Alabama State Parks
State park is a term used in the United States and in Mexico for an area of land preserved on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, recreation, or other reason, and under the administration of the government of a U.S. state or one of the states of Mexico. State parks are protected area of IUCN category II.
State parks are thus similar to national parks, but under state rather than federal administration. Similarly, local government entities below state level may maintain parks, such as for example, regional parks or county parks. In general, state parks are smaller than national parks, with a few exceptions.
In the United States, state parks have an older history than national parks. This is because, at the time, preservation of land for the public was seen as a proper role for the states rather than the federal government. Later some state parks were incorporated into national parks. Similar systems of local government maintained parks exist in other countries, but the terminology varies. Due to the vast amount of land there are many distinctive state parks in Alabama.
An Introduction of What Alabama has to Offer
Alabama is especially known for its natural beauty. You can bath in sun on the white beaches, go hiking in one of the mountains with their beautiful forests or enjoy the rolling grasslands and green fields of the plains. It is only obvious that in a state with so many natural attractions you will find a lot of state parks.
Tourists come all year round to enjoy the beauty of the state parks and they also visit Little River Canyon, the DeSoto Falls and the Mississippi of course.
State Parks in Alabama
There is a long list of state parks and reserves in the Alabama state park system. All are run by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Some of the most popular state parks in Alabama are Blue Springs, Cathedral Caverns, Monte Sano and Oak Mountain. Blue Springs State Park is a one hundred three acre Alabama state park six miles east of Clio. The centrepiece of the park is a clear blue underground-fed spring in which visitors can swim.
Cathedral Caverns State Park is located in Grant, Alabama city limits. The Cathedral Caverns entrance opening measures one hundred twenty six feet wide and twenty five feet high. The Caverns is approximately four thousand feet long with eight inch wide concrete walkways that are wheelchair accessible. Inside the cavern, are stalagmites, stalactites and the World's largest stalagmite, called Goliath. State of Alabama bought the cave in 1987 with the intent to reopen the site as a state park.
Monte Sano State Park is a two thousand one hundred and forty acre mountain top retreat combining the history of the park's 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps era cottages with the convenience of a city park. In the midst of Huntsville, Alabama, one can enjoy scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, modern campsites and quaint, rustic cottages with a memorable view. Monte Sano State Park occupies the eastern portion of the top and slopes of Monte Sano mountain.
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama's largest state park at nearly ten thousand acres. It is located in Pelham, Alabama and is convenient to Birmingham, Alabama's largest city. Activities at this Alabama state park can include hiking, mountain biking, golf, swimming, camping and fishing and many other outdoor activities. One can go horseback riding at specific times on the weekend. Paddle boats and canoes are available for rent. Day hikes range from easy to moderate. One of the hikes includes an elevated trail from which one can view large cages containing birds such as owls and buzzards. Oak Mountain is also home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, Alabama's largest wildlife rehabilitation facility.