Alabama State Parks has added new glamping tents at Oak Mountain State Park, part of an expansion officials say is driven by increasing demand for more comfortable outdoor stays. The addition in Pelham marks the latest expansion of glamping offerings across the state park system, with the experience now available at six locations statewide. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the growing popularity of glamping has prompted the expansion. “It’s exciting to expand the glamping opportunities at our state parks,” Blankenship said. “Glamping has become increasingly popular in the last few years, and we’ve seen how much our visitors have embraced it. Being able to offer glamping at Oak Mountain allows more people to stay, play and explore everything the park has to offer.” Read full coverage: yellowhammernews.com/alabama… #Alabama #AlabamaStateParks #OakMountain

The outdoors is calling — and Alabama’s next generation of explorers is invited to answer. Alabama State Parks has launched the new Junior Ranger Program, designed to inspire young adventurers, spark curiosity and cultivate a life-long love for conservation and stewardship of the great outdoors. Open to children of all ages — with activities specially designed for ages 5–12 — this program welcomes families, school groups, scout troops, homeschoolers and youth organizations to jump in and start exploring. No experience required. Just bring your curiosity, your sense of wonder and your love of nature. Read full story: yellowhammernews.com/alabama… #Alabama #AlabamaStateParks #Outdoors #JuniorRangerProgram

Fresh upgrades are elevating the guest experience at Monte Sano State Park, where all 14 iconic bluff-side cabins have been beautifully renovated. Originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), these historic retreats now blend timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort, offering visitors the perfect mix of heritage and hospitality. Local leaders and State Parks officials gathered Friday, Feb. 20, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, celebrating a revitalized destination designed to attract new visitors, enhance overnight stays and showcase the park as a premier getaway in North Alabama. “Several of these cabins boast stunning views of the valley surrounding Monte Sano Mountain, and we’re thrilled to have upgraded the interiors to create an experience as beautiful as the setting,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Our mission is to provide exceptional amenities at Alabama’s state parks and ensure every guest enjoys a truly first-class stay. We’ve preserved the charm of a historic mountain retreat while elevating comfort and relaxation so visitors can unwind and make unforgettable memories.” Read full piece: yellowhammernews.com/monte-s… #Alabama #Outdoors #AlabamaStateParks #MonteSanoStatePark

"Alabama State Parks has developed a new program that encourages youngsters to join in the fun the State Parks System provides by becoming Junior Park Rangers. The program is open to children of all ages, with activities designed especially for ages 5-12. Participation is free. Families, school groups and youth organizations are all welcome to join. If the youngsters have no prior outdoor experience, the Junior Park Ranger Program is a great place to start. For kids who are accustomed to the outdoors, the program will expand their knowledge and appreciation of Alabama’s natural wonders. 'Launching Alabama’s first statewide Junior Park Ranger Program is a moment of deep pride and gratitude for our entire Parks team,' said Renee Raney, Alabama State Parks’ Chief Naturalist. 'This program opens the door for children and families to explore all 21 State Parks as outdoor classrooms, building curiosity, stewardship and lasting memories together. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we connect young people to Alabama’s natural heritage.' To get started, go to alapark.com/JuniorParkRanger to download the 'Junior Park Ranger Adventure Guide,' which is also available at any State Park. After completing the activities in the guide, participants share what they’ve learned with a Park Ranger at their nearest State Park. Once that is done, the kids receive a Certificate of Achievement and a Junior Park Ranger badge," David Rainer writes. Read the full piece here: yellowhammernews.com/david-r… #Alabama #outdoors #AlabamaStateParks #JuniorParkRangerProgram

"As one of the first people to experience Alabama’s incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife, 18th century explorer William Bartram traversed much of central and south Alabama during a three-year period of exploration from 1775-1778. He extensively documented the plants, animals and native tribes in what is now the Southeast U.S. To commemorate that period of discovery and the vast contributions of this early adventurer, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ State Parks Division is teaming up with Auburn University to highlight Bartram’s travels through Alabama with a traveling display that will be showcased at 12 Alabama State Parks, starting at Lake Guntersville State Park, where the exhibit is currently on display until February 1, 2026. 'Alabama State Parks are living classrooms,' said Alabama State Parks’ Chief Naturalist Renee Raney. “This has been our theme over the past few years as we increase our education outreach and bring more field trips and K-12 teachers into our parks. 'Bartram’s story belongs in the landscape that shapes those discoveries, and I believe our public lands are those landscapes. Hosting this exhibit allows guests to encounter Bartram, not as some distant, historic figure, but as a fellow explorer or naturalist to walk many of our rivers, forests and ridges. I really think our parks provide the perfect settings to connect observations from more than 250 years ago to the living ecosystems you can experience in our state parks today.' Raney said Dr. Mark Wilson invited Alabama State Parks to host “William Bartram and Alabama.” Raney and her team then developed a program to enhance the exhibit at State Parks. In addition to Alabama, Bartram’s travels included North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida," David Rainer writes. Read the full piece here: yellowhammernews.com/david-r… #Alabama #outdoors #BartramExhibit #AlabamaStateParks

Camping in @Chewacla State Park tonight #AuburnAL #AlabamatheBeautiful #AlabamaStateParks

