We are all feeling a bit stir crazy these days, and that’s why spending time outdoors can be so beneficial. What can you do when it’s stormy outside, you’re stuck indoors, and you just want to be immersed in nature? We found five ways to help you appreciate nature without leaving your home:

Explore a national park … virtually!

Wishing you could explore all the national parks on your bucket list? Well, you can right now! Some national parks offer great virtual tours and live cams so you can see the sights from the comfort of your own home (for now)! The National Park Foundation listed some of the magnificent parks you can explore; check it out here. So, relax and watch the kelp forests sway on the Channel Islands webcam or watch it snow while you wait for Old Faithful to erupt in Yellowstone National Park. 

Tune in to live wildlife and nature webcams

This is basically a real-world, live stream version of National Geographic. While you work at home, you can live stream some remarkable footage for a fun background and change in scenery! Explore.org has a variety of live streams showcasing wildlife and natural beauty. Some of our favorite live cams are of the bald eagles in Decorah, Iowa; snow-covered ski runs at Homewood Mountain at Lake Tahoe, and the beautiful Aurora Borealis (the northern lights) in Manitoba, Canada!

Escape with outdoor podcasts

Plug in your headphones, find a cozy spot and get lost in some good tales from the trails. Some of our favorite outdoor podcasts are The Dirtbag Diaries, The First 40 Miles, The By Land, and She Explores. 

Tour the National Museum of Natural History

Bored with Netflix? Looking for another educational yet fun activity for the kids? The Smithsonian National Museum can help curb boredom with a long list of fascinating virtual tours. Exhibits you can “wander” through include the Butterfly Pavilion, Polar Forests, Importance of Insects, Soil, and many more! You can find them here.

Virtually visit zoos and aquariums 

You also can broaden you and your family’s horizon by going on a virtual tour of a zoo or aquarium! Apartment Therapy released a list of some of the top zoos and aquariums offering up-close tours and live streaming. You can emulate the sloth in your own natural habitat while gazing into the deep blue of the Georgia Aquarium. 

Keep in mind, we want you to get outdoors, get fresh air, and some Vitamin D. So try to save these virtual visits for days when you need to connect with nature, but going outside isn’t possible.

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit our online store today and take advantage of our curbside pickup, local next-day delivery, or standard shipment options! #BeOutdoors

From easy trails to multi-day backcountry hikes, it’s amazing how happy it makes us just to be outside. Unplugging in nature feels like the ultimate carefree adventure, but we still need to do our part to keep public lands beautiful and wild.

Being a socially responsible hiker or camper can mean a lot of things. There isn’t one stringent rulebook. Responsibility is more about common sense and respect for the world around us. 

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker, keep these practical guidelines in mind on your next adventure.

Six social responsibility tips for hikers 

1. Collect memories, not mementos. It’s tempting to pick a pretty bouquet of wildflowers, but plucking them from their native habitat only kills the blooms and spoils the landscape for adventurers who come after you. The Wilderness Society has a handy guide for hunting wildflowers with your eyes, not your hands.

2. Leave the trail better than you found it. Ever stopped to rest and noticed a candy wrapper buried in the dirt near your feet? Or stumbled across a tumbleweed of plastic bags on the beach? Responsible hikers know it’s important to leave no trace. Anything you take on the trail should return home with you. Food wrappers, toilet paper, and water bottles included.

3. Share responsibly. We all love sharing beautiful places with the ones we love. But instead of trampling native plants to get the perfect shot on Instagram, get creative with your framing. Can you capture the beauty of a place while staying on the trail? Could you use photo captions to encourage future campers to respect fragile ecosystems?

4. Stay on the path. Stick to the designated trails to keep plants and animals safe and undisturbed. Most trails are thoughtfully designed to showcase the beauty of the land safely. Enjoy!

5. Use socially responsible gear. What can you do to be a responsible hiker before you even leave your house? Purchase reusable water bottles (less plastic waste), stock up on mineral sunscreen (instead of chemical versions, which can run off into lakes or onto topsoil), and buy gear from companies that invest in responsible manufacturing processes.

6. Know your limits. Endangering yourself on a hike could also put rescue medics or rangers in harm’s way. There’s no need to go rogue on your next adventure. Enjoy the fresh air, drink in the sights and sounds of the forest, and only go as far or high or deep as you feel safe. Happy hiking!

