Great hidden spot not far off major highways. We were surprised to stumble upon this place close to…read moreour house. It has a small parking area, there were volunteers there cleaning up on a Sunday from those that can't pickup after themselves. It was still a clean and enjoyable park to visit. Nice place to bring a hammock and spend a few hours listening to the waterfall.

Not a bad spot to go and jump off some rocks into a body of water. A little out of the way, but…read morethat's kind of a good thing. No facilities, so take that into consideration. Pack a cooler, make a sandwich and go and play in the waterfall. The water is relatively shallow, except in the places where you jump off the rocks, and you can walk down a bit and there are more waterfalls along the creek. Decent parking off the street, easy walk down to the water. Not a bad spot at all.

I went climbing at Horse Pens 40 this past Friday and Saturday and had an absolutely incredible…read moreexperience. The guy at the front desk, Troy, was so friendly and kind -- we ended up talking about music for a while, and he helped us find the perfect rental gear to get started. The whole area was beautiful and easy to navigate thanks to the Kaya app, which made finding the boulders super straightforward. It was a little difficult to determine which were the start holds on some of the climbs but by following the chalky holds of previous climbers we were able to make sense of it for the most part. Between the great climbing, welcoming atmosphere, and amazing people, HP40 definitely became one of my favorite spots. Can't wait to come back!

So, what is Horse Pens 40? Well, the simple breakdown, it is a privately owned outdoor nature park…read morelocated in near Steele, Alabama. The park is situated on top of Chandler Mountain (Chandler is a mountain .... Friends reverence for anyone keeping track), in the foothills of The Appalachian Mountains. The park is known among the rock climbing community as a premier bouldering site. The site is also home to a "Bluegrass Park" where it hosts festivals showcasing the genre several times per year. The biggest of these festivals occurs on the Fourth of July. The park features both RV and primitive camping. So, we were coming out to explore and play on the boulders, when a massive downpour hit. We were literally the only ones at the park (just driving in as the rain hit). We parked in the lot and sat there a few minutes. Now, here is where they get the 5 stars .... an employee came out in the downpour to make sure we were ok and didn't need anything. We felt so bad! Any place that treats customers like this is worthy of 5 stars. Thank you Horse Pens staff for caring about the people that come to visit and making sure they are safe and don't need anything. He even offered us a place to get out of the storm while it passed. Looking forward to a time we can return and properly explore this cool site.

This place is absolutely breathtaking but it's not for small children. While you can swim at the…read morebottom of the waterfalls, getting there is another story. There's a very narrow path to the left of the falls, but not an easy path. Also getting to the path requires threading through the water atop the waterfall. Can littles swim there, yes absolutely with strict supervision. Use caution and plan according.

We were close by and decide to check it out. Definitely a quick stop, beautiful falls and a few…read morehikes. We just drove up and did the falls. Quick walk from the parking to the waterfalls.

I normally don't do outdoor activities unless it's during a certain time of the year when it's…read morecooler, but I ended up taking a hike around the lake. The walking trail is pretty decent which has you going in different directions depending on which part you want to start off with. Certain areas are closed off because of construction, but you still can get a good walk in. I would advise everyone to watch your step because the main starting trail has a lot of poop I'm sure you don't want getting on your shoes.

My first time coming to Cosby Lake was recently to join a group of ladies on a walk. It is really…read moreeasy to locate and there is easy access for parking. It was a cloudy, overcast day so we didn't get a chance walk as much as scheduled. I really enjoyed the scenery and the ease of the trail we were on. Beware of the territorial geese that reside here. They DO NOT play!!! This is an ideal spot for fishing. I can't wait to return to Cosby Lake!

Stopping here is a no brainer. It's just a quick turn off a long highway into a small parking lot…read morethat has a short walking path and an outstanding viewpoint overlooking a huge lake with mountains and trees all around. If you like taking a break from driving, looking at big lakes, mountains and trees at the same time, and listening to chirping birds and getting fresh air, this is your spot. Spend 5 mins getting a pic, or meditate in the grass for hours and get your chakras balanced and what have you. Easy to see. Worth seeing. Pull in and take a look for yourself.

