Alabama and Mississippi Towns Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Vicksburg, MS | Image Credit: Justin Wilkens

Major determining factors that influence where people choose to live are proximity to natural scenery and outdoor activities. Every state in the U.S. has natural beauty, but certain states stand out. Alabama and Mississippi are famed for their stunning landscapes, whether they are Gulf Coast beaches or state parks with lush forests and sparkling blue lakes. These neighboring states share a similar climate, and both possess a natural beauty that makes them appealing to buyers.

There are many cities and towns in Alabama and Mississippi that are convenient to stunning natural settings. Let’s explore some of the communities in these two states that are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Image source: realtor.com

Fairhope, AL

If you’re looking for a city with an appealing waterfront and easy access to parks, Fairhope might be for you. This mid-sized city is home to 22,000 residents and is located along Mobile Bay. Boaters and anglers would particularly enjoy Fairhope’s piers, marinas, and beaches on the water. Fairhope also has a top-notch park system and pristine nearby environments to explore. The Weeks Bay Reserve is a perfect way to see Alabama’s wetlands and the wildlife it shelters. It is a city with scenic hiking trails and picturesque waterfront settings.

Image Credit: Erin Switzer

Magnolia Springs, AL

Magnolia Springs is a tiny community in Alabama home to a population of just over 1,000. While it may be small, Magnolia Springs packs an outsized appeal considering its location along the Magnolia River. Its luxury real estate along the water makes it a popular summer home destination for many of the state’s wealthiest residents. In the nearby Magnolia State Park, you’ll find a boardwalk trail along the crystal-clear water, where you can view incredible wildlife such as turtles, alligators, and rare birds.

Image source: trulia.com

Auburn, AL

Auburn is best known as the location of one of Alabama’s most prestigious universities, Auburn University. It is a scenic college town home to around 65,000 people and is an ideal location for those who want to explore Alabama’s natural beauty. Chewacla State Park is an expansive area with trails, forests, and a lake. It is a scenic place to swim on a warm Alabama day. Tuskegee National Forest stretches more than 11,000 acres and includes many species of wildlife. It is a popular destination for hunters and off-roading.

Image credit: Eric Foster

Caledonia, MS

Caledonia is a tiny town in Mississippi home to a population of just 1,500. It is a small, peaceful community with easy access to incredible natural settings. Caledonia is surrounded by forests and located along the Buttahatchee River. It has excellent nearby trails, and is just a short drive away is Columbus Lake, which has a marina and is a top-notch destination for water sports and boating. While Caledonia may be small, it has tons for residents to do.

Image source: zillow.com

Vicksburg, MS

Vicksburg is a city in Mississippi known amongst history buffs as the site of a major Civil War battle, the Siege of Vicksburg. Its location along the Mississippi River allows residents to walk along picturesque trails by one of America’s most famous bodies of water. Tara Wildlife is a large preserve in Vicksburg that attracts many anglers and hunters throughout the year for its pristine environment and abundant wildlife. Overall, Vicksburg is a city in a vibrant setting with excellent parks and hiking areas, ideal for those who love roaming the great outdoors.

Image Credit: Justin Wilkens