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

As we adapt to a changing way of life due to the COVID-19 outbreak, experts say it’s important to stay active, get outdoors safely, and relieve some of the stress and energy created by this unprecedented situation. So we came up with 10 ways you can get outside right now and take advantage of the healing effect of some fresh air and exercise.

1. Plan a backyard campout 

Are you a first-time camper or do you just want to enjoy something easy and fun at home? Backyard camping is just that! Setting up a tent together is a great activity to get everyone involved. Try adding in a little campsite cooking and night time stories. You’ll be ready to plan your next adventure in the great outdoors in no time!

2. A little more adventurous? Go camping!

Spring is in the air, the weather is warmer, and it’s time to break out your tent and sleep under the stars. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for outdoor camping and the current weather. Also, be sure to check out park guidelines and plan out your trip before you go!

3. Spend Waterfall Wednesday at the falls

Is Waterfall Wednesday giving you that urge to go explore? Get your hiking boots on, grab your hammock, and go spend the day at one of these beautiful waterfalls in the area. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the waterfall. It’s time to hammock and chill. 

4. Go on a hike and find the trail less traveled

 “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot,” says outdoors author Diane Spicer. It is no secret that time spent outdoors lowers stress levels, improves your mood, and provides other great health benefits.  Use this time to find the trail less traveled and discover something new while taking in the calmness of the outdoors! 

5. Take a day road trip

Ready to go on an adventure? Take a quick day trip! Enjoy the sights while driving around or pick a destination that you have been wanting to visit. 

6. Have a picnic at your local park

A good way to change up your day is to change your scenery! Step away from your work-from-home office and have a picnic at a nearby park. Pick your park, find a good space to spread your blanket, and take in some fresh air. 

7. Start trail running

Trail running can be a fun and new way to change up your running routine.  Keep in mind there are some extra precautions you need to take on the trails that you do not need to worry about on the treadmill or urban streets. Runner’s World offers some great tips for beginning trail runners.

8. Nature walk scavenger hunt

A nature walk scavenger hunt is a great way to get your kids excited about the outdoors! Not only is it fun but it can be very educational so they learn about different plants they see on your hike. Just make sure to leave the trail the way you found it — don’t pick flowers or remove rocks. Take only memories.

9. Practice yoga outdoors

We already love the benefits of yoga and being outdoors. What better idea than to practice your tree pose among the trees? The serenity of the outdoors will help you focus on your breathing and deepen your meditation. 

10. Go to the dog park

Let’s not forget about all the energy your furry pal has! Head on over to your local dog park and let them run out there energy. Tip: try and go during the weekday morning when it may not be as busy. 

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time.  Visit our online store and take advantage of curbside pickup and home delivery! #BeOutdoors

Looking for a way to add a little excitement to your family weekend? Setting up a tent in the backyard is a great way to introduce camping to your kids and add a little adventure while staying close to home (and a bathroom.)

Here are some tips for making your backyard camping “trip” a blast.

Check the weather  

Just like you check the weather before you pack your backs for a weekend at your favorite campsite, you need to make sure conditions will be comfortable and conducive to outdoor fun for new campers.

Set up a tent

You may be tempted to build a makeshift tent out of sheets and sticks, but you want your kids to love camping, right? So invest in a cozy four-person tent that will help them feel cozy, secure, and excited about trying it in the wilderness one day. If your kids are old enough, get them involved in putting it together! Knowing how to set up a tent is a great accomplishment and life skill.

Make sure you have ‘necessary’ gear

Part of the fun of camping is the gear. That could include a tarp to cover the ground where you plan to set up your tent, headlamps ( for night hikes around the neighborhood), flashlights, two-way radios, a blue-tooth speaker, cozy blankets, comfy camp chairs, and sleeping bags.

Speaking of sleeping, don’t forget sleeping gear

You definitely need sleeping bags for the full camping experience. But if you want to make your “campsite” even more comfortable and conducive to sleep, use a sleeping pad, too. It will make your bedding more comfortable and insulate your campers from the cold, hard ground.