What a wonderful gem! I was in Scottsboro AL to visit the Unclaimed baggage store and stumbled…read moreupon this place. I love the great outdoors and had every intention of going hiking, but ran into a few issues. To satisfy my desire to embrace the great outdoors I stopped by this place. The view is of the TN river and you must check it out. I honestly don't think the pictures do it justice. It's a small area but would be great for jogging or walking, having a picnic or simply taking in the scenery. I was also impressed by the fact that they have at room facilities available. I did not go into the restroom, but from the outside it appears new and clean. I highly recommend making the stop if you are in the area.

My group said we should go to this event that I had never been to. We drove up from Birmingham that…read moreevening and spent so many hours there walking around together and riding that tiny train once too. I was surprised the whole time bc it was not something I would think to care about except for taking my kids to when they little many years ago. However it was actually so enjoyable and neat to be at. It is filled with so many people clearly for a reason. I'd recommend anyone go to it even if they think it's not their type of thing. It is very cool for sure. Also, the last thing we did was hop on that little train( which I didn't care to do at all without little kids with me) yet it was a shocker how that man driving the train who shares about all things throughout the event that you get to see again from a different view on that train...he was super awesome. I actually would have ridden that train and listened to that man over and over and over again. He was fun to hear from. It is not super expensive so do not resist to do it. Gather up your group or just you and your spouse or for take your kids if they are still young. This is for sure a fun enjoyable thing to go see.

NOCCALULA!!! Yes we are back! Yep. Today is Ty's birthday and he loves this park. But, we have a…read moreNewcomer, Donner has never been here before, She so excited. We are a party of 5 and you are super dry today!!! But, we see Mr. Crane! Hey Mr. Crane. Where are the ducks hiding? There is not a one in sight. Either way, it's hot , so we look around and keep it moving in this heat.

Easley Covered Bridge, also known as Old Easley Covered Bridge, is the smallest of three remaining…read morecovered bridges located in Blount County, Alabama. ~ HISTORY Easley Covered Bridge is 95 feet long and crosses a tributary of Little Warrior River. It was constructed in 1927 using the Town lattice truss system and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 20, 1981. While it is shorter than its three counterparts (Swann & Horton Mill), it is the oldest of the three. It was closed in in 2009 after 82 years of continual use, but was restored and reopened to motor vehicle traffic in October of 2012. All three covered bridges were restored starting in 2011 at a total restoration cost of approximately $540,000. Part of the money for these projects came from the federal National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program. [source ~ Wikipedia] Once upon a time as many as 12,000 covered bridges once existed in the United States. By 2018 there were less than one thousand, with Pennsylvania having the most at about 219, Ohio second with about 142 and Indiana third with about 130. SIDE NOTE: Did you know a covered wooden bridge can outlast a metal bridge? ~ THE EXPERIENCE Looking for things to do, we decided to travel to Alabama and visit a few landmarks and explore some of its natural beauty. We approached the bridge from the East and parked using a very small pull-off suitable for two or three cars. The bridge looks to be in very good shape, as all the wood appears to be cedar and nicely stained. A small trail on the right side of the road led to the creek below where my grandchildren were sure there might be trolls lurking and for some reason thought the bridge was the way to the Muffin Man's house... You know, who lives on Drury Lane! LOL The underbelly of the bridge looked strong and seemed to be even newer than its 2012 restoration date. As a matter of fact, I would have guessed the renovations had only happened a few months prior based on how new it looked in appearance. While there we actually met two other Georgia families out visiting off-the-grid locations for a little COVID-19 relief. Everyone just grateful to be able to get out while still maintaining social distancing protocols (although I must admit we learned children forget quickly when they see other kids, no matter how much you've reminded them). The small creek below isn't particularly large or scenic, unlike the absolutely stunning river below Swann Bridge. Sadly, many of our nations historic covered bridges were destroyed not by time or weather, but by vandals. So in 2015, after graffiti was found in the bridge interior, security cameras were installed to help deter vandalism. FACTS AT A GLANCE Year built: 1927 Construction method: Town Lattice Refurbished: 2012 Length: 95 ft Deck Width: 10.8 ft Horizontal Clearance: 9 ft Vertical Clearance: 8 ft Open to vehicular traffic: YES [May 2020] FUN FACT - There is a Covered Bridge Festival held the fourth weekend of each October spotlighting Blount's three remaining Covered Bridges. It also includes arts & crafts, a pancake breakfast, car show, kids fun zone, entertainment, 5K run, quilt show, river walk and more. Not sure if they will host the 2020 edition of the festival, so best to call the County directly. FINAL THOUGHTS Whether you are a covered bridge enthusiast like me, or you are looking for a great place to take interesting photos (such as engagement or pregnancy pics), or you just wanna find a place to explore the outdoors without a lot of people... this is a fantastic little spot to add to your drive, and your photo collection. 2020 / 25

