Alabama usually gets a bad rap in travel circles. Of course, the weather in Alabama may be so hot and humid for anyone’s liking—and there isn’t as much in the cities as one would find in, say, Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans, or New York. However, to say that the Cotton State is not gorgeous would not be true.

This is especially so in the outdoors. For those who love hunting, fishing, biking, or camping—Alabama magically tips the scales as a vacation destination. At any place within the state, one is only a few hours to the beach, with its glittering sand, or to the Rocky Mountains, with its beautiful state parks, rumbling rivers, and glistening lakes. In this article, we reveal ten scenic state parks in Alabama and their best hikes.

10 DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park is hands down the most scenic state park in Alabama. The star attraction here is the 104-foot Desoto Falls, one of the tallest in the United States and, because of its breathtaking beauty—among the most visited in the state. But the whole park is insanely beautiful and features wooded mountains and flagrant wildflowers.

The best hike at DeSoto State Park is undoubtedly the Laurel Falls and Lost Falls Trails Loop.

9 Gulf State Park

It’s about the beach. Gulf State Park has beautiful beaches fringed by sparkling white sand for two miles on end. But it’s not just the beach. Gulf State Park boasts over 20 miles of trails, mostly flat, clean, and well-paved; a fishing pier that’s 20 feet wide and over 1,500 feet into the water; and, of course, wildlife. The wildlife alone is unbelievable.

The best hike in Gulf State Park is Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. This hike is about 12 miles long and will take 3 to 4 hours to hike.

  • How Much To Enter Gulf State Park? Except for the beach and the pier, Gulf State Park is free.

Related: This Hike Takes You Through All Of Letchworth State Park.

8 Oak Mountain State Park

About 10,000 acres of cascading ridges, serenely dotted with pines and several hardwoods—make Oak Mountain State Park one of the most scenic in Alabama. The 65-foot Peavine Falls is a gem of a waterfall visitors to this park may not want to miss. For bird lovers, the Alabama Wildlife Center will have to feature in the itinerary.

Kings Chair Loop is a moderately steep hike, but the views are to die for. It’s hands-down the best hike here.

  • What Is The Entrance Fees To Oak Mountain State Park? Adults (12-61) pay $5. Children (4-11) and Seniors pay $2.

7 Lake Lurleen State Park

A large, gorgeous lake—set in the backdrop of rolling hills and forested areas—makes this park rank on our list. For the best hike, we’ll go with the 12-mile-long Lake Lurleen via Tashka Trail.

  • What Is The Entrance Fees To Lake Lurleen State Park? Adults (12-61) pay $5. Children (4-11) and Seniors pay $2.

6 Chewacla State Park

A small, beautiful lake that has nice little falls on the backside makes this quiet park paradise. The best hike here will have to be the 2.5-mile-long Chewacla State Park Trail.

  • What Is The Entrance Fees To Chewacla State Park? Adults (12-61) pay $4. Children (4-11) and Seniors pay $2.

5 Cathedral Caverns State Park

One of the largest stalagmites in the world and other improbable geological formations constitutes an underground wonderland that makes this state park one of Alabama’s finest. The well-marked trails of Cathedral Caverns Yellow and Green Trails—together with the amazing views it opens out to—make this trail the best in the park.

4 Lake Guntersville State Park

Lake Guntersville State Park boasts scenic views of lush valleys, towering mountains, and of course, Lake Guntersville, the park’s stunning centerpiece. The double-track Cutchenmine Trail—teeming with attractive waterfowl is hands-down the best trail here.

  • What Is The Entrance Fees To Guntersville State Park? Adults (12-61) pay $4. Children (4-11) and Seniors pay $2.

Related: Out Of 47, These 10 South Carolina State Parks Are The Highest-Rated.

3 Cheaha State Park

This is literally a pinnacle of beauty for just the fact that it stands on Alabama’s highest point. Obviously, such an elevated position comes with amazing views. The Hernandez Peak and McDill Point, which opens out to great vistas of Blueberry bushes and low mountains, is the park’s best trail.

  • What Is The Entrance Fees To Cheaha State Park? Adults (12-61) pay $5. Children (4-11) and Seniors pay $2.

2 Meaher State Park

Several lakes, rumbling rivers, and creeks adorn this park like ornaments. There’s only one beautiful trail here, of course, aside from the boardwalk.

1 Wind Creek State Park

Lake Martin provides this park with a setting that’s strikingly picturesque, calm, and alluring. Wind Creek is particularly a water lover's paradise. Among the four trails in this park, the best is the scenic Wind Creek Yellow Trail Loop which takes less than an hour to hike.

  • What Is The Entrance Fees To Wind Creek State Park? Adults (12-61) pay $5. Children (4-11) and Seniors pay $2.