Top Outdoor Destinations to Explore in Alabama and Mississippi

Alabama and Mississippi are neighboring states in the South that are famed for their thick forests, blue lakes, and unique wildlife that call the region home. Both states have become popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to settle in a location steeped in natural beauty. To help you best explore these two gorgeous states, we’re looking at some of the top outdoor destinations in Alabama and Mississippi.

The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, the largest in the state, leads to high vantage points of the area. It is located along the Southern Appalachian Mountains and winds through the Talladega National Forest. The Pinhoti trail runs for 335 miles across both Alabama and Georgia, with 145 miles of the trail found within Alabama. There is abundant wildlife, few crowds, and picturesque natural sights at every turn.

Mount Cheaha, also referred to as Cheaha Mountain, is the highest natural point in the state. This makes it a must for hikers seeking a postcard-worthy panorama view. Trails wind to the peak of Mount Cheaha, where there are stunning vistas of Alabama’s wilderness. The trail runs for around 3.3 miles and is relatively steep, so it is best for experienced hikers. The surrounding area of Cheaha State Park is also well worth exploring.

If you want to get out on the water in Alabama, few places provide a more enjoyable experience than Lake Martin. This vast reservoir stretches for more than 40,000 acres, making it one of the biggest lakes in the state. Lake Martin is a hotspot for swimming and fishing, although visitors are warned to watch for snakes and alligators that frequent the waters. Lake Martin also has over 750 miles of wooded shoreline, and many enjoy hiking and camping by the water’s edge. 

Mississippi has a scenic Gulf of Mexico shoreline with turquoise waters and soft-sand beaches. Every year, millions visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore to explore the area, which includes barrier islands in both Mississippi and Florida. It is a popular destination for sunbathing on the beach, boating to the barrier islands on the Mississippi side of the park, and hiking to the historical sites that line this unspoiled natural destination. 

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a vast forest trail that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This historic spot runs across much of Mississippi through several rivers and thick forests. This route was popularly utilized by Native Americans and colonial settlers throughout America’s history. Exploring Natchez Trace can be done by foot, which is a massive undertaking, or by car, which would only take a matter of hours. 

This natural area may be small, encompassing only 16 acres, but it is stunning and represents a unique ecosystem visitors can explore. Located in the Mississippi Delta, the ecology of the Greenville Cypress Preserve is gorgeous, with beautiful cypress trees covered in moss and swampy water. Boardwalks and trails wind throughout, allowing visitors to hike through and observe the area’s blooming wildflowers and native wildlife, such as birds and frogs.