Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information. Enjoy your adventure at Hospital Boulders!

The Hospital Boulders, outside of Gadsden, AL, is the new kid on the block in the southeast—at least in the sense of being an official climbing destination. The Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition (SCC) acquired the boulder field in 2012. Just a few months ago, the last, and final, payment of the SCC’s purchase was made with the help of generous donations and thus guaranteeing eternal climber access (cue the virtual fist pump).

The boulder field is easily accessed off of Highway 59, about an hour northeast of Birmingham and an hour and a half south of Chattanooga. The Hospital Boulders is the neighbor of the more known bouldering destination, Horse Pens 40, with just about 30 minutes separating them. (This should give you a clue as to the quality of rock that you can expect to find here.)

Fall, winter, and spring are the main climbing seasons at the Hospital Boulders like most other boulder areas in the southeast. You will be able to access the boulder field off the Scenic Highway, through a couple of unlocked gates, just past the parking lot for Mountain View Hospital, where parking is available at the SCC barn. There is no need to lock the gates, but please remember to close them behind you. From the barn, hike a few hundred feet to the north to get where the boulders are, and climb away.

In most new climbing areas there is still developing to be done several years into granted access. The same goes for the Hospital Boulders, so feel free to explore all of its sandstone glory with terrain ranging from overhanging roofs and slopers to high balls. The new-ness also means that residents in the area may not be used to having climbers around yet, so please be aware of this and act responsibly.

There are about 150-200 developed boulder problems as well as a few sport and trad routes currently, and it is likely that there will be a guide to the area very soon for your ticking pleasure. For now, a friendly local is probably your best option for grade ratings. The Boulder problems here have a wide variety of holds, which makes for fun and versatile climbing.

Some of the most noteworthy problems at Hospital Boulders so far are:

Green Mosster (V2): Starting at two low pinches and moving out to a crimp, then a sloper to, as the name suggests, a bit of a mossy top out.
Schadenfreude (V3): Starts at a lie back and moves through a hueco, sloper pockets, slopers, and a side pull before topping out on a slightly mossy surface.

Unfortunately, there is no camping available at the Hospital Boulders so your best bet is to head into Gadsden, which is the closest town, or to Birmingham or Chattanooga, both about the equal distance from Gadsden.

To get even more psyched on this area that we now can call “ours”, check out this video featuring the Hospital Boulders.

We have the climbing gear you need before you head to Gadsden! 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

Written by Sofia Bunger for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Map out your new year adventurous resolutions.

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information. Enjoy crushing your outdoor resolutions and have fun on new adventures!

Map out your new year adventurous resolutions.

When the New Year rolls around, most folks resolve to do things like lose weight, exercise more, or quit procrastinating. But, if you love the outdoors, why not pursue a goal that’s more adventurous? Whether you want to take up a new sport, learn a new skill or push your limits physically, you’ll find a ton of opportunities in Alabama to experience the outdoors in a new way and make the most of 2022. As you map out your new year, keep in mind that a resolution or goal doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking, like a multi-week hike or a foray into Class V rapids. The whole point is to just broaden your horizons. To help you plan an adventurous 2022, we’ve highlighted 10 goals that suit a variety of skill levels and experience.

Join the Club

While it can be intimidating to join a group, you’ll gain a great deal by overcoming your fears. Andrea Wright

If you’ve never paddled a kayak or climbed outdoors, you might find it difficult to take up these sports. Or, you might be hesitant to hike trails in an area that you’ve never visited. If you’re tackling something for the first time, consider joining a recreation group, so you can lean on people who are experienced. Groups like BUTS (Birmingham Ultra Trail Society), WAMBA (West Alabama Mountain Biking Association), and the Huntsville Canoe Club hit the trail or river together, and they also host trail clean up days and other activities. While it can be intimidating to join a group, you’ll gain a great deal by overcoming your fears. First, you’ll have opportunities to meet like-minded people and create new friendships. As you travel with the group, you’ll develop a camaraderie that makes experiences even more meaningful. Plus, your fellow adventurers will have the inside scoop on certain destinations, and they’ll share some hidden gems.

Try Something New

Head over to Birmingham Boulders and take their intro courses to make it easy. Photo courtesy of Birmingham Boulders

Nothing stimulates the mind and body like taking on a new challenge or leaning a new skill. Always wanted to learn to rock climb? Head over to Birmingham Boulders and take their intro courses to make it easy. Ready to take on Alabama’s rapids? Whitewater Alabama in Phenix City has you covered. Opportunities abound, just pick an adventure and set the date.

