Flag of Alabama	Seal of Alabama

Alabama is a state located in the Southern United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. The twenty-second state admitted to the Union, Alabama seceded from the union in 1861 to become part of the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, Alabama was readmitted to the union in 1868.

Until World War II, Alabama, like many Southern states, remained mired in poverty. In the following years, Alabama would emerge as a growing economic power as the economy of the state transitioned from agriculture to diversified interests in heavy manufacturing, mineral extraction, education, and high technology. Man walked on the moon using rockets developed in Alabama. Today, the state is heavily invested in the aerospace, education, health care, banking, and various heavy industries including automobile manufacturing and mineral extraction.

Alabama is known as The Heart of Dixie and the Yellowhammer state. The capital is Montgomery and the largest city is Birmingham.

Alabama is the 30th largest state in the United States with 52,423 square miles (135,775 km²) of total area. 3.19% of that is water, making Alabama 23rd in the amount of surface water, also giving it the second largest inland waterway system in the United States. About three-fifths of the land area is a gentle plain with a general decline towards the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The North Alabama region is mostly mountainous, with the Tennessee River cutting a large valley creating numerous creeks, streams, rivers, mountains, and lakes. The lowest point east of the Mississippi River lies in Dekalb County along a creek cutting tower ridges, and creating Buck's Pocket State Park.[citation needed] Another natural wonder is "Natural Bridge", the longest land bridge span east of the Mississippi River. Alabama generally ranges in elevation from sea level at Mobile Bay, to a little more than 1,800 feet (550 m) in the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast. The highest point is Mount Cheaha.

States bordering Alabama include Tennessee to the north; Georgia to the east; Florida to the south; and Mississippi to the west. Alabama has coastline at the Gulf of Mexico in the extreme southern edge of the state.

National Parks in Alabama include Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Daviston; Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne; Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport; Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee; and Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site near Tuskegee.

Alabama also contains the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail, and the Trail Of Tears National Historic Traill.

The climate of Alabama is described as temperate with an average annual temperature of 64 °F (18 °C). Temperatures tend to be warmer in the southern part of the state with its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, while the northern parts of the state, especially in the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast, tend to be slightly cooler. Generally, Alabama has very hot summers and mild winters with copious precipitation throughout the year. Alabama receives an average of 56 inches (1,400 mm) of rainfall annually and enjoys a lengthy growing season of up to 300 days in the southern part of the state.

Summers in Alabama are among the hottest in the United States, with high temperatures averaging over 90 °F (32 °C) throughout the summer in the entire state. Alabama is also prone to tropical storms and even hurricanes. Areas of the state far away from the Gulf are not immune to the effects of the storms, which often dump tremendous amounts of rain as they move inland and weaken.

Though winters in the state are usually mild, nightly freezing occurs frequently in the North Alabama region. This is shown in this picture taken at the Old State Bank in Decatur during early January.South Alabama reports more thunderstorms than any part of the U.S. The Gulf Coast, around Mobile Bay, averages between 70 and 80 days per year with thunder reported. This activity decreases somewhat further north in the state, but even the far north of the state reports thunder on about 60 days per year. Occasionally, thunderstorms are severe with frequent lightning and large hail – the central and northern parts of the state are most vulnerable to this type of storm. Alabama ranks seventh in the number of deaths from lightning and ninth in the number of deaths from lightning strikes per capita. Sometimes tornadoes occur – these are common throughout the state, although the peak season for tornadoes varies from the northern to southern parts of the state. Alabama shares the dubious distinction, with Kansas, of having reported more F5 tornadoes than any other state – according to statistics from the National Climatic Data Center for the period 1 January 1950 to 31 October 2006. An F5 tornado is the most powerful of its kind. Several long – tracked F5 tornadoes have contributed to Alabama reporting more tornado fatalities than any other state except for Texas and Mississippi. The Super Outbreak of March, 1974, badly affected Alabama. The northern part of the state – along the Tennessee Valley – is one of the areas in the US most vulnerable to violent tornadoes. The area of Alabama and Mississippi most affected by tornadoes is sometimes referred to as Dixie Alley, as distinct from the Tornado Alley of the Southern Plains. Alabama is one of the few places in the world that has a secondary tornado season (November and December) in addition to the Spring severe weather season.

