To say that we hibernate in winter is either a really accurate or really understated truth, and we’re too embarrassed to try to figure out which. When the temps start warming and the trees turn green again just awakens our need to get out like nothing else, and we absolutely love it. Since we like to pack in as much outdoor time as possible before it get unbearably hot (and in the south, IT WILL) we are always out and about this time of year, so long as our work schedules permit. So far this month we’ve been able to enjoy 2 amazing day trips in Alabama to state parks, to Oak Mountain and Cheaha State Parks. Admittedly, Alabama is lacking in state parks compared to some other states, and has very few national parks. But what we do have are definitely worth the trip.

Oak Mountain is our closest state park, and we usually make a few day trips a year with the dog. This trip we decided to tackle a trail we haven’t been on, to see the King’s Chair overlook. Once we made it to the king’s chair, we decided it would be better to picnic at a spot a few hundred yards back down the trail. We packed a lunch, but unfortunately, we only grabbed one bottle of water. We forgot we had to share with the dog, so our little picnic was a bit of a bust, we didn’t each much since we wanted to conserve water, but the hike was all uphill to the king’s chair so we knew getting back would be a breeze. We still enjoyed the break and the view, and even had cell service!

The view was just as stunning as the overlook at the king’s chair, minus a few boulders and outcroppings. Plus we didn’t feel like we were in the way, which we have discovered is a terrible habit a lot of “day hikers” have at our local parks. We certainly understand you want to get your photos at the destination, but please, be courteous of others! In just our two trips this year, we’ve seen so many disrespectful tourists (or more likely locals). Folks guzzling beer with their coolers set out in the entirety of the “good spot”, selfie-ing for way too long (ex: omg, we gotta do one more but like THIS) despite others obviously wanting to get a photo, and walking straight through our remote operated shots like we’re just smiling and posing in that direction for nothing. We’ll just hope it was a case of being so excited by the view, that they forgot their good ‘ole southern manners. And since most of the time it’s not an issue, we certainly don’t let it hold us back!

Our second picnic vista this year has been at Cheaha State Park, the location of the highest spot in AL. For most states, it’s only a baby mountain, but for Alabama it’s pretty impressive, and considering the park opened in 1933 and is still pretty remote, it’s really impressive that they have such great facilities. There’s a great restaurant, which we’ve had before, but this time we decided to pack a cooler and picnic lunch. And, because Angie insisted, a watermelon as well. We half-joked we should carry our watermelon out on the trail and offer it up to other hikers, but, it’s heavy, and although the trails at Cheaha aren’t very long, we decided against that. Plus the idea of sticky rinds stuffed into our backpack so we could pack-out our trash just seemed really awful… But it would have been hilarious! So instead, we found an old concrete bench secluded by one of the pavilions for a nice little picnic lunch. The grass was a little overgrown so we wound up sitting on the sturdy table instead of the bench, but it was such a nice spot, backed up to this amazing boulder, and just steps away from the car where we left the dog in the a/c to cool off after her hike.

Both these parks are pretty close for us, within an hour or so drive, but we like to treat it as though we are really on a mini-vacation, rather than just a weekend drive. Sure, we could have only gone  to the park for an hour or so and grabbed food from a drive through on the way over, but it makes it seem special when we plan ahead, pack a lunch and get away from everything for the day. Especially now when it’s not so hot you can’t enjoy a picnic. Though we’re pretty sure Angie would vote for a chilled watermelon on any hiking trip, regardless of the temp outside!