Alabama is a state in the southeast region of the United States of America. This Deep South state borders Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee. To the south, Alabama also borders the Gulf of Mexico.
This article explores details about the location of Alabama, what makes this southern state ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ for so many Americans, and the best places to go when you visit this state.
Where is Alabama located?
Alabama is located in a subregion of the Southern United States known as the ‘Deep South.’ In addition to Alabama, the Deep South consists of states such as Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.
Where is Alabama on a US map?
On a map of the United States, you’ll find Alabama in the southeast portion of the country. To the north, this state borders Tennessee, Georgia to the east, Mississippi to the west, and Florida and Mobile Bay to the south.
How big is Alabama?
According to the US Census Bureau, the state of Alabama is 50,645 square miles. There are approximately 5,024,279 people living in Alabama as of the 2020 census.
What is the geology of Alabama?
Alabama is a geographically diverse state with five physiographic sections. Its elevation ranges from the sea level of Mobile Bay to the 2,407-foot peak of Cheaha Mountain. Despite these extremes, most of the state contains flatlands and hills known as the East Gulf Coastal Plain.
The other four physiographic sections are the Piedmont Upland in east-central Alabama, the Tennessee Valley and Ridge in the central and east-central area, the Cumberland Plateau in the central and northeastern area, and the Highland Rim in the northwest and north-central part of the state.
What is the climate of Alabama?
Since Alabama is in the humid subtropical climate zone, the summers are exceptionally hot. If you’re planning on visiting Alabama in the summertime, prepare yourself for some serious heat. However, if you decide to take a trip to Alabama during the winter, you can expect mild weather.
Alabama receives a decent amount of rainfall throughout the year. It should also be noted that this southern state commonly experiences severe weather such as tropical storms and hurricanes in the late summer and early fall.
What natural resources exist in Alabama?
According to National Geographic, roughly 70% of Alabama is covered in forests. Alabama’s forests are so vast that they could cover the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Rhode Island. So naturally, Alabama’s main natural resource is timber.
This Deep South state is also naturally rich in raw materials like iron ore, coal, and limestone. Coincidentally, these three are the required materials to make steel.
What is the capital of Alabama?
The capital of Alabama is Montgomery. Montgomery, Alabama was also the first Confederate capital during the Civil War which is why the state is sometimes referred to as the ‘Heart of Dixie.’ The city of Montgomery is also known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement.
Although Alabama’s capital is Montgomery, the largest city in terms of population and area is Huntsville.
Where can you hike in Alabama?
In a state that’s full of forests and mountains, you can expect some spectacular hiking trails. Here are some of Alabama’s incredible trails that are worth the hike.
- Bald Rock Boardwalk: This trail offers a breathtaking view of Cheaha State Park. Depending on your preferred difficulty and skill level, you have the option to choose between different paths.
- Sougahoagdee Falls: Anyone looking for a beautiful and easy hike should try this trail through the William B. Bankhead National Forest. There’s a lovely waterfall waiting for you at the end of the trail.
- Cave Creek Trail: If you prefer a semi-intense hike, try this one through the Talladega National Forest.
- Kings Chair Loop: This is another great moderate-level hike through the Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham, Alabama.
- Walls of Jericho Trail: For those who are up to the challenge, this trail near Estillfork, Alabama is calling your name. Just be careful on your way back as it can get pretty slippery!
What places should you visit in Alabama?
There are plenty of natural and man-made sights to see in Alabama. Below are a few places to include in your itinerary if you’re planning a visit to this state.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: If you love history and want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, stop by the galleries of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to appreciate their exhibits.
- Civil Rights Memorial: If you’re ever in Montgomery, try to find some time to pay your respects at the Civil Rights Memorial Center.
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: You can admire the ‘Mighty A’ or the USS Alabama, a retired battleship from the 1930s up close at this battleship memorial park.
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center: While visits to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center are not available to the public at the moment, you can still explore interactive exhibits and look at historic artifacts at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
- Ivy Green: If you’re a Helen Keller fan, be sure to stop by her birthplace while you’re in Alabama. You can even touch the famous water pump where she first learned the word ‘water.’
- White House of the Confederacy: History buffs should not miss a tour of the White House of the Confederacy in the city of Montgomery. This National Historic Landmark was built in 1818 and used to house Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family.
Where should you go to eat in Alabama?
For foodies planning on taking a trip to Alabama, try some of these local favorites to soothe your cravings for good, southern food.
- Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar: Known for their delicious fried shrimp, it’s worth trying the seafood for yourself to see why Doc’s is so beloved by Gulf Coast Alabama locals.
- 1892: For anyone stopping by Huntsville, 1892 offers amazing food made from locally-sourced ingredients. There are also plenty of vegetarian options.
- Blue Pacific: You wouldn’t normally think to come to Alabama for authentic Thai food, but this no-frills Thai restaurant is one of the best in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Capitol Oyster Bar: For foodies big on ambiance, this bar in Downtown Montgomery will not disappoint you.
- Big Mike’s Steakhouse: If you’re on the hunt for some amazing steak, Big Mike’s Steakhouse in Thomasville serves the best steak in the state according to locals.
