We love spending time with our canine companions, but we have to look out for them in the summer heat, especially if they are active outdoors. Check out our summer safety tips for your active dog: 

Keep your pet hydrated

Pets get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, especially in the summer. Make sure your dog has a shady place to get out of the sun, don’t over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.  Pro tip: Keep plenty of water and a packable water bowl for your dog with you when you go on trips, hiking, or on walks.  Then, your pup can have a drink of water no matter where you are.

Know the symptoms of overheating

Overheated pets may pant excessively, have difficulty breathing, drool, seem weak, or confused, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Other symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog suffers from any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cooler location, place a cool, wet cloth, or a chilly neckband on your dog’s neck. Offer your dog cool water, and call your veterinarian. If your dog collapses, take him immediately to your vet.

Never leave your dog in a hot car

Even if you think you will only be “gone for a minute,” don’t do it. For example, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.

Adjust activity intensity on hot days

Adjust the intensity and duration of exercise on particularly hot or humid days. Try to schedule hikes and walks during the early morning or evening hours. Also, remember that asphalt can burn the bottoms of your dog’s paws. Stick to dirt and grass trails during the summer.

Keep cool treats in the freezer

Treat-dispensing rubber throw toys have long been one of the best ways to keep dogs entertained and happy. For a cool treat, try filling your pup’s toy with peanut butter and freezing it.  Not only are these treats that’ll entertain for hours, but you can also prepare them ahead of time. The American Kennel Club has some suggestions for DIY frozen dog treats.

The most important thing to do as a pet owner is to be aware of your dog. Make sure your pet is comfortable, isn’t showing signs of distress or discomfort, and adjust your outdoor activities accordingly. Take care of your best friend, so he or she will be able to share your love of the outdoors for a long time!

Trying to keep cool this summer? We can help. 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

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, the charming city of Florence beckons outdoor enthusiasts with a plethora of exhilarating adventures. From rugged trails to serene waterways, North Alabama offers an array of outdoor escapes that cater to every adventurer’s soul. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover five of our favorite outdoor adventures near Florence. 

1. Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall

   
   

   Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall in Florence is a must-visit and a unique spot for some quiet time or a nice picnic. Why? Well, a local man named Tom Hendrix spent over 30 years building a stone wall in memory of his great-grandmother and her journey on the Singing River. We recommend reading further before you visit as the story is powerful and will make the visit that much better. Visitors have expressed the wall is healing and peaceful, and the surrounding nature only adds to the tranquility. If you want to keep your adventure going, check out our blog on other notable spots along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Please note that the Wichahpi Stone wall area is private property which the public is allowed to visit, but your furry friends must be left at home.

2.  Dismals Canyon

   
   

   Dismals Canyon is a hidden Alabama gem and a popular bucket list item for Alabamians and other travelers. Located an hour south of Florence in Phil Campbell, AL this National Natural Landmark is a sandstone gorge filled with diverse plant life and wonder. There is a 1.5 mile hiking trail, Rainbow Falls, and the best of all- Dismalites. Dismalites are larvae that glow fluorescent blue at night to attract food, and the canyon offers night hikes to see them glow. Dismals Canyon also has stunning campsites and cozy cabins if you enjoy glamping. On site, there is also a soda fountain and a spa for a little extra r&r.

3. McFarland Park

   
   

   McFarland Park is an easy staycation or day adventure as it is located right in Florence on the shores of the Tennessee River. McFarland Park has 60 campsites, fishing piers, playgrounds, a driving range, jogging trails, and more! This river-front home for the weekend will be fun for the whole family without going too far. So set up your camping site and enjoy a sunset on the river while lounging by the fire.

4. Wildwood Park 

   

   Wildwood Park is located just minutes from downtown Florence. While known for its mountain bike trails, the park also has good walking/hiking trails for all to enjoy its beauty. Want to hit the water and beat the heat? Rent or bring a kayak and float along Cypress Creek. Want to help support the park? Buy a Wildwood t-shirt from Alabama Outdoors and part of the proceeds will benefit the park!

5. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

   

   Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 713-acre property near Tuscumbia that offers hiking trails, a waterfall, stunning rock formations, a canyon overlook, and more! As this is a nature preserve, please make sure to follow all Leave No Trace principles when visiting to conserve its beauty and “naturalness”. Check out their website for directions, hours, and a full trail map and enjoy the outdoors!

Find what you need for back-to-school here! 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 in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Alabama schools are announcing plans for the new school year, which means it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school gear. Alabama’s 18th annual back-to-school sales tax holiday is just around the corner! 

Every year on the third full weekend of July, the state of Alabama allows certain items that are typically purchased for the school year to be sold state tax-exempt for one weekend only.

The Legislature created the three-day sales and use tax holiday in 2006 to help trim costs for parents. Popular items include:

• Men and women’s shorts
• Men and women’s tops
• Men and women’s sandals
• Socks
• Youth Apparel
• and other accessories like belts, and hats.

See below for all of the details for this year’s sales tax holiday.

Back-to-school sales tax holiday details

When:
Friday, July 21, 2023, at 12:01 am through Sunday, July 23, 2023, at midnight.

Where:
Throughout the state, businesses are required to participate in the state tax holiday if the county or municipality they are located in participate. Check out this comprehensive list of counties and municipalities that are participating this year. 

What supplies and products qualify: 

• Clothing $100 or less per article of clothing, footwear included
• Computers and computer supplies, a single purchase of $750 or less
• School and art supplies, $50 or less per item (i.e. backpacks, lunch boxes, paper and pencils, etc.)
• Books $30 or less per book

Check out this list for a more detailed description of each category.

What you need to know

• Make sure that the county or municipality you are shopping in is participating before you go.
• Check out (or bring with you) this overview of items that are tax-exempt. While it says “clothing,” items like glasses, watches, and breathable masks are not included. 

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 in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Food forms a major part of the memories of and around camping. It’s the cooking part that’s fun and a little challenging. Good cooking will enhance the whole camping experience. Sometimes, we imagine and ‘cook up’ a scenario in our minds, and the experience turns out to be way different. Camp cooking is quite different from cooking at home.

Source: Pixabay

You wouldn’t want to spoil the food and the mood with cooking that’s gone awry. Whether you are a seasoned camping enthusiast or a beginner, learning some camp cooking tips and tricks should help you. First and foremost, make sure to tackle these five common camp cooking mistakes:

1. Planning mistakes: No planning, insufficient planning, and excessive planning are all mistakes when it comes to camping cooking. However, over-planning might just be a lesser evil compared to the others. No planning is an ingredient for disaster and disappointment. Insufficient planning might lead to some inconveniences. Overplanning can be adjusted a little when you are implementing the cooking process. Plan your meals to avoid hungry group members and unnecessary delays. With the right quantities of ingredients and tools on hand, you’ll dodge emergency store trips. Stay prepared and enjoy seamless mealtime!

2. Not giving the campfire its dues: This is with the assumption that you are cooking in the conventional camping style over a campfire. A campfire needs care and attention, as well as the right technique. Additionally, it requires patience and good materials. If you are starting a campfire in an existing ring, do take a few minutes to scrape away the old (often soggy) ashes. It’s best if you pack a jet flame torch lighter or a propane trigger torch for your camping trip. With either of these, you’ll find it easier to get a sturdy fire going. Gather sufficient tinder to light the kindling. Don’t smother your fire with the ashes of papers that burn out quickly. Split the wood, and it will burn more quickly and completely. Start early and nurture your campfire with patience until it turns into a steady and safe heat source. We recommend bringing a Pocket Bellow to help you start the fire with ease and be sure to check out our blog: Pro Tips on Building the Perfect Campfire.
   

   Source: Pixabay

3. Cooking equipment mistakes: If you bring along other cooking equipment like stoves, you’ve avoided a camping cooking mistake, namely, relying solely on a campfire. But, consider this scenario: you brought along the required cooking equipment but did not check if it was working properly beforehand, and it failed you right on time. It is definitely a scenario you’d like to avoid. Clean and test your cooking equipment before heading out on your camping trip. If something is missing, broken, or damaged, do remember to purchase it, replace it, and get it repaired before the trip. Make sure you carry the required pots, pans, cooking spoons, and other tools required for preparing the meal items you have planned. For example, even though you prepare fresh lobster, you’re still going to need tongs to pick it up and a lobster cracker to enjoy it. Plan your meals, make a list of the equipment and tools you will require, and pack them with due diligence.

