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The Alabama State Parks Division has created a new Facebook page to help the public keep up with activities and events for all 22 state parks. We understand that a large number of people visit more than one Alabama State Park. This page will be a great tool for keeping up with all things “park.”
THIS YEAR DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Spring Break at an Alabama State Park!
 (Photo by Michael Callahan)
Lake Guntersville -- In April 2011, Lake Guntersville State Park was hit by multiple tornadoes, but we have been renovated, re-opened and are ready for Spring Break. Lake Guntersville State Park is located along the banks of the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama. The park overlooks the majestic 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville and features more than 6,000 acres of natural woodlands. From fishing and camping to hiking and boating, Lake Guntersville State Park offers activities that everyone can enjoy. Come spend Spring Break with us and see why we are a jewel of a park.
Amenities offered at Lake Guntersville State Park:
• Fishing – World Class
• Hiking – More than 36 miles of trails
• Campground – 321 improved campsites and primitive area
• Cabins – 15 Lakeside cabins for 1-6 people
• Chalets – 20 Chalets, 2 dog-friendly units
• Lodge – 112 hotel rooms and suites
• Restaurant – Pinecrest Dining room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Golf – 18-hole championship course
• Boat rental – Cruising Lake Guntersville
• Picnic areas – Beach pavilion and other areas
Visit www.alapark.com or the Lake Guntersville Facebook page for more information.
(Photo by Brad Lackey)
DeSoto -- DeSoto State Park sits nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama along scenic Little River. This 3,502-acre park offers a variety of family activities. From hiking and camping to biking and exploring, DeSoto State Park offers adventures for the outdoor enthusiast. Come spend Spring Break with us!
Amenities offered at DeSoto State Park:
• Hiking – Miles of scenic trails with breathtaking waterfalls and beautiful wildflowers
• Excursions – Rappelling, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking
• Biking – More than 11 miles, varying terrain
• Fly fishing – Redeye bass in Little River
• Campground – 94 improved campsites, primitive and backcountry sites
• Cabins and Chalets – 22 cozy cabins and chalets, 2 dog-friendly units
• Lodge – Scenic back deck views
• Restaurant – The Mountain Inn serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Nature Center – Live and mounted animals from the area
• Picnic areas – Tables, grills, and playground
Visit www.alapark.com or the DeSoto Facebook page for more information.
(Photo by Billy Pope, ADCNR)
Joe Wheeler -- Located on Wheeler Lake in northwest Alabama, Joe Wheeler State Park features 2,550 acres of outdoor fun. From fishing and boating to camping and hiking, Joe Wheeler State Park offers recreation for everyone. Come spend Spring Break with us!
Amenities offered at Joe Wheeler State Park:
• Fishing – A great variety of game fish with outstanding action
• Hiking – Miles of waterfront trails
• Campground – 116 improved campsites and a primitive area
• Cottages – 10 lakeside cottages for 1-8 people
• Cabins – 24 lakeside cabins, 3 dog-friendly units
• Lodge – 75 lakeside rooms
• Restaurant – Daniella’s In the Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Golf – 18-hole championship course
• Boat rental – Pontoon boats, fishing boats, paddleboats, bass boats
• Picnic areas – Pavilions and beach area
• Swimming – Beach swimming area
Visit www.alapark.com or the Joe Wheeler Facebook page for more information.
DeSoto CCC Museum Dedication
Join the staff at DeSoto State Park on Friday, March 22, 2013, at 1 p.m. for the dedication of the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. This museum was made possible with a $10,000 grant in 2011. Since then, work has been ongoing--renovating the historic building, performing research, and preparing interpretive materials. The museum is in the “Contact Station” located at the original entrance to DeSoto State Park on County Road 618. Many original structures built by the CCC can still be seen today in the park. For more information, call (256) 845-0051 or (256) 997-5025 or email.
UPCOMING EVENTS
3/16/2013
Early Spring Walk at DeSoto State Park
Join the staff on an easy walk along the boardwalk trail to see early blooming species of plants and to learn some of the ways that plants have been used for food and medicine. 10 a.m. at the Nature Center.
3/19/2013
Plants of the Pocket
DeSoto State Park Botanist Brittney M. Hughes and JSU Field Schools Coordinator Renee Morrison will guide a trip to “The Pocket” on Pigeon Mountain from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Excellent photo opportunities of unique and beautiful plants. Easy to moderate short boardwalk hike with optional moderate to difficult hike to waterfall. Meet at DeSoto State Park’s Nature Center to shuttle to site; $10 per person (includes transportation to site); pre-registration required. Call (256) 782-5697 for details.
