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Alabama State Parks Help Alabamians Scale Back

Alabama State Parks has partnered with Scale Back Alabama to offer three free weekends to Scale Back participants during the 10-week contest. Entrance and parking fees at all 22 Alabama State Parks will be waived for Scale Back Alabama participants on February 20-21, March 20-21, and April 3-4. To qualify for free admission and parking, participants must show either a printed confirmation email or yellow weigh-in card at the park gate. Special guided hikes will be held at various parks during the three free Scale Back weekends. Information about the guided hikes will be posted to the State Parks and Scale Back Alabama Web sites as it becomes available.

In addition to the Scale Back activities, various Alabama State Parks Resort Lodges will be offering “Healthy Options” weekend packages for health conscious park visitors. From walking the day use areas to hiking or biking the trails, Alabama State Parks offer several outdoor adventures that not only burn calories, but refresh the mind and create lasting memories. Joe Wheeler is offering a “Healthy Options Special.”

A Sweetheart of a Deal!

Spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one at an Alabama State Park.

February 12-14 is “Sweetheart Weekend” at Cheaha State Park. All hotel rooms will receive a bottle of sparkling cider with toasting glasses in their room on check-in. Toast your sweetheart and enjoy our view from the highest point in Alabama! On Saturday, Feb. 13, enjoy a Sweetheart Buffet at Cheaha’s restaurant.

Enjoy Joe Wheeler’s “Candle Light and Roses” at Daniella’s in the Park on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dinner is a prime rib buffet with special dessert and a rose for each lady.

At Lake Guntersville, cabins and chalets are $99 per night through February. A special Valentine’s dinner in the Pinecrest Dining Room will be served on Feb. 13 and 14.

On Feb. 12, 13 and 14, enjoy a $25 steak dinner for two (tax and tip not included) at DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant.

Bring your sweetheart to the Oak Mountain State Park Pro Shop on February 13 for a romantic Valentine’s dinner at 7 p.m. Dinner is $25 per person to include pork loin entre, sides, glass of wine and dessert. Seating is limited to 15 couples, so call 205-620-2520 by Feb. 10.

Winter Lodging Specials

Falling temperatures mean falling rates at several Alabama State Parks. The following are currently running lodging specials.

St. Patrick’s Day at Cheaha – 50% Off!

Everyone can be Irish when you spend St. Patrick’s Day at Cheaha State Park. From Sunday, March 14 to Wednesday, March 17, standard rooms are 50% off. As an added bonus, wear green upon check-in and receive a free bottle of sparkling cider.

The restaurant at Cheaha will be serving traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Irish stew. Enjoy along with green beer!

JANUARY
1/8-2/7 Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park. Guided field trips to nesting sites and guest speakers.
1/23 Desoto Park – Winter Deep Canyon Hike 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Get an unforgettable view of one of Alabama’s natural wonders, Little River Canyon. Hike level: difficult/extreme. Not recommended for children under 14. Meeting at Little River Canyon Center in Ft. Payne, AL $25/person; Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, e- mail fieldschool@jsu.edu or Call (256) 782-5697
1/23 Desoto Park – Wilderness Survival 101 Major Jerry Mize (JSU Department of Military Science) and Larry Beane (NPS) will teach hands-on methods of basic survival skills. This program will be OUTSIDE, hands-on, hiking, collecting materials with hands so wear appropriate clothing for a cold winter day in the wilderness. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water/drink.
FEBRUARY
2/13 Card Making and Crafts at Lake Guntersville. Park naturalist guide will you in creating the perfect card for your mother or special someone in your life. 2 p.m. at the main campground activities building.
ONGOING
Oak Mountain - Audubon Teaches Nature 2009 – 2010 Series at the Alabama Wildlife Center
Oak Mountain Natural Hikes - On selected weekends with Oak Mountain Naturalist Emily Cohen.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS CLICK HERE>>>

Did you know?

Eagle Awareness has been a tradition at Lake Guntersville State Park for more than 20 years. The program is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Our park naturalist and a host of field trip guides and guest speakers make these weekends an event you won’t soon forget.

Eagle Weekends at Lake Guntersville

Guntersville’s Special Eagle Packages

Going fishing in an Alabama State Park? Don’t forget to purchase your fishing license. Buy conveniently online before you go. Check out all the great fishing places at parks by visiting http://www.alapark.com/Fishing

Stay three nights get one night FREE!

By staying in the facilities at one of the five participating FAB 5 parks for a minimum of three nights you will qualify to receive a complimentary overnight stay. Your overnight stay can be at any one of the five participating FAB 5 parks. Read more>>>

Planning a 2010 Wedding?

Now is the time to make reservations for weddings at Alabama State Parks. Whether your guest list is 25 or 250, whether you’d like an outdoor setting or a fireside venue, we have a facility to meet your needs. Alabama’s five resort parks offer full-service catering. www.alapark.com/weddings/

State Parks Gift Cards Make Great Holiday Gifts!

For the person who has everything, why not give them a trip to one of Alabama’s state parks? You can purchase a gift card for any amount and it can be redeemed for most services including lodging, food, recreational activities and more. Learn More >>>

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – State Parks Division
64 N. Union Street, Suite 538, Montgomery, Alabama 36130
For more information, call 1-800-ALA-PARK (1-800-252-7275)

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