4. Forgetting about food safety: It is equally important (if not more) to take care of food safety while camping in the great outdoors. When the conversation comes to food safety, most people assume it is about the handling of food. Although there are safety concerns around the handling of food, safely storing food is an equally large concern. You don’t want the camping trip to be ruined because someone fell ill due to food that was improperly stored or handled. Always remember to separate raw food from other food items. If you are carrying perishable poultry or meat products, carry them along with a cold source for safety. Even while you are out in the wild, washing your hands prior to handling and eating food is a must. Keep hand sanitizer and disposable wipes handy. Take all necessary precautions related to food safety, even while camping.

5. Experimenting with complicated recipes: The issue with complicated recipes is that they require numerous ingredients and elaborate steps for preparation. They are also often quite time-consuming. When you go camping, we recommend making the most of limited ingredients and supplies. Leave the complicated recipes for experimentation at home and stick to basic, simple, and easy-to-prepare recipes for camping cooking. You can find some delicious s’mores recipes right here.

Final Words

One of the biggest mistakes is approaching camping cooking with the same kind of expectations that one has for home-cooked food. It’s going to be different; it is supposed to be different. And this difference is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. When cooking while camping, enjoy the process to enjoy the results.

Author bio: Kevin Fagan

Kevin Fagan is a food & travel writer, based in New England. He likes to (try to) cook gourmet food at home, and travel to far-flung destinations.

Find your favorite summer gear at Alabama Outdoors. 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 in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Little River Falls, Little River Canyon

Trivia question: What Southeast state boasts a wilderness known as “The Land of 1,000 Waterfalls”? That’s right, it’s Alabama!

The Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead National Forest earned that nickname thanks to its plentiful falling water features. However, Alabama is blessed with an abundance of absolutely beautiful waterfalls across the state. We built a list of some of the best Alabama waterfalls and grouped them based on the accessibility. Make the most of your Waterfall Wednesday by discovering one of these gems:

No hiking required

No need to grab your trekking poles for these views. Jump in your car and go explore. Pro tip: picnics are always a good idea on these trips!

Little River Falls

Our first stop on the Little River Canyon tour is Little River Falls, after all, it is the park’s namesake. This waterfall is very accessible. Much like all waterfalls, this waterfall is highly dependent on the rain. When the waterfall is strong, stay up on the overlook for your safety and take in the amazing scenery. 

Insider tip: In the summertime when the water is low, take a nice hike down to where the river usually runs, and this spot duals as a great swimming hole! If the water flow is light, you may be able to even swim out and sit under the falls! Just remember to bring suitable footwear as the rocks can be slick.

Noccalula Falls

Located in Gadsden, Alabama, Noccalula Falls Park is home to one of the state’s most famous waterfalls, Noccalula Falls. These beautiful falls cascade over 90 feet into the Black Creek ravine. Upon visiting Noccalula Falls, you will notice a statue of a Cherokee princess by the same name after which the falls are named, and you can learn more about her story at the park. Noccalula Park also features primitive tent camping and hiking trails. The Black Creek Trails consist of 15 routes and connectors for those who enjoy walking, running, hiking, and bicycling. This trail allows you to walk under the falls for a spectacular view from below.

Pictured: Kinlock Falls Image Credit: Jody from www.alabamawaterfalls.com

Kinlock Falls

Kinlock Falls sits about 100 feet from the park road in Bankhead National Forest. It is accessible for kids and dogs and makes a great stop as you make your way through the forest or for a nice afternoon. The hike is easy and the falls are picturesque, and the pool at the bottom of the falls has become a top swimming hole destination. 

