The Alabama heat has been turned up a notch in the last several weeks which has all of us asking how to make the most of our summer days while staying cool. We have put together our top three activities to beat the heat at state parks across Alabama.

Cave Tours

Cathedral Caverns State Park
“Originally called BatCave, Cathedral Caverns was opened to the public by Jacob Gurley in the 1950s. The cave was renamed because of its cathedral-like appearance.

The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees temperature year round; which makes it an excellent field trip for school, church, or other groups.

Cave tours are scheduled throughout the day. In addition to cave tours, Cathedral Caverns State Park also features gemstone mining, an activity for any age, but especially popular with younger visitors.”

Rickwood Caverns State Park
“What makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that contains 260-million-year-old formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed.

The main attraction is the guided cave tour. Rickwood Caverns State Park also offers a gift shop, picnicking, gemstone mining, camping, playground, and hiking the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, which got its name from the leaf and seashell imprints visible in some of the rocks. The park features an Olympic-size swimming pool, fed by chilly waters from the cave.”

Beach Day

Gulf State Park

“Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches, a spacious campground, and a brand new Lodge to greet you. Yes, we have gorgeous white sand, surging surf, seagulls, and a variety of activities, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into.

Gulf State Park is a destination you’re destined to visit over and over again. It’s the only way to enjoy all we have to offer. Just when you’re done hiking, it’s time to go biking. Tired of swimming and paddling in the Gulf? Swim and paddle in Lake Shelby. And if camping under the stars isn’t your thing, take advantage of our indoor lodging amenities.”

Looking for a beach closer to you? Oak Mountain State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park, and Lake Lurleen State Park offer beach experiences as well.

Swimming

Blue Springs State Park
“Summer is hot in the Wiregrass Region of Alabama, which makes Blue Springs State Park in Clio the perfect place to cool off. This park may be a secret swimming hole to the locals, but it is well worth the drive from anywhere in the state. The park’s main attractions, the swimming pools, are fed by a crystal-clear underground spring that remains a cool 68 degrees year-round.”

Rickwood Caverns
“If you’re looking to cool off from the sweltering summer temperatures or warm up during those cold winter months, the underground wonder maintains a constant 58-62 degree temperature year round as you travel 175 feet beneath the earth. The park features an Olympic-size swimming pool, fed by chilly waters from the cave.”

DeSoto State Park
“Continuing in the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), mountainous Desoto State Park is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away.”

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