I attended a Rec league basketball game here! I had such a great time! Parking out front is free…read more The gym is in great condition! The basketball court is well taken care of! They had refs, rec league players, scoreboard keepers, clean restrooms, vending machines with snacks and a drink machine. There was also a water fountain where you can fill up your water bottles! Very convenient! Being a guest at this location was enjoyable! 10/10 everyone should play at this location if you are in the area!

This is our new favorite playground! It has a super convenient location and it's right behind the…read morelibrary. It had plenty of parking and is in great shape! I brought my 3 kids ages 7 and under and they all loved it! The restroom is a little far from the playground, so keep that in mind if you bring little ones. My tip is to spend a little time at the library and then playground time after to wear the little ones out!

Under new ownership and they have done an amazing job! Store is well stocked, outside sitting area…read moreis nicely done with the creak meandering past. The paths are well marked and clear. Past the Natural Bridge is rooty, so take care with those not sure footed. I highly recommend the visit and will return. Hosts were very informative as well, so ask questions

This was a last-minute stop based on a sign I saw along the side of the road, and it was absolutely…read moreworth it! I had some difficulty finding it, as there is a town called "Natural Bridge." Google directed me there, and not to the park, itself, which caused some confusion. Coming in from the I-10, take highway 13 North to road 278. Turning RIGHT takes you to the town. Turning LEFT takes you to the bridge. There are some signs, but they are worn, and obscured by vegetation. Arriving at the park, one is immediately greeted with picturesque views, and a trickling creek. The trees are majestic, and the parking ample. It's important to remember that this is rural Alabama, and not some big city. The admission is inexpensive, and the trails are simple. The people that run the gift shop are country folk, and are very kind. Mind your manners (and your children). Stay on the trails, walk carefully, and do what the sign says - "Take only pictures .....leave only footsteps. With that said, this place was amazing. The bridge is absolutely breathtaking, as is the rock formation called "Indian Head." Many inscriptions - some over 100 years old - are carved into the surrounding sandstone. There is dripping water under the bridge, so watch your step! The trail is primitive and there are roots sticking out here and there - be careful! Shoes with traction are a MUST here for safety reasons! Enough said - go enjoy this natural wonder for yourself!

For what it is I really enjoyed my time here. Noone was in sight we arrived and the store was…read morelocked. A nice man must have saw us and met us on his golf cart. He opened the store for us and he filled us in on the history of the place and showed us how the mill worked. It was very interesting to us. We bought the grits and cornmeal that had been freshly done the day before. The restroom was locked when I went (has number pad for the campers ) So we had to ask for it to b unlocked. The restroom was very nice . They have a covered bridge and peaceful trails. The trails unfortunately are not marked very well at all. We were afraid we would get lost so we didn't stay in the woods much. They have a camp ground for RVS and plenty of space . You can bring a tent :) Nice, little side trip w/ a bit of history.

So this stop was totally be accident. As I was travelling I came across a sign that read Kymulga…read moreGrist Mill & Covered Bridge. I thought to myself that sounds kind of cool and kept driving. A couple miles down the road I crossed paths with yet another sign for Kymulga, to which I kept driving. But then it started weighing on my mind and I decided to GPS it to see how far away it was. 5 miles...I'm early for my meeting, let's give this a try. Arriving at the park they have very reasonable rates ($3.00) and the place (considering it is the dead of winter) is really quite pretty. Only explored for a few minutes, since I needed to get back on the road, but they have disk golf and hiking along with fishing (license is required). Several picnic benches located around the covered bridge. Would make for a fun spot to go do additional exploring. Will definitely plan a day trip here....plus based on the other Yelp reviews there seems to be some good BBQ in the area.