Kick off 2026 with fresh air and a sense of adventure while enjoying some of Alabama’s most scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park. Alabama State Parks will again offer First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, giving everyone the chance to explore Alabama’s breathtaking natural landscapes with guided hikes at more than […]

Alabama State Parks will be improved by using products made in Alabama. Officials announced Thursday more than two dozen water and wastewater projects at Alabama State Parks. Many of these projects will use ductile iron pipe manufactured in Alabama. The projects are funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Alabama Department […]

Alabama State Parks has launched a way for park enthusiasts to promote the 21 state parks by providing photos, videos and more to be featured on social media platforms. Known as the Alabama State Parks Ambassador Program, it’s designed to attract park regulars, hikers, bikers, photographers, and adventure lovers of all kinds who want to showcase […]

Alabama State Parks has launched a new way for park enthusiasts to promote the 21 state parks by providing photos, videos, and more to be featured on social media platforms. Known as the Alabama State Parks Ambassador Program, it’s designed to attract park regulars, hikers, bikers, photographers, and adventure lovers of all kinds who want to […]

Spring breakers often flock to beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast in search of sand and sun, landing them on the sugar-white beaches at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. But did you know other Alabama State Parks, including Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham, Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Wind Creek State Park on […]

Alabama State Parks honored this year’s Eagle Award winners on Saturday during Eagle Awareness Weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park. The Eagle Awards, sponsored by the Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), honor individuals and organizations for outstanding and notable contributions to support Alabama State Parks. “It’s enormously gratifying […]

The Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has begun accepting applications for its prestigious Eagle Awards, which recognize special contributors to the 21 state parks. Nominations for the ninth annual Eagle Awards can be made online at www.alapark.com/eagle-awards, with the deadline to submit nominations is set for Jan. 3, […]

When about 100 first graders from Brooks Elementary School in Lauderdale County excitedly stepped off three yellow school buses for an educational program at Joe Wheeler State Park in early May, they probably weren’t thinking about Teddy Roosevelt, but they were about to get an up-close experience with what America’s 26th president called “the wonder-book […]

The winners of the sixth annual Eagle Awards were honored Saturday during a luncheon at Lake Guntersville State Park. The Eagle Award – sponsored by the State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – is presented annually to people and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in support of Alabama […]

Lake Lurleen State Park in Coker officially opened its newest trail on Thursday, named the J.W. “Bill” McFarland Sr. Memorial Trail to honor the late Tuscaloosa businessman, public servant and philanthropist. McFarland’s family donated funds to the Alabama State Parks Foundation for the construction of the half-mile trail, which connects to the 9-mile Tashka Trail, the park’s longest. […]

Alabama State Parks reaped a record 18 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence Awards for 2019. The honors go to only about 10 percent of the attractions listed on the travel website. Also, a record 10 Alabama State Parks – or amenities within the parks, such as the Gulf State Park Pier – earned TripAdvisor Hall of Fame honors. In 2018, 16 […]

Seven Alabama State Parks earned nine Hall of Fame honors from TripAdvisor and 12 parks in the 22-park system earned Certificates of Excellence from the world’s largest travel website. Overall, the parks received 16 Certificates of Excellence for 2018. To earn Hall of Fame recognition, a park, attraction or business must have received a Certificate of Excellence for five […]