Through 3/22/2013
Gulf State Park Aerobic Dance Class
Get your exercise with us! Meet in the Activities Building in the Campground on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:45 a.m. Free to park guests. More info: Gulf State Park Facebook page.
3/30/2013
Activities will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and include a cake hop, face painting, hayrides, sack races and more! Held at the Dogwood and Lakeside Pavilions on Terrace Drive. Some activities cost $1. Egg hunt at 11 a.m. for ages 5 and under; egg hunt at 1 p.m. for ages 6 and up. For information or reservations in the park, call (205) 620-2520 or email.
3/31/2013
Easter Buffet at Joe Wheeler State Park
Make your plans to enjoy the Easter Buffet at Joe Wheeler State Park. Call the park office for more information or reservations at (800) 544-5639.
4/5/2013
Formerly known as Powerman Alabama, the Double Oak Duathlon returns to Oak Mountain State Park on April 5. Contact the park office for more details or reservation assistance, (205) 620-2520, or email.
4/12/2013 to 4/14/2013
This campout is geared toward the more classic of campers but all campers are welcome. Share a pot luck dinner and participate in the open house to view the work that has gone into restoring the campers. For more information, call (334) 887-5621 or email.
For a complete list of Alabama State Parks’ events visit the Events Calendar.
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Survey Question:
Who Funds Alabama’s State Parks?
Many parks in the U.S. are funded through taxes or other related public funds. This is largely the case with city parks, county parks, and even our country’s national parks.
Alabama's State Park system is mostly funded by visitors through entrance fees, lodging fees, and other related service fees charged to visitors. However, we often encounter comments from customers that suggest they think taxes pay for the operation of the state park system.
Please answer Yes or No to the following:
Prior to this email, did you think that taxes fund the operations of the state park system?
Run Buck Wild!
March 23, 2013, is the first Extreme 5K Race at Joe Wheeler State Park. Called “Running Buck Wild,” this run will take participants across different terrains such as hiking trails, asphalt and gravel roads. The race will start in the picnic area, go through hiking trails, the campground, around more trails and back to the picnic area to finish. Participants will also run alongside the Tennessee River and glimpse some of the park’s beautiful natural scenery.
A lodging package is being offered for the event. The package is $125 and includes lodge room for two, dinner and breakfast for two. You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy this package! Package plan offered until March 31, 2013. For details on the race or lodging package call (256) 247-5466 or email.
Fun Weekends at Cheaha!
March 15-17, 2013: Wear plenty of green as it will be the color of the weekend! Join the dance contest and win a prize in the “Can you Dance a Jig Contest.” Lots of Irish music and Irish specials to be served!
March 29-31, 2013: The fun starts Friday night with a puppet show and family singing contest. On Saturday there are crafts, an Easter egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy an Easter buffet on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. in our restaurant overlooking the mountain. Call 800-846-2654 for reservation assistance or email.
March 25-26, 2013: Georgia Top Six Fishing Tournament
Take-off and weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the Lakepoint Resort State Park Marina (334-687-6026). The event sponsor is the Georgia Bass Federation and about 130 boats are expected. For more details, contact Jerry McKinney or call (229) 561-1499.
March 30, 2013: Easter Seals Fishing Tournament
Take-off and weigh-in will be at the Lakepoint State Park Marina (334-687-6026) at 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by Easter Seals; about 175 boats are expected. For more information, contact Beth English (229) 439-7061 or email.
For park reservations call (800) 544-5253 or (334) 687-8011.
Learn to Camp! DeSoto State Park and Russell Cave National Monument has formed a partnership to introduce families to camping. Family Camping 101 is a hands-on course designed for a family to experience and learn the basics of camping in an improved campground with basic campground amenities. Participation is limited. For more details and online registration, click here.
DeSoto Overnight Specials
“Discover DeSoto Package” - $69 per couple. One night’s stay and breakfast for two. “Cozy Cabins Special” – Call 1-800-568-8840 for details about all specials.
Give Us Your Feedback
To make sure we are providing the best possible visitor experience, we’re asking for feedback on your park visit. Online surveys are available for day-use visits, dining and overnight stays. Whether you camped or stayed in one of the cabins or hotels, please tell us about your stay.
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Outdoor Alabama — Something for Everyone
Whether you enjoy birdwatching, bass fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, or just reading about our state’s natural resources, you’ll find it in Outdoor Alabama magazine. Each subscription also includes the beautiful calendar issue in December and the photo contest issue in February.
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March 2013 Alabama State Parks eNewsletter
Official eNewsletter of Alabama State Parks 1-800-ALAPARK (1-800-252-7275)
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