. No matter what brings you outside, be it hiking, biking, trail running, or watching for wildlife, you’ll find it here.
If you need to grab a fresh pair of hiking boots for your trip to Noccalula Falls Park, there’s no better place to go than the local Trading Post. This place has some of the best names in outdoor living, including Merrell, Keen, and Timberland. They’ve got footwear and outdoor apparel for the whole family here, so stock up before you go on your next camping or hiking adventure.
There’s no shortage of outdoor recreation in Bankhead National Forest, and fall weather makes for an enjoyable visit. There are over 90 miles of trails for hikers to roam, as well as over 13 miles designated for horseback riders. Along the way you can soak in sights like waterfalls, gorges, wildflowers, and plenty of flora and fauna.
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Fall migration is a highly anticipated activity throughout Alabama each year, but Fort Morgan offers rare glimpses of birds you won’t see anywhere else in the state. Head here during late September or October to see hundreds of hawks moving over the fort. You can also check out Alabama’s Rare Bird Alert to stay up to date on birds in the area during this time.
Fall weather makes a great reason to break out the bike for a group ride, and this bicycle association hosts plenty of them. Their calendar stays full of exciting adventures for riders of all skill levels, including visits to Coldwater Mountain. There are different routes for some rides depending on your pace, so you can stay on course and enjoy the experience.
Trying to find activities for everyone in the family can be daunting, leave it to 4D Farm in Cullman County to give you non-stop fun and games! In autumn, 4D puts on the ultimate fall adventure with ziplines, farm animals, pig races, gemstone mining, a cow train, tetherball, and much more. Your little ones won’t be able to sit still! For the rest of the family there is a pumpkin patch and a huge corn maze to get lost in, keeping you entertained for hours!
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Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