Give Back

Is there a better resolution than to ensure that the natural resources we love to explore will be intact for future generations? If you join a recreation group, you can participate in their clean-up events. Also, consider supporting organizations like the Black Warrior Riverkeeper and the Alabama Rivers Alliance that promote conservation efforts across the state.

Take a Photography Class

Just a few simple tips can make all the difference when you snap that shot of a Cahaba Lily. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

We all love to document our adventures. Make 2022 the year you explore the art of photography and the subtleties of capturing a perfect wildlife or landscape shot. You can take an online photography course, join a photography meetup group in your town, or take a course offered by a local organization, such as a botanical garden center or a community college.

Just a few simple tips can make all the difference when you snap that shot of a Cahaba Lily or that perfect sunset on Dauphin Island.

Become a Survival Expert

It’s one of those things you’ve always put off. In 2022, make sure that if you are caught in a predicament where survival skills are needed, you’ll have the knowledge to get out safely. Let’s face it, anything can happen in the great outdoors, and you need to be ready. One option is to attend a survival class, or you can find an abundance of guides online that teach basic survival skills. The amount of info may be overwhelming, so start small, and each month pick one skill—like starting a fire from scratch—and practice, practice, practice.

Get Educated

You could learn a lot about Alabama’s salamanders in just 30 minutes. Alan Cressler

Increasing your knowledge of Alabama’s rich biodiversity will make your experience outdoors that much more meaningful. The Alabama Wildlife Foundation is a spectacular resource, and one way to tackle this is to pick one plant and animal species a month to research. You could learn a lot about Alabama’s salamanders in just 30 minutes. And if you hit the trail with kids, having them identity and search for different species gives them a greater appreciation for the outdoors, while keeping them busy at the same time.

Set a Personal Record

If you ran 318 miles last year, and want to surpass 500 this year, break it down by month so you’ll know exactly what you need to make your goal. You can do the same for any activity, whether it’s canoeing, trail running, or mountain biking. If you don’t have a number for last year, pick your goal for January and best it in February.

Plan One Epic Trip

Make this the year you finally thru-hike the Pinhoti Trail. Jason Wesley Upton

Get out the calendar and plan that one epic trip that you have always wanted to do. It will challenge you, but that’s why you do it, and fortunately Alabama is full of epic adventures. Make this the year you finally thru-hike the Pinhoti Trail, or if you are an experienced climber, tackle the challenging Little River Canyon.

Enter a Competition

If you have a competitive spirit, Alabama has a wide variety of events for just about any outdoor activity, from mountain biking to bouldering to trail running. For example the Southeastern Trail Series includes seven trail-running races that take place from March to November in the Birmingham area. With each race, the distances and difficulty increase, so beginners can progress to eventually participate in a 50K.

Get Your Gear Squared Away

Christmas is over, and your friends and family just gifted you all the new outdoor gear you needed, right? Probably not, but we suspect you got some good stuff. The New Year is all about starting fresh, while reflecting on previous experiences and improving them for the future. Why should your gear be any different? Break out the day pack or thru-hike bag, take an inventory, and see what works and what doesn’t. Get it ready for that epic trip you already marked on the calendar, or maybe next weekend’s hike with the kids.

Written by Hap Pruitt for Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Visit the ghostly grounds of haunted Old Cahawba.

If you’re fascinated by ghosts, shadow people, and things that rustle in the night, you should plan a haunted hike to add a new twist to your Halloween celebration. Whether you’d like to trek through a eerie pocket of the backcountry, or simply stroll through a creepy cemetery, you’ll find that Alabama has plenty of destinations that will send a chill up your spine. Here are a few of our favorite haunts:

Blue Mountain Shelter on the Pinhoti Trail

Each year, hundreds of people hike Alabama’s veritable long trail, the Pinhoti, and spend their nights in the many trail shelters that dot the path. In Section 7 of the trail, at mile 2.1, you’ll encounter the Blue Mountain Shelter, which has developed a bit of spooky reputation.

Built in 1983 the shelter is an unassuming, 3-sided, typical trail shelter. But, inside, you’ll see where someone has written, “There are shadow people here!”

Those who spend the night in the shelter have reported seeing strange shadows and hearing weird noises like scratching sounds on the walls. After hearing the noises, hikers have investigated the area and claimed that there were no signs of animals, and there are no trees located close to the shelter.

Old Cahawba Archaeological Park

Old Cahawba in the 1860s was a major prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Joe Cuhaj

Old Cahawba has had quite a history. Beginning in the early 1800s, it was a bustling cotton distribution hub along the Alabama River. In 1820, it became the first state capital, and in the 1860s it was a major prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Today, you can roam those same streets—more than 5 miles of them—and you might come face to face with some of the town’s past residents, like the spirit of a key-stealing slave.

