Outdoors

Everyone knows the high cost of gas these days can put a dent in the pocket book. It can also detour some vacation plans. Americans love to take vacations to get away, relax and see some different sights during the summer months, but with gas prices causing a pinch at the pump, vacation funds are probably suffering.

There is no need to panic or cut short your planned holiday. Alabama state parks offer plenty of activities and opportunities right here, close to home. With 23 different parks located around the state there's something for everyone. From the mountain and lakes in the north to the Gulf Coast in the South, Alabama's state parks are a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Some parks are under renovation, but others have had recent facelifts to complete overhaul and additions. Many Alabama natives never discover all that the parks have to offer, some of which are right in our back yard.

Start at the top

Cheaha State Park is located on the top of the state. Mount Cheaha, as it is also known, is the highest point in Alabama, at 2,407 feet above sea level. Cheaha is a Creek Indian word meaning "high place," and the surrounding valleys can be seen for miles on a clear day.

The state of Alabama acquired the land in 1933, and the Civilian Conservation Corps built the rock tower that is still standing today at the highest peak. Cheaha is the oldest continuously operating park in the state, and is surrounded by the vast Talladega National Forest.

At the top is a modern motel with 30 rooms, a swimming pool and an adjacent restaurant that offers a spectacular view. Cabins and campsites, both luxurious and primitive, are located in different areas of the park. Convention and meeting areas are available in the lodge for weddings, reunions or a large family picnic.

New lodge on the big river

The lodge, hotel, restaurant and meeting center at Lake Guntersville State Park recently reopened after almost three years of major renovations. At a cost of about $25 million, the old lodge was gutted and completely redesigned with a new interior, entrance way and balcony overlooking Lake Guntersville.

Going down under

Not far from Guntersville is Cathedral Caverns State Park, located near Woodville and Grant. Cathedral Caverns was privately owned until 1987, when the cave and surrounding 461 acres of land were purchased by the state. The previous owner's wife thought the large cavernous room looked like a cathedral.

Some rare features at Cathedral Caverns include the large entrance — 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. It is the widest entrance of any commercial cave in the world. It is home also to the world's largest stalagmite, measuring 243 feet in circumference and 45 feet high. The caverns also hold the largest "frozen waterfall" in the world.

Alabama state parks offer many activities for the entire family and are close enough to home to keep you from breaking the bank on gas.