DeSoto Falls

Located in Desoto State Park in Mentone, in northeast Alabama is DeSoto Falls. This 107-foot beauty is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in Alabama. It’s easily accessible for all levels and ages of outdoor enthusiasts, but keep an eye out on children and furry friends near the railings. 

Coldwater Falls

Coldwater Falls is located in Spring Park in Tuscumbia. While this waterfall is actually man-made, it is definitely worth the trip and the park offers great amenities and activities for a fun-filled family weekend!

Grace’s High Falls

Also located in Little River Canyon is Grace’s High Falls. This is officially the tallest waterfall in Alabama, coming in at 133 ft. While this waterfall is very seasonal due to rain, it is a great add on to your next Little River Canyon waterfall tour. 

Short hike

Keep in mind that even though these waterfalls only require a short hike, not all of them are suitable for young children or dogs.

Pictured: Peavine Falls at Oak Mountain

Peavine Falls

You can access Peavine Falls in Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham through a variety of trails, including a short 1.2-mile loop. Dogs are allowed but some trails are steep so choose your route carefully. If you can, make your way down to the bottom of the 65-foot waterfall for better views and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. 

High Falls

A 0.8-mile dog- and kid-friendly loop in Grove Oak takes you to the 35-foot waterfall, which spans 300 feet and makes for a phenomenal panoramic sight. The pedestrian bridge provides another cool vantage, so check that out while you are there! 

Salt Creek Falls

If you’re looking for a relaxing spot made for meditation, head to Salt Creek Falls in Munford. From the parking lot, it is only about half a mile to the top of the falls, and the skill level is easy. However, The trek to the bottom of the falls is more difficult and steep. Be sure to bring proper footwear. Once you make it to the bottom of the falls, either set up your hammock or relax into your lotus position, and just chill. 

Long hike

Pictured: Eagle Creek Falls Image credit: Jody from www.alabamawaterfalls.com

Cheaha Falls

You can log a decent 2.1-mile hike out and back visiting Cheaha Falls in Lineville. It’s considered a great trail for bird watching, and it’s suitable for children.

Eagle Creek Falls

Eagle Creek Falls in the Sipsey wilderness requires a 2-mile difficult hike but offers views of several small falls. Make sure you have the right footwear and leave the dog and kids at home for this one; it requires creek crossings and features steep banks.

Gear up for summer adventures with Alabama Outdoors and we will See You Outside! Shop here for all summer outdoor 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

Summertime in Alabama is the perfect time to explore new parts of the state and try new activities. From kayaking historic rivers to climbing iconic sandstone boulders, there’s plenty to do! Check out our summer bucket list adventures in Alabama and try checking off a few of your own.

Coosa river trip

Long, hot days are the perfect time to cool off with time on the river. If you’re looking to get on the water and take it slow, check out a kayak rental from Coosa River Adventures! This local kayak rental shop offers options for any size group and skill level. It’s perfect for beginners looking to cool off and get expert advice. With multiple rental options, you can go for a quick hour trip on the Coosa or try an overnight expedition on the Tallapoosa River. And if you want to bring your own kayak, they offer a shuttle service to put in and take you out in the area. There are plenty of other rental options like stand-up paddleboards, fishing kayaks, and family-sized canoes. With conditions that go from quiet fishing spots to rushing rapids, you get all the river has to offer in one fun day.

Hippie hole

If you’re looking for a hike with a view and a spot to cool off, look no further than the world-famous Hippie Hole. This swimming hole is regarded as one of the best in the state and is nestled inside the Little River Canyon National Preserve. A half-hour drive from Huntsville, check out pristine water fed by Martha Falls, plus local hiking trails and picnic spots. If you’re looking for a day trip with breathtaking views, cool water, and relaxation, then head to Hippie Hole!

Climbing

If you want to try your hand at a new activity, check out Moss Rock Preserve. A sandstone boulder field perfect for any skill level, Moss Rock offers endless climbing problems. If you’re new to bouldering, it’s a great place to start thanks to its easily accessible boulders and well-maintained trails. The nearby Preserve features multiple restaurants so you don’t have to haul in food. And the parking lot is close to the boulder field making it easy to come and go as you please. 