Not long ago, the site director for the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park and paranormal investigators made an audio recording in the “New Cemetery” where the white people of town were buried. On the recording they heard a voice say, “Don…key”.

The following day, Don, the park’s maintenance supervisor, came in and told the director he couldn’t find his keys. They found them in the slave cemetery on the other side of the park next to the grave of the key-stealing slave.

If space is available, you should try to join the park’s annual Haunted History Tour.

Old Cahawba Prairie Tract

Are there ghosts haunting the Forever Wild’s Old Cahawba Prairie Tract in Selma? Could be.

The site was once owned by Jesse Beene, whose uncle was William Lowndes Yancey, and Yancey is credited with helping Alabama enter the Civil War. Legend has it that all of Yancey’s slaves were poisoned at a well somewhere on the property. When Yancey died, he was buried in a family plot on the Old Cahawba Prairie Tract, but at some point the tombstones were removed, and the family graves were most likely plowed under by farmers. However, the bodies of those dead and gone are still somewhere on this tract, and their spirits are waiting to tell you their tale.

Fort Morgan Historic Site

Witnesses say that if you are near the fort in the evening you can hear screams. Bradley Huchteman

Only a short drive west from Gulf Shores is the Fort Morgan Historic Site. Visitors can take a 2.4-mile ramble around the grounds to visit many historic sites and the fort itself.

Built in 1834, this massive stone fortress was built to defend the nation against foreign invaders. In 1864, it played an important role in the Civil War’s “Battle of Mobile Bay” that killed 322 Union troops and 1,500 Confederates.

Witnesses say that if you are near the fort in the evening, or are afforded a rare opportunity to enter it after hours, you can hear the screams of those who died. You might even see the ghostly figure of a woman who was killed during the battle and whose spirit continues to roam the grounds.

If you plan a visit, be aware that the fort hosts a haunted tour one night only in October.

Tuskegee National Forest

The smallest national forest in the state, Tuskegee near Auburn features the 8.5-mile Bartram Trail, which closely follows the footsteps of 18th Century botanist William Bartram. While walking the trail, hikers have heard some strange noises.

According to accounts, devil worshippers used to use an old house in the forest for bizarre meetings and ceremonies. In the early 1990s, the local sheriff’s office raided the house and discovered bodies. It’s said that the group feared the sheriff would find a secret burial ground they had established nearby and burned the house down. Ever since then, hikers have reported hearing weird sounds…perhaps the victims?

Sloss Furnace

Sloss Furnace is one of the most haunted sites in Alabama. Shannon McGee

Known as the most haunted site in Alabama, the old Sloss Furnace in Birmingham has been featured on the television series “Ghost Hunters.”

The furnace was a major foundry in the region from 1882 to 1971, when it supplied steel to the entire country. In the early 1900s, the foreman for the night shift was James “Slag” Wormwood, a hard-driving manager who often made his workers do very dangerous jobs. While Wormwood was in charge, 47 workers died.

Slag died when he accidentally fell into the molten iron. After the accident, workers reported hearing a disembodied voice say, “Get back to work.” Years later, three supervisors went missing and were eventually found unconscious and locked in a small boiler room. The last thing they remembered was that a man with badly burned skin came up and told them to “Push some steel!”

Nancy’s Mountain

Hike Nancy’s Mountain and you might catch a glimpse of Nancy herself. Joe Cuhaj

OK, a little personal experience about a nondescript hiking trail called Nancy’s Mountain.

The trail itself is not spectacular, just a wonderful walk in the woods, especially in the fall when the trees are vibrant with color. The trail is located in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Haines Island Park on the banks of the Alabama River in Franklin. The trailhead parking area also serves as the landing for the Davis Ferry.

As the story goes, Nancy and her family lived on top of the mountain,and Nancy’s only son went off to fight for the Confederacy in the Civil War. Months passed without word from her boy, and Nancy became distraught. Every day she would walk to the river to see if her son had returned home on one of the passing boats, but he never did. Her husband decided he would set off to look for him.

More time passed when word finally arrived that her husband was found frozen to death next to the grave of an unknown soldier in Tennessee. Soon after, Nancy disappeared, never to be seen again.

Race ahead to the present and Nancy has been seen on the trail. Former park superintendent Ike Lyons says that on several occasions campers on the mountain were seen running for their lives because they had seen a woman dressed in period clothing “floating” down the trail with a lantern in her hand.