Remember to have fun

Set up some games — horseshoes, disc golf, or cornhole, for instance.  Put up a hammock. If you have a fire pit, roast marshmallows and make some smores. Or sing some camp songs and look for constellations in the sky. Most of all, just enjoy each other and the outdoors. Remember, you are planting the seeds for future adventures. 

Find what you need for your backyard camping adventure here! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit our online store today! Now offering curbside pickup and next-day delivery within seven miles of our stores. #BeOutdoors

It’s Spring in Alabama which means warmer weather, pollen, rain and more rain. So when you see that gloomy forecast be sure to have a plan. 

We’ve got 10 tips on how to keep your family active, upbeat, and maybe even outdoors when the clouds roll in:

What Can You Do On a Rainy Day?

1. Play in puddles. If it’s raining without any threat of lightning, put on your rain gear and make the most of it!

2. Watch a waterfall.  Again, if the weather isn’t severe, go on a trek for a waterfall. Maybe it’s one that has been there for ages, or maybe you can find several waterfalls along a trail that only appear when we get enough rain. Regardless, they are all beautiful!

3. Make some mud art. Get dirty and take advantage of the natural pigments and varied textures to craft some sculptures, draw some pictures or create plaster casts. If you need some inspiration, www.artfulkids.com has some great mud art ideas.

4. Rescue worms. When it rains, earthworms typically migrate out of the ground. They can safely move across the ground, driveway, or sidewalk when it’s wet. But when the sun comes out, worms can dry out before they make it back underground. At the end of a rainy day, you and your kids can go on a rescue mission and carefully scoop up worms with a bare hand or a gloved hand and return them to the grass or soil.

5. Go for a walk in the rain. Most of the time, we run through the rain, trying to get from Point A to Point B without getting soaked. Try walking in the rain, without worrying about whether you get soaked. Wear your rain gear and just listen to the rain, notice how it puddles, how green the trees and grass look thanks to the showers. Be mindful of the moment. Soak it up ( pun intended.)

6. Read on a covered porch or patio. Take advantage of nature’s soundtrack and indulge in some reading time.

7. Stay indoors and plan your next sunny-day adventure. Take advantage of the time to plan a hike for the next sunny day. 

8. Play games. If you are stuck inside because of the weather, dig out some board games, set them up on a table near a window, and enjoy the rainy day, sheltered and having fun.

9. Go for a drive. Rain can create some beautiful, surreal scenes. Find an outlook where you can spot mist-shrouded hills and showers in the distance.

10. Plan a rain garden. Research and plan out your own rain garden. First, pinpoint a natural slope in your yard, and then decide which native shrubs, perennials, and flowers you can plant there. Rain gardens help temporarily hold and soak in rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, patios, or lawns, and can help protect water quality.

Make sure you are ready for any activity in the rain and shop our top rain gear essentials. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Birmingham native Dana Jaffe is an experienced writer, editor, hiker, and meditator based in Asheville, N.C.

Hiking and meditation are both integral parts of my personal wellness routine. With mindfulness practice and time in nature being my favorite ways to get calm and centered, learning how to merge the two activities has been rewarding. I have found that combining physical activity, beautiful scenery, and meditation can be really nourishing — for the mind, the heart, and the body.

If you are interested in being outdoors while meditating, here are some tips for how to hike more mindfully:

What is walking meditation

When you first picture meditation, you likely imagine being in a seated position. But walking meditation is also a long-standing part of Buddhist tradition. You can use the phrase — lift, move, place — to pay attention to each step that you take.

In essence, instead of the breath, you are using your steps as an anchor to stay present in the moment. Of course, you can do this at any time during your hike, but often I prefer to be a bit more intentional.

Since I am frequently hiking with a companion, I typically like to set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes, let them know what I will be doing, and ask if they would like to join.

One additional note: If you try this, be sure to have comfortable hiking footwear — you do not want the aches and pains of ill-fitting shoes to interfere with an otherwise fruitful meditation session.

Use nature to bring mindfulness principles alive

One of the most helpful tips I learned early in my mindfulness practice involved a nature metaphor. The key concept: thoughts and feelings are just like clouds passing through the sky. Our goal is to learn to let them come and go without judgment or attachment. The same metaphor would be applicable to watching the ebb and flow of a river.