Zipline

For a truly wild ride, check out Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures at Lake Guntersville State Park! With two zip line courses with 10 and 15 zip lines respectively, these ropes courses are a great way to spend the day. The first level soars 10-75 feet in the air and through the trees, giving you a birds-eye view of the area. The second course features higher lines with an even longer ropes course to navigate. If you want to mix up your time at the lake, give the Screaming Eagle a try!

Cathedral Caverns

Check out the breathtaking Cathedral Caverns for a totally new experience outdoors. This state park features an underground trail that takes you past incredible underground views of an ancient stalagmite forest! Perfect for young kids and families looking for a change of pace. The park features recreational activities like guided tours and mined dirt that kids can sift through for gemstones and fossils. And since it’s underground, the caves stay cool all year long so you can beat the heat and still enjoy the outdoors.

So this summer, check out something new, and enjoy the outdoors!

Find your favorite summer gear at Alabama Outdoors. 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 in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Looking for a new pair of On Shoes and not sure which size to get? Check out our guide to find the perfect size On Shoe for you, and shop with confidence! And check out our On Shoe Size Chart to figure out the exact size.

Once you figure out the perfect size, shop On Shoe Styles here!

On Cloud Shoes come in a lot of different styles, supports, and sizes.

It’s not always easy to find your exact size in a new shoe. So, find the right fit using these tips and tricks.

1. Figure out the activities and environments you’re going to use your On Clouds in.
   If you’re running, exercising, or hiking, that’ll make a difference in the fit you need. If you’re wearing them out and about, with casual or work wear, you’ll have different needs from the fit.
2. Take your shoe measurements.
   The easiest way to get your foot measured is heading out to one of our stores, but you can do it at home too. Measuring your foot is super easy. Check out this guide from WikiHow to get your foot measurements. Now, you can compare that measurement to the shoe’s size in Centimeters. Use our On-Running Size Chart to find the perfect fit!
3. Do you need additional support for pronation or injuries?
   Pronation is simply the natural roll of your foot to the left or right. Sometimes you need more support to counteract the long-term effects of it. You can find more info here.

Now that you know your activity, support needs, and foot measurements, let’s check out some On-Clouds! A general rule of thumb with On-Cloud’s is that they fit like most running shoes, with a few exceptions.

For runners who need a cushioned, lightning-fast shoe:

If we just described you, look for a solid heel lock and forefoot strike for controlled and explosive takeoffs. On’s running options include daily trainers like the Cloudswift and the Cloudflow. There are other more technical options too, like the Cloudflyer and Cloud X. These running styles feature a classic fit and match your normal size, most of the time. Although, you should go a half-size smaller from your size in Nike Flyknit or Asics shoes.

If you’re used to running in more cushioned shoes like Brooks, Saucony, or Hoka, you want a shoe with space. Go for a more supportive shoe like the Cloudmonster for road-running, and the Cloudvista for trail-running. These shoes feature a roomy fit with enhanced midsole support. So, they’re perfect for flat-footed runners who need extra toebox space.

For everyday wear, so you can stay comfortable and stylish:

Comfortable and stylish, in other words, the iconic and updated Cloud 5 is a great choice. This updated style is easy to fit as the updated style is true to size. This makes them great for everyday wear and travel. Usually, your best bet is to go with your regular size. If you jump between half-sizes often though, it’s better to go with the half-size up.

Wider feet struggle to find the perfect fit since the Cloud features a narrow toebox and a roomier heel. If your size in Nike or Asics feels slightly tight or takes some breaking in, try a half-size down in the Clouds. *Insider tip: some women with a wider foot find success in the men’s style as it is naturally a wider profile.

Overall, it’s simple to find your size in On-Cloud running shoes. Look at your normal shoe sizes and know the basic shape and needs of your foot. Knowing this, as well as the ideal fit and performance for your activities, is crucial. That way, you can get your next pair of Clouds with confidence! And remember, if you need help, feel free to reach out to us in-store or online via webchat or phone, we’re happy to help! Enjoy life in the Clouds.

Interested in shopping On by your activity? Click here to find the pair that is best for you. 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