Winters are generally mild in Alabama, as they are throughout most of the southeastern United States, with average January low temperatures around 40 °F (4 °C) in Mobile and around 32 °F (0 °C) in Birmingham. Snow is a rare event in much of Alabama. Areas of the state north of Montgomery may receive a dusting of snow a few times every winter, with an occasional moderately heavy snowfall every few years. In the southern Gulf coast, snowfall is less frequent, sometimes going several years without any snowfall.

The Year of Outdoor Alabama

With majestic mountains, clear blue streams and abundant natural wildlife, Alabama is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities. At the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, visitors stroll scenic pathways while observing a variety of flowers, plants and the Southeast's largest clear-span greenhouse.

History lovers will enjoy the authentic Indian village and artifacts at Moundville Archaeological Park that rests on the banks of the Warrior River. The Alabama outdoors has attractions that offer a diverse mix of history, nature and fun for every member of your family.

While exploring underground wonders in DeSoto Caverns, visitors can view the Cathedral Room, which is larger than a football field and higher than a 12-story building. And DeSoto Caverns also features some fantastic examples of Alabama camping.

Other Alabama campgrounds can be found throughout the state, from the wiregrass in the south to the mountains in the north. Each filled with outdoor activities for the entire family.

Tours and Trails
Take a journey back in time, explore our rich cultural heritage, see the wonder of the spring or fall bird migration, or just enjoy a peaceful drive through a blend of brilliant autumn foliage. Alabama has great adventures for every interest on the many tours and trails just waiting for you.

Scenic Driving Trails
Many people just passing through Alabama comment on the beautiful landscape that can simply be seen on the side of the interstate. Our roads and highways turn and stretch through rolling hills, elegant forests, beautiful valleys and lush farm lands. Which means just driving in Alabama can actually be a beautiful experience.

Alabama Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail
The Black Belt is named for the rich black soil that grew superior cotton during the 19th century. The collapse of the plantation economy during the Civil War left a legacy of "soul food" cooking, art fashioned from found materials, vast stretches of pristine river bottom land and, most recently, the Civil Rights Movement. 

Alabama Civil Rights Museum Trail
Visit the many places in Alabama that were the battlegrounds of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1965. The museums featured here are the best places to learn about the role of Alabamians in that struggle. Learn of those whose sacrifices and bravery changed the world. In fact, while exploring Alabama's trail, you may even encounter people who were active in the Movement. Today, they gladly share their unique perspectives of this American achievement. 

Civil War Trail
Alabama's Civil War heritage is as complex and diverse as the land itself. The roots of that bitter conflict are entwined in the very fabric of our state. Step back in time and tour antebellum homes, historic residences, museums, the first White House of the Confederacy, Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, and many other points of interest. 

Native American Trail
For many thousands of years prior to the coming of the white man, the place that is today called Alabama had been the home for many different culture groups of Native Americans. The Native American Trail documents the many battles and conflicts that occurred during the settlement of Alabama. Located in four different regions of the state, they are The Trail of Tears, the Creek Indian War Trail, the Mound Builders Trail and Red Eagle’s Trail.

Fall Color Trail
Alabama is beautiful throughout the year, but especially in the fall. As the greens of summer surrender to glittering yellow poplars, scarlet dogwoods, orange maples and golden hickories, Alabama unfolds its patchwork quilt of color. This blend of brilliant autumn foliage, coupled with cooler temperatures and an occasional gentle breeze, makes for an unforgettable experience.