At times, the current may be rapid and moments later, it may be still and calm — much like our minds. I have often sat on a boulder mid-hike and looked at the clouds or by the river with this metaphor in my mind.

Pay attention to your senses

Part of really arriving in the present moment is paying attention to our five senses. In nature, this may mean the sight of the sun on our skin, the sound of our feet hitting the crunchy leaves, or the feeling of the weight of a backpack on our shoulders.

You can combine this with a noting practice —  just naming what thoughts, emotions, body sensations, sounds, sights, etc. are coming up. For example, your inner dialogue might look like this: worry, birds chirping, gratitude, tall trees, heart beating. People often fear they aren’t meditating right if their mind is all over the place, but that is far from true.

My favorite simple definition of mindfulness is: being with what is happening while it is happening, which is exactly what you will be doing with this technique.

Take a mindful pause

So often we hike for miles and miles, get to the end of the trail, and turn right back around. One way to soak up the beauty is to make it a habit to meditate when you reach the top of the mountain or the waterfall nestled in the forest.

For a super long hike, finding a log or a boulder to use for a seated meditation can be the perfect excuse to catch your breath. Be sure to wear comfortable pants that allow you to sit in a traditional meditation pose.

Many of the techniques I have described here are ones that I have learned from my favorite mindfulness app. Buddhify actually has an entire category of walking meditations with guided sessions ranging from five to 15 minutes. It is a great tool for those looking for ideas on how to combine hiking and meditation. 

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time.  Visit our online store and take advantage of guaranteed 24-hour shipment or curbside delivery! #BeOutdoors

At times like this, we need to carve out time for little moments to explore and find joy. With cabin fever setting in for many of us, you may be wondering what activities are safe and adhere to social distancing guidelines?

As always, it’s important to check official websites in your community for specific guidelines. Nevertheless, fresh air and movement are important for your mental, physical, and emotional health. So we put together some ideas to keep your family active, engaged, and outdoors as much as possible!

Set a daily target for outdoor time

Try to set a daily target goal for you and your family to spend time outside.  Make sure to check the weather each day so you know whether to break out your rain boots or shorts and hiking shoes. 

Play a game of hike-n-seek

Luckily, this option doubles as an indoor and outdoor activity. A game of outdoors hike-n-seek can entice your kids to take in some fresh air and burn off that surplus of energy that’s been building up. Indoors it’s more hide-n-seek, but it is still stimulating and fun!

Hopscotch on your driveway

A timeless classic that only requires some chalk and a flat stone. BONUS FUN: Once you’ve finished your game, you can create some sidewalk chalk art and bring a little more beauty into the world with a nice mural. 

Go for a scavenger hunt This is another classic that can be adapted for outdoor or indoor fun, depending on the weather and circumstances. Here is a handy printable list for an outdoor scavenger hunt. Here is a link to a printable indoor scavenger hunt list.

Start a garden

You can start a garden by planting seedlings indoors or outdoors based on what type of vegetable/fruit you’re planning to grow. TIP: Root vegetables don’t transplant very well. You also can start your own urban garden in your apartment if you don’t have a backyard. 

Starting a garden with your kids is a great way to grow their curiosity and natural wonder and teach them about self-sustainability.

Go for a hike

You don’t have to live near a mountain range to go for a hike. You could trek around park that’s close to your house or take a day trip to explore the many trails there. Just be mindful to stay six feet from neighbors/friends or other hikers you come across. Continue to use caution and practice social distancing.

Build a fort or go “camping” in your living room

Move the coffee table, clear your living room floor, and let your child’s imagination run wild. Don’t have a tent? No worries! Grab some sheets, pillows, cozy blankets, and snacks. Try creating the camping ambiance with twinkle lights and a flashlight. 

Work out at home

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Many of us find community in our local gyms and, with gyms closed for the foreseeable future, we have to find other avenues of breaking our daily sweat. 

Many gyms are doing online classes (and lots of them are free!) or live Instagram stories to host a virtual class. Support them during this difficult time and do a family workout in your living room.

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time.  Visit our online store and take advantage of guaranteed 24-hour shipment or curbside delivery! #BeOutdoors

If hiking is your passion and you are looking for outdoor fun this spring, Alabama is a good place to call home. According to, the Yellowhammer State boasts more than 560 great hiking trails. Here are five highly rated Alabama trails for your spring and summer must-hike list.

