November 3, 2024 · Innovation, News, Program Impact

Alabama’s Outdoor Recreation: A Hidden Gem for Adventure? (Gearminded)

Alabama quickly becomes one of the most exciting outdoor destinations in the South, yet it remains a hidden gem for many adventure enthusiasts. From the Appalachian foothills to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast, Alabama offers more than 1,300 miles of trails, 4,200 caves, and 132,000 miles of rivers, providing endless opportunities for hiking, caving, kayaking, and mountain biking. While these landscapes are remarkable, Alabama’s recent efforts to preserve and promote these natural assets are transforming the state into a must-visit location for nature lovers and adventure travelers.

What is Innovate Alabama?

At the heart of this transformation is Innovate Alabama, a public-private partnership designed to enhance and sustain Alabama’s outdoor spaces. One of their key initiatives, SEEK AL, is an innovative Alabama outdoor recreation asset map and marketing campaign highlighting vast natural resources. Through this effort, Innovate Alabama hopes to attract visitors and entrepreneurs in the outdoor recreation space who can contribute to the state’s growing adventure economy.

In a conversation with T.C. McLemore, Executive Director of Outdoor Recreation Programs at Innovate Alabama, Gearminded explores the state’s outdoor assets, the initiatives driving its growth as an adventure destination, and the future for eco-tourism and adventure travel in Alabama.

read the full Q&A at gearminded