Not long ago I walked Nancy’s Mountain with my big rescue Labrador, Archer. It was a cool morning with fog from the river shrouding the mountain. Archer loves to lead the way on hikes, but this time he wouldn’t budge. He would not hike the trail. He just sat down and whimpered.

Was it coincidence or was it Nancy? Hike the trail in the early morning or evening and see for yourself.

Written by Joe Cuhaj for Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

We know—it’s hot y’all. With temperatures climbing toward the 90s by 9 a.m., those of us privileged to live in and visit this gorgeous state get pretty desperate to keep cool. But that’s no reason to stay indoors.

There are plenty of ways to still enjoy the great outdoors and not crisp up in Alabama’s scorching sun. Alabama is full of places to go with refreshing swimming holes or cool caverns. The state is called “Alabama the Beautiful” for good reason, and here are 8 of them:

1. Tannehill State Park

Just over half an hour from Birmingham’s City Center, Tannehill is a fun place to go camping and beat the heat. The campsites are surrounded by tall shade trees, and a spring-fed creek snakes through the area offering plenty of fishing and swimming. Besides being a pretty and historical place to visit, it’s also a cool one that will offer you lots of natural comfort while still enjoying the serenity of camping life.

2. Oak Mountain State Park

You can’t say enough good things about Oak Mountain , the largest state park in Alabama at 9,940 acres. With all that room, there’s plenty of choices for staying busy—and cool. Only a half hour from Birmingham, Oak Mountain several fantastic overlooks. You can splash in the natural pool at the base of Peavine Falls (after a good rain), or lounge on one of the two beaches. There are more than 50 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, but you’ll probably want to hit those early in the morning. In the heat of the day you should hit the water. Boat rentals are available, or you can try the Flip Side Watersports park, in which you can glide across Beaver Lake on a wakeboard cable system. (Don’t worry, instruction is available.) If you’re more interested in human-powered watercraft, stand-up paddleboards are available to rent as well.

3. DeSoto State Park

When listing places to go hiking or camping with available swimming, DeSoto State Park always makes the cut. With wild and untainted beauty, scenery worthy of filling up your camera’s memory card, and an endless number of places to get in the water, DeSoto State Park is worth multiple visits. Only an hour and a half from downtown Birmingham, this state park provides various types of camping (improved, primitive and backpacking) as well as rustic cabins and mountain chalets. Nearby Little River Canyon makes this area a multi-faceted paradise. Canoeing and kayaking are available as well.

4. Clear Creek Campground

Located in the Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama, Clear Creek is the largest recreational area on the ever-popular Smith Lake, which provides 21,000 acres of clear, deep water that always seems to be perfectly cool. Many of the camping sites are shaded, and the swim beach is a favorite among the locals. Known as “The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” the area includes abundant streams, old-growth forest, and plenty of lush canyons to explore. There are also plenty of opportunities for excellent fishing on the 500 miles of the lake’s shoreline.

5. Wind Creek State Park

Only an hour and a half from Birmingham, Wind Creek State Park is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a place to camp and stay cool. With a beach area and a nice, cool lake, you’ll have no trouble finding relief from the heat of summer. A nearby ice cream shop called Creem on the Creek has cold cut sandwiches an—you guessed it—ice cream. Paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks are also available for rent if you’re in the mood to keep moving rather than lounging.

6. DeSoto Caverns Park

Just under an hour from Birmingham, headed north, you’ll see large signs beckoning you toward DeSoto Caverns Park. Our advice: Follow them. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park offers many reasons to pay a visit. A campground has shaded sites and nearby caverns, a guaranteed way to keep cool. The caverns (known locally as Kymulga Cave) have an impressive main room 12-stories high, a sight you simply must see for yourself.

7. Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns is a fascinating (and brisk) place to visit this summer. Giant rock formations 175 feet beneath the surface will leave you in a state of wonder as you tour the cooler underground parts of the earth. With constant temperatures of 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s like a natural air conditioning, and only half an hour outside Birmingham, with plenty of nearby campsites, it’s a great place to spend an entire weekend.

8. Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns will make your hour and forty-five-minute drive from Birmingham well-worth the travels. Originally called the Bat Cave, this cave earned its name from its cathedral-like appearance. Inside, you’ll find a formation known as “Goliath,” one of the largest stalagmites in the world measuring 45 feet tall. You’ll find yourself in awe of the beauty of these caverns, which keeps a temperature of around 60 degrees year round. With improved, primitive and backcountry camping sites, you’ll want to make this trip a multi-day affair.

Find the best 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 curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Written by Natalie Cone for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler

Alabama summers are hot, but the season still holds a warm spot in our hearts. Maybe it’s because we have ingrained in our brains childhood memories of running around with friends, free from school, for weeks or months at a time. Whatever, the reason, the summer inspires us to plan all sorts of outdoor excursions where we can soak up the sunshine.