North Alabama: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 700-acre, privately owned nature preserve in Northwest Alabama. A cooperative project with the Nature Conservancy of Alabama, it’s open to the public year-round, Friday through Sunday plus holidays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eastern Alabama: Chinnabee Silent Trail

Located in the Talladega National Forest, 392,567 acres of breathtaking beauty at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, this 7.3 mile, moderately trafficked, the out-and-back trail takes hikers through multiple habitats, making it ideal for birdwatchers.

The elevation gain is 892 feet and peak hiking months are March through November. You can bring your pup, but you’ll need to keep them on a leash. The trail can be rocky, wet and has blowdowns, so choose your footwear carefully. 

Trail highlights include Cheaha Falls, Devil’s Den, and Lake Chinnabee. Much of the trail is shady though, making it a good hot-weather trek. Hikers who experienced the trail said the “scenery is just awesome” and called it “my favorite trail of all time.”

Central Alabama: Blue Trail to King’s Chair Overlook

Oak Mountain State Park, located 20 miles south of Birmingham, is the state’s largest state park with  25 miles of hiking trails. The 14.1-mile, out-and-back Blue Trail is one of the most difficult. With a 2,139-foot elevation gain, the steep trail can be challenging, so consider bringing trekking poles. It’s accessible year-round and allows dogs on leashes.

Hikers will encounter creeks, waterfalls, and stunning overlooks, including King’s Chair. The overlooks are exposed and sunny, but much of the trail is shaded. If 14.1 miles isn’t challenging enough, you can easily connect to other trails in the park during the warmer months. Folks over the age of 12 will pay $12 to enter the park, children age 6-11 and seniors over 62 can get in for $1, and there’s no fee for children under 5.

Eastern Alabama: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail

One of the most scenic trails in the state, Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail is a 3.2 mile, lightly trafficked loop trail with an elevation gain of 383 feet. Open all year, and dog-friendly. The trail offers a shaded, well-marked hike that is accessible to all ages and all skill levels. However, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association recommends parents only bring children 12 years and older. Children ages 12 to 14 years old should have adult supervision, the association says.

The lake views set this trail apart, as does Chimney Rock, one of Lake Martin’s most famous landmarks. Consider a picnic atop some of the larger rocks that rim the lake. Hikers who reviewed the trail said it was “a great trail with beautiful views” and “highly recommended.” The trail is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

South Alabama: Rosemary Dunes Trail

Alabama’s beautiful trails go through the mountains, around the lakes and finally, to the beach. In Orange Beach, you’ll find the Rosemary Dunes Trail, a 4.3 mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail. It’s nearly flat, with an elevation gain of only 32 feet. The wheelchair-friendly paved trail is suitable for all skill levels. It’s accessible all year long and has a small playground and picnic area. The free trails are open during daylight hours.

The wildlife and vegetation make this trail unique. Don’t be surprised if you spot an alligator or two, as well as other marsh-dwelling animals. As the trail goes through multiple habitats, it’s also a good trek for birders. Hikers rave about the wildflowers, cattails, and water lilies, as well as the pollinator garden filled with butterflies. But prepare for a sunny, humid hike. Trail reviewers called it “absolutely pristine” and “a great place to bird and herp.”

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

While some die-hard outdoor enthusiasts opt to camp year-round, others prefer to wait until the days are a little longer and the temperature is a little warmer. Spring in Alabama is the perfect time to hit the trails and pitch a tent, as the trees are budding and the wildflowers are starting to bloom, but the bugs and humidity have yet to make their annual return. Here are five popular — and unique — camping opportunities in the Yellowhammer State. 

DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne

Located atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, the 3,500-acre DeSoto State Park features waterfalls, wildflower fields, and plenty of rustic beauty. Nearby sites of interest include the Little River Canyon Preserve, the 104-foot Desoto Falls, and the Walls of Jerico Forever Wild Tract.

Accommodations

The park offers an improved campground with 94 full-hookup tent and RV sites, primitive camping sites for tents, and two backcountry campsites with shelters.

