9 National Parks in Alabama You HAVE to Check Out!
There are nine National Parks in Alabama including National Monuments, Military Parks, etc. The National Parks in Alabama highlight the beauty of the state and feature impressive historic landmarks focused on the Civil Rights Movement.
In this post, we’ll outline the 9 National Parks in Alabama.
Table of Contents
National Parks in Alabama
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
The Birmingham Civil Rights Monument tells the story of the Freedom Riders of 1961. The Freedom Riders were a group of people (both black and white) who banded together to fight segregation. They tried to use “whites-only” restrooms and lunch counters at bus stations throughout the southern states. The groups were met with angst from white protestors.
The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is a collection of 7 sites important to the Civil Rights Movement.
These include:
- A.G. Gaston Motel– HQ to the 1963 desegregation campaign in Birmingham.
- Kelly Ingram Park- In May of 1963, police and firemen attacked civil rights demonstrators (many of whom were kids) in the streets surrounding this park. This led to a nationwide public outcry to integrate America’s most segregated city.
- Sixteenth Street Baptist Church– On September 15, 1963, the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) bombed this church killing four girls.
- The Masonic Temple Building- This building stood as a symbol of African Americans’ resilience in one of the most racially segregated cities. The Masonic Temple held offices for black doctors, dentists, attorneys, and activists.
- St. Paul United Methodist Church- One of the oldest African American churches in the city. It played a pivotal role in launch integration efforts throughout the south.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a cultural and education research center that is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. They outline the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham.
- Historic Bethel Baptist Church- The epicenter of non-violent desegregation campaigns in Birmingham during the 1950s and 1960s.
Amenities: Historic site *This is a new park so it is still a work in progress*
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1510 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
National Park Website for Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Located in the central part of the state, this park preserves the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. In March 1814, General Andrew Jackson (Hey! I know that guy!) attacked the Creek Nation during the Creek War of 1813-1814. Horseshoe Bend was one of the major engagements of the War of 1812, as well.
More than 500 Creeks lost their lives after Jackson’s attack.
Amenities: Historic Site
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Daviston, AL 36256
National Park Website for Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon National Preserve encompasses thousands of acres surrounding Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne.
The park protects the natural wonder known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” (not to be confused with the “Little Grand Canyon” in Georgia).
From here, you’ll have spectacular mountain views, gorgeous waterfalls, and even an intense whitewater river!
Amenities: River access, soccer field, playground, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, waterfalls
Entrance Fee: Day Pass $15 per vehicle
Address: 4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
National Park Website for Little River Canyon National Preserve
Natchez Trace Parkway
A small portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway cuts through the northwest corner of Alabama. The parkway roughly follows the “Old Natchez Trace”, a historic corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and even future presidents.
Amenities: Historic Parkway
Entrance Fee: Free
National Park Website for Natchez Trace Parkway
Russell Cave National Monument
The Russell Cave National Monument protects a cave shelter used by Native Americans for more than 10,000 years! Dating back to 6500 BC, scientists believe that this may be the oldest cave shelter in the entire United States.
A boardwalk leads you into the cave structure where you can see evidence of the excavations done by archaeologists.
Amenities: Museum, Nature Trail, Self-Guided Walking Tour
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740
National Park Website for Russell Cave National Monument
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama memorializes the route taken by protestors during the Voting Rights March from March 21 to March 25, 1965. The 54-mile route begins at Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Selma and ends in Montgomery.
Amenities: Interpretative Central, Historic Route
Entrance Fee: Free
National Park Website for Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Now known as Tuskegee University, the Tuskegee Institute educated George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington and created countless opportunities for African Americans.
The Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site includes the George Washington Carver Museum, the home of Booker T. Washington, and the historic campus.
Amenities: Museum, Historic Sites
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1212 W Montgomery Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088
National Park Website for Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site preserves the historic airfield where the famed Tuskegee Airmen trained during WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen were the country’s first African American fighter pilots.
Amenities: Historic Site
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1616 Chappie James Ave, Tuskegee, AL 36083
National Park Website for Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Check Out National Parks in Nearby States
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
How to Visit the Parks for Free
Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter. This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person.
The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free! Learn more about these days.
If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free! Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family! Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov
Other National Park Resources
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