Alabama will add a marquee mountain destination in early 2026: A new three-tower hotel and meeting center at Cheaha State Park, perched at the state’s highest point and built to anchor year-round outdoor tourism. State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika), Chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee, announced on Tuesday that Alabamians will soon have another popular tourist destination and economic generator with the early 2026 opening of the new Cheaha State Park Hotel and Meeting Center, a project he has championed from the idea phase to its final completion. Located within Price’s Senate District 13, the hotel will feature three towers, each with its own balcony that offers breathtaking panoramic views, and a cliffside event space for meetings, weddings, and other events. “I have worked hand-in-glove with the parks division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to bring this project from conception to construction to its approaching completion,” Price said. “We took great care to place an emphasis on Alabama’s forestry industry during the design process, so in addition to providing a destination point for visitors from throughout the United States to enjoy our natural beauty, it will highlight, acknowledge, and promote the economic importance of our state’s timber industry.” Read full story here: yellowhammernews.com/state-s… #Alabama #ALPolitics #Outdoors #AlabamaOutdoors #AlabamaStateParks

We’re headed downhill to activate #POTA for #ParksOnTheAir #SupportYourParksWeekend 📻 🎙️ 📡 #HamRadio #HamRadioCouple #AmateurRadio #WheelerNWR #AlabamaStateParks #HikinNHammin #HikingwithPINK ⁦@hikinnhammin⁩

Our #POTA tent is ready, that’ll be be funnnnnn !!! #HuntsvilleHamfest #MonteSanoStatePark #AlabamaStateParks #HamRadio #AmateurRadio #HamRadioCouple #ParksOnTheAir #HikinNHammin #HikingwithPINK ⁦@hikinnhammin⁩ ⛺️ 📻 📡 🌳 🎙️

One could say a start has been made… that’s about half of our camp set up right there, we will see how it looks tomorrow 😁 ⛺️ ⛰️ #MonteSanoSatePark #AlabamaStateParks #HuntsvilleHamfest #HamRadio #HamRadioCouple #HikinNHammin #HikingwithPINK ⁦@hikinnhammin⁩

Clouds are hanging low around the top of Monte Sano today… maybe they’re attracted to the YouTubers ??? #MonteSanoStatePark #MonteSano #AlabamaStateParks #HamRadio #AmateurRadio #ParksOnTheAir #HamRadioFun #HamRadioCouple #HikinNHammin #HikingwithPINK ⁦@hikinnhammin⁩

Oak Mountain at sunset tonight was a delightfully peaceful place to be. #AlaparkAmbassador #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks @spann @ALStateParks

Chad Davis began working as a seasonal employee for Alabama State Parks as a 19-year-old college student at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville. Now, more than twenty years later, Davis is the new Deputy Director for Alabama State Parks, making him the second-highest-ranking executive in the State Parks System. “I am extremely humbled to be selected as the deputy director of Alabama State Parks,” Davis said. “I’ve spent my entire professional career with the park system, and I look forward to helping all 21 parks continue to offer first-class experiences for every guest. We have fantastic state parks in Alabama, and I am committed to making them better than ever.” Davis spent the last nine years as the district superintendent for the Northwest Region of Alabama State Parks, overseeing operations at Joe Wheeler, Monte Sano, Rickwood Caverns, Cathedral Caverns, and Lake Lurleen state parks. His career also included time spent as an assistant superintendent at Joe Wheeler and DeSoto State Parks. He began his full-time State Parks career as a ranger at Lake Guntersville State Park after earning his bachelor’s degree from Athens State University. Click here to read more: bit.ly/4cjOxVS?utm_source=tw… #AlabamaStateParks #AthensStateUniversity #Lexington #Alabama

Just minutes from downtown Huntsville, but it feels like a whole new world! 🌿✨ Spring is in bloom at Monte Sano State Park! 🏞️ #visitnorthal #northalabama #alabama #sweethomealabama #springhikes #wildflowerhikes #montesanostatepark #alabamastateparks #huntsville #ihearthsv

We found a great spot to activate #POTA from, actually put the walls on the #23Zero to keep the wind out 😁😁💨 #AlabamaStateParks #US1043 #ParksOnTheAir …and the #view was gorgeous!!! 🏞️ Thanks #hunters & #park2parks for 26 #QSOs #HamRadio #HamRadioCouple ⁦@hikinnhammin⁩

DeSoto State Park has been named a "Mini-Yosemite" by The Travel! Click the link below to read the full article! 🥾🌿✨ thetravel.com/parks-that-are… #visitlookoutmountain #dekalbtourism #alabama #alabamastateparks #desotostatepark #nature #adventure #explore #travel #waterfall

Also this is well worth the tour of the Caverns. #AlabamaStateParks

I hear all the flap about FFS. Even if you don't use one the other equipment available for a lot less money can get you by. Maybe not for big money tournaments (most most of us will never fish anyway). Bass over Christmas trees as seen on a Gen 2 Helix 7 #fishing #fishingtrip #fishingAlabama #AlabamaStateParks

#HamsInTheWild .... on top of #MonteSano #AlabamaStateParks #HamRadio #HamRadioCouple #AmateurRadio #SundayFunday #HikinNHammin #HikingwithPINK

Sunshine 🌞 and #SundayFunday equals #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #HamRadio #HamRadioCouple #AmateurRadio #POTAactivation #AlabamaStateParks #K1044 #LakeGuntervilleStatePark #TrailOfTears #K3791 #2fer ✅ #POTAspots