Recreation & Attractions

You can find something for everyone at DeSoto. Recreational activities include kayaking, biking, cycling, bouldering, rappelling, hiking, fishing, and wildflower expeditions. The historic park also has a picnic area and an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail.

The park is free. Pets and fires are allowed. Reservations can be made online.

Cheaha State Park in Delta

Cheaha is the oldest, continuously operating state park in Alabama. It’s also home to the state’s highest point, Cheaha Mountain, which is 2,407 feet above sea level. The park features amazing views to appreciate beautiful sunsets as well as some spectacular waterfalls. 

Accommodations

The park boasts five campgrounds: two developed, one semi-primitive, one primitive, and a group campground. The developed campgrounds feature RV hookups.

Recreation & Attractions

Nestled in the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. It’s home to the Cheaha Trailhead of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects to the Appalachian Trail, the Odum Scout Trail, and the Chinnabee Silent Trail. Cheaha also includes access to the Kentuck ORV-ATV trail.

Park fees are: Age 0-3 free, 4-11 $2, 12 and older $5, Seniors 62+ $2, Veterans and Active Military (with ID) enter for free. Annual passes are $55 for seniors/disabled, $105 for individuals 12 and older and $155 for a family of up to six. Fires and pets are allowed. Reservations can be made online.

Deerlick Creek  near Tuscaloosa

Deerlick Creek is a shoreline located on Holt Lake that was created by damning the Black Warrior River. The creek and river connect to the Tom Bigbee Waterway, which includes six lakes with a total length of 457 miles and nearly 40,000 surface acres of water. The shoreline campground is nestled in a hardwood and pine forest, where plenty of turkey, deer, migratory birds, and bluebirds live.

Accommodations

Forty-six campsites include electric and water hookups and access to showers, while six of the sites are tent-only. In addition, the campground features a picnic shelter that can be reserved, a mixed-use court, and a swimming beach.

Recreation & Attractions

Watersports and fishing opportunities are abundant at Deerlick Creek. The waterway is populated with bass, crappie, bream, catfish and more. Boating and swimming are popular, and the area has numerous hiking trails and a paved bike trail.

Nightly fees range from $20-$30. Pets and fires are allowed. You can check site availability online.

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores

Enjoy two miles of sandy white beaches and crystal-clear salt water as well as Lake Shelby, a 900-acre freshwater lake. The park’s 6,500 sun-drenched acres provide ample opportunity for everyone to enjoy their outdoor passion.

Accommodations

There’s lots of room and all kinds of camping with a 496-site improved campground that features pull-through and back-in sites, waterfront sites, and ADA-accessible sites. Paved pads provide full hookups, and the park also features three new “glamping” sites and 11 primitive camping sites. You’ll find picnic tables throughout the park. 

Recreation & Attractions

Obviously, popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, and even parasailing are popular choices. It also features hiking and biking trails, a wildflower and butterfly garden, and much more. 

But keep in mind that Gulf State Park is home to many types of wildlife, including alligators. Please be aware at all times and respectful.

The free park allows fires and dogs. You can make camping reservations online.

Bartram Canoe Trails in Mobile

The 250,000-acre Mobile-Tensaw Delta is the second largest river delta in the United States. It’s a vast wetland of marshes, swamps and bottomland hardwood ecosystems and home to more than 50 endangered animal and plant species. It’s also where you’ll find the Bartram Canoe Trails, one of the longest aquatic trails in the country. Bartram Canoe Trails features six day-use trails and six overnight trails, which take canoeists, kayakers and recreational boaters through miles of rivers, streams, lakes, sloughs, and bayous.

Accommodations

The trail system features two primitive land-based campsites, which are open to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Along the upper trail overnight route, you will find four floating platform campsites. Meanwhile, the lower trail overnight routes have four elevated camping shelters. Only canoeists and kayakers can reserve the floating platforms and elevated camping shelters.

Recreation & Attractions

Obviously, canoeing, kayaking, and boating are the primary means of exploring the 170+ miles of trails through the delta. Bartram allows fishing. However, the trail system discourages swimming due to the local alligator populations.

You can reserve the water-based campsites online for a $26.50 fee. Fires are allowed in the land-based campsites only. No pets are allowed.

 We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time.  Visit our online store and take advantage of guaranteed 24-hour shipment or curbside delivery! #BeOutdoors