Alabama Birding Trail
The most notable birding trail in the state is the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. It loops around delta bottomlands, Mobile Bay, and the sandy terrain bordering the Gulf of Mexico and includes road signs identifying each of the 50 birding sites. Four other birding trails stretch from the mountains of North Alabama to the gently unfolding fields and forests toward the Chattahoochee River Valley of southeastern Alabama.

Covered Bridge Trail
From one of the highest covered bridges in the nation to one of the longest in the region, you’ll find some of Alabama’s links to the past on the Covered Bridge Trail. Marvel in the construction techniques and the scenic beauty surrounding them.

Alabama's Hunting & Fishing Trail for People with Physical Disabilities
The trail is a network of public and private recreational sites throughout the state providing accessible fishing, shooting, and hunting opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. The trail has been developed by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in cooperation with a broad range of sponsors.

Outdoor Activities

Recreational opportunities abound throughout Alabama, from the sugar–white sands of the Gulf Coast beaches to the majestic mountains of North Alabama. You'll find some of the best biking trails in the South and ample sites for camping, hiking, rock climbing and watching wildlife.

The Alabama Bass Trail is a must for any avid angler. In addition, Alabama is one of the premier states in the nation for hunting white-tailed deer and Eastern wild turkey. Our state's generous hunting seasons and bag limits are the envy of other states. Or search for one of numerous sport shooting facilities.

Choose from dozens of splendid public and private gardens located in small towns and cities that will be open for tours during the special celebration of 2004: The Year of Alabama Gardens.

Alabama's rivers are a great place for you to enjoy canoeing or rafting and our pristine lakes are the ideal place for boating. You'll find more than one million acres of lakes, 1,600 miles of rivers and 53 miles of coastline ready for your enjoyment. If diving and snorkeling are your hobbies, then Alabama has some great locations to practice your art. The Gulf Coast along our southern border offers a variety of places to take a dip in the ocean. Whether you are exploring the bottom of the Gulf or simply enjoying the natural marine life, you will find an adventure!

Beaches
Something magical happens when you visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. The moment you arrive, the world starts to fade away. Maybe it's the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore or the smell of coconut oil. Perhaps it's the white sand and sparkling emerald water of the Alabama beaches. Suddenly building sandcastles moves to the top of your "to-do" list. You remember just how much fun your spouse is. You find yourself laughing at your son's "knock-knock" joke, even though you've heard it a zillion times. You linger over a succulent, fresh seafood dinner where nobody rushes to get away from the table.

A great weekend getaway is closer than you think. A visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers the perfect balance of non-stop activity and lay-around-doing-nothing time. Putter around a bit on one of our championship golf courses. Cast your line for deep-sea adventure on a charter fishing trip from Dauphin Island. Travel back in history with a visit to Fort Morgan, the site of the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. Commune with Mother Nature as you hike through one of our Alabama wildlife areas and gaze at gators and shorebirds.

Whether vacationing with family, escaping with the one you love, or attending an annual convention or corporate retreat, you can choose from national hotel and motel chains, top-notch condominiums or a variety of beach house rentals, ensuring that your stay on the Alabama beaches is one of comfort and relaxation.

Alabama Holiday Celebrations
Spend the holidays in Alabama. Throughout the holiday season, we’re hosting events, shows and a wide variety of plays and parties perfect for making holiday memories. So grab the family and make your plans to come to Alabama for a holiday you won’t ever forget.

Alabama Food Events
Alabama Offers A Smorgasbord of Food Festivals

In Alabama, food is so much more than just nourishment. It's a reason to celebrate. And celebrate we do – all year long – with an enticing smorgasbord of food festivals.

100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die.
One bite from a divine dish can make you feel as if you've just died and gone to heaven. In Alabama, 100 dishes can put you on cloud nine, from the ribs at Dreamland to the pie at Sweet Potato Heaven. You may never come down to earth, so extra dishes are presented here in case you come back for more.