Things to Do around Ala

Ala offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Road cycling, Mountain biking, Touring cycling, Mountaineering, Gravel biking, and Jogging. The region features 158 routes across these sports. Over 62,000 visitors have explored routes in Ala, which have an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars.

Ala provides easy hiking options suitable for various skill levels. Trails range from tranquil paths, such as the Magnolia Trail at Blue Springs State Park, to more accessible routes. For a comprehensive overview of hiking options, consult the Hiking around Ala guide.

Northeast Ala features several waterfalls. DeSoto Falls in DeSoto State Park and Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall with paved trails, are notable examples. These areas offer scenic views and opportunities for exploration within mountainous terrain.

Ala offers challenging mountain biking trails, particularly at Oak Mountain State Park, which has over 100 miles of trails. The park's Red Trail is recognized as an "EPIC ride" by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Chewacla State Park also features challenging trails built by the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers. More information is available in the MTB Trails around Ala guide.

Road cycling in Ala benefits from varied scenery, including coastal routes and mountainous roads. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers over 28 miles (45 km) of smooth, scenic paths, recognized as a top recreational trail. For more options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Ala guide.

Ala offers family-friendly options across its state parks and natural areas. Many parks feature accessible trails and amenities suitable for families. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, with its smooth paths, is ideal for family cycling and walking.

Ala's natural attractions include mountainous terrain with waterfalls like DeSoto Falls, the extensive Little River Canyon National Preserve, and diverse ecosystems at the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Unique rock formations are found at Chewacla State Park and Cherokee Rock Village, while large lakes like Lake Eufaula offer waterside recreation.

Ala is home to 22 state parks, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. These parks encompass diverse landscapes, from mountainous regions to coastal areas and extensive trail systems. Oak Mountain State Park is the largest, spanning 11,861 acres.

Ala offers options for longer routes, with some trails at Oak Mountain State Park suitable for overnight hiking trips. The Alabama Scenic River Trail provides 6,300 miles (10,139 km) of waterways, which can be combined with cycling for extended tours. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail also offers over 28 miles (45 km) of continuous paths.

Komoot offers several guides for Ala, covering various sports. Examples include Hiking around Ala, MTB Trails around Ala, and Cycling around Ala. These guides provide detailed information and route suggestions for exploring the region.

The official travel site for Ala is Alabama.Travel. This resource provides additional information for visitors planning outdoor activities and exploring the region's attractions. For tourism inquiries, contact the Alabama Tourism Department.

The Alabama Tourism Department can be contacted for tourism inquiries. The phone numbers available are (800) ALABAMA or (334) 242-4169. These contacts provide assistance with planning visits to the region.