Of course, summer always seems to fly by. With only 14 weekends between Memorial and Labor Day, there’s no time to waste. So, consult the calendar, pull out the maps and begin plotting the next few months of fun. In case you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, we put together a list of adventures that should be on your list of things to experience in Alabama this summer.

Zipline Over Lake Guntersville on the Screaming Eagle

Known for trophy bass and bald eagle nests, Lake Guntersville is also home to one of the most exciting ziplines in Alabama. Catch a unique view of the lake on the Screaming Eagle Zip Line as you soar through the sky in a heart-pounding aerial adventure. Level 1 features 10 ziplines up to 400 feet long and 75 feet high. And, if that wasn’t enough to get the heart racing, Level 2 certainly will, with seven runs ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 feet long and up to 190 feet high.

Hop in Little River Canyon’s Hippie Hole

Recognized as one of the best swimming holes in America, the Hippie Hole in Little River Canyon near Fort Payne is the perfect place to cool off this summer. There are rock slides, waterfalls, and even a few small cliffs to leap from.

Tuesday Evening Float with NACK

Kayaking is just more fun at night. Moonbeams bounce off tiny ripples, and familiar terrain takes on new life once the sun sets. North Alabama Canoe and Kayak (NACK) offers an easy way to take advantage of a summer evening paddle with its Tuesday night float. Join the group from 6-10:30 p.m. on Tuesdays for an unforgettable summer adventure.

Weekend Getaway at a State Park

Alabama has 21 beautiful state parks, all with unique adventures, making it impossible for us to pick just one for a summer weekend getaway. Whether you rent a cabin at Monte Sano, explore the waterfall while camping at DeSoto, or run the Double Oak trail after a night of primitive camping on Oak Mountain, you can’t go wrong at an Alabama State Park.

Hike to the Highest Point in Alabama

Cheaha State Park in the Talladega National Forest is home to the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet. Cheaha Mountain was named by the Creek Indians that called this land home, and the name means “high place.” An observation tower marks the highest point, with 360-degree views that are unlike any other in Alabama.

Start Climbing

For newbies, bouldering might seem intimidating, but if you watch someone navigate the problems at Moss Creek or Horse Pens 40, you’ll realize it’s extremely fun. To get the hang of climbing, take a class at Birmingham Boulders or High Point Climbing and Fitness in Birmingham. A class is the best way to get a feel for the sport and learn how to enjoy climbing safely. Plus, indoor climbing allows you to get some exercise without suffering in the summer heat.

Experience Dismals Canyon

One of most well-preserved nature sites in the world, Dismals Canyon in northwest Alabama has been designated as a National Natural Landmark for good reason. Home to a wide variety of rare vegetation, it is also one of the few places in the world where you can find Dismalites. To thrive, these bioluminescent beings need specific conditions that happen to come together in this pocket of Alabama. A hike on the 1.5-mile trail on the canyon floor takes you through the heart of a primeval landscape that formed millions of years ago.

SUP the Gulf

Summer isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, and one of the best ways to enjoy the Gulf and Alabama’s coast is with a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) trip. The Gulf of Mexico and nearby lakes and streams often offer calm, clear water and light winds, which create perfect conditions to try out a paddleboard. There is no shortage of rental shops along the coast, and you just have to make sure your beach allows outside watercraft prior to renting.

Go Whitewater Rafting in Phenix City

On the Chattahoochee River, wedged between Alabama and Georgia, you can take the longest urban whitewater rafting trip in the world. It’s a quintessential summertime experience that you would usually have to travel thousands of miles to experience. Gather a group of friends and family, load up the raft and get ready for two hours of excitement through rapids as high as Class IV. You can also book a more challenging trip with Alabama Whitewater if your group wants to test its rafting prowess.

Beat the Summer Heat in a Cave

While you have to take a guided tour to explore Cathedral Caverns, the formations and cool temperatures during the summer months make it well worth a trip. The cave hovers around 60 degrees all year, and the entertaining tour guides share a wealth of knowledge as you cover 1.5 miles during a tour that lasts about an hour and a half. You can also make a weekend out of it, as the 500-acre park has numerous hiking trails and campsites.

Paddle the Sipsey

Northwest Alabama is full of hidden gems, including the lush and rugged Sipsey Wilderness. Known as the “Land of 1000 Waterfalls,” a paddle through the Sipsey is a journey into wild Alabama, featuring towering cliffs, clear water, and raw nature.

Written by Hap Pruitt for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.