It may still be scorchingly hot, but believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. To celebrate the coming of our favorite season to be outdoors, we compiled a list of our favorite fall activities. Here’s our official Alabama Fall bucket list!

Visit a “U-Pick” Farm

Nothing quite says fall festivities like visiting a “U-Pick” farm. Whether you want to pick pumpkins, gourds, fresh apples or even sunflowers, Alabama has it all. Spending a day visiting Old Baker Farm and touring their grounds will put even the biggest Pumpkin Spice hater in the fall spirit.

Visit the Farmer’s Market 

If you can’t make it to a U-Pick farm, be sure to stop by a local farmer’s market to pick up delicious fresh produce. The Market at Pepper Place in Downtown Birmingham is trendy, dog-friendly and has tons of amazing farm, food, and arts and crafts vendors to visit.

Visit a Haunted House or Take a Ghost Tour

One of the best things about fall is Halloween. Visit one of Birmingham’s many spooky attractions as October 31st gets closer. We highly recommend Sloss Fright Furnace for a one-of-a-kind fright night experience.

Take a Hike

There is no better time than fall to get outdoors for a good hike and some fresh air. Visit one of Alabama’s stunning state parks to fully enjoy the changing season. Cheaha State Park offers amazing views of Alabama from the highest point in the state. Or, try Little River Canyon for breathtaking views of its river and the surrounding forests.

Make Your Way Through a Corn Maze 

When it comes to traditional fall fun, the pumpkin-shaped Magnolia Corn Maze doesn’t disappoint. However, the Magnolia takes mazes to the next level with Zombie Paintball. Yes, we said zombies. Zombies aren’t your thing? Head over to the petting zoo or pony rides. It’s a family-friendly experience you don’t want to miss! The Magnolia Corn Maze is open from September 29th to November 3rd.

Text by Amy Haupt

Freshwater Land Trust‘s 10th Annual Land Aid event is coming up, and we’ve got tickets to give away!

This year’s Land Aid event takes place on Friday, September 14th at Avondale Brewing Company. The headliner? Birmingham’s very own Will Stewart, joined by special guests The Green Seed and Rebecca Egeland. Come by when doors open at 6:00 p.m. for fun, food trucks and giveaways, including a $100 gift card from us here at Alabama Outdoors. The best part? All proceeds benefit Freshwater Land Trust’s conservation and trail-building efforts. Since 1996, the Freshwater Land Trust has worked to “conserve, connect, and care for land and water in Central Alabama, creating dynamic green spaces for future generations.” The Trust has protected over 10,000 acres in Central Alabama, including the Cane Creek Watershed and the Red Rock Trail System. Their work protects Alabama’s status as one of the most biologically diverse states in the country and preserves Alabama’s outdoor spaces for generations to come.

Excited? So are we! Follow the instructions below for your chance to win TWO tickets to Land Aid!

TO ENTER:

There’s one thing that your dad wants more than anything this Father’s Day, and that’s to spend time with you. If you’re struggling to plan a perfect day with your dad, don’t panic. We’ve got some ideas — and we know that your father doesn’t care if the day is perfect. He just cares about spending the day with you.

Take a Hike

No, don’t tell dad to take a hike; instead, plan a hiking trip with dad. Pack a bag full of supplies and head out into mother nature for a day hike. Whether it’s Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, AL or Red Mountain Park in Birmingham, AL, dad will enjoy a day full of memories with the family.

Explore the Caves of Alabama

Want to stay out of the sun this Father’s Day? Go beneath the surface and explore some of the Alabama’s caves. Lace up your shoes and prepare to take a journey into the earth. From Cathedral Caverns in North Alabama to DeSoto Caverns in Central Alabama, spelunking — or a guided tour — is a great way to stay cool and enjoy a day with dad.

Plan a Cookout

A cookout gives dad a chance to wear those new clothes you got him and for the family to enjoy a day in together. Throw some burgers on the grill and pull out the comfy chairs to enjoy a day full of memories at home.

Spend a Day at the Lake

Pack the cooler, give dad that new shirt to wear and head out for some lakeside fun this Father’s Day. Lake Guntersville or Lake Martin are great places to spend a day with the family, soaking up the sun and making memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Go Golfing

Whether it’s a trip to TopGolf, mini-golfing local or an actual golf course, this gives dad a chance to try on that new polo. No matter how good (or bad) you are, dad will enjoy laughs with the family.

 
If you are planning a day in the outdoors for Father’s Day, we’re here for you. From hiking to paddling to just grilling some burgers in the backyard, we’ll be happy to help you get what you need. We want you and your dad to have the best day possible — and we know that, for your dad, that’s any day he gets to spend with you.

Text by Jonathan Mendoza