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Get out there !

 

Mountain High staff wants to help you get outside.
Here are some suggestions on everything from buying your sleeping bag, renting versus buying your camping gear, backpacking prepration, local climbing areas and more...


Rock Climbing - Tips
Backpacking
Kids' Summer Camp
Family Camping Checklist
Tent Guide
Backpacking Checklist
Hammock Camping
Sleeping Bag Guide
Backpacking Essentials
New Scouts Top 10
Trip Leader full Checklist
Benefits of Renting
Local Climbing Areas
Local Hiking, Camping...
Stand UP Paddle Board
Travel to Africa
Travel to Europe
camping
 

 


How to Get the Most Out of Your Camping Trip

Choose the best destination! There are a lot of great places out there, but knowing where to go and when to go there is the secret to a successful outing. The first step is to explore the possibilities, and these two resources are a great place to start...

Alabama State Parks http://www.alapark.com/
US National Parks http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

Mountain High Outfitters also stocks a vast library of books on where to go hiking, camping, paddling, climbing and biking. Our staff of outdoor enthusiasts will be more than happy to share with you their experiences in and around Alabama, and help you find the perfect destination.

*Fresh Air Family & Bham Hiking Meetup Plug

Check the weather! When it rains it pours, and depending on your destination the weather can have a profound impact on your experience.

Special considerations:

Weather Everywhere http://www.weather.com/

Be prepared! Everyone who’s been caught in the woods without a fire starter knows why this is the Boy Scout Motto. After choosing your destination, and checking the weather, the challenge (and part of the fun) is finding that sweet spot between being prepared and being overloaded.

The ultralight backpacking craze that has swept the outdoor world in the last decade...
 


Family Fun in Summer

No one appreciates the school year more than parents do. Once that bell rings for the final time each May, 8 hours of structure become 8 hours of free time. Instead of spending that time in front of the TV all day, have your kids spend it outdoors. With 22 state parks, a million acres of lakes, over 1500 miles of river and the beautiful gulf coast, Alabama is overloaded with opportunities for hiking, biking, water sports, climbing and more.  In central Alabama Oak Mountain State Park is a haven for nature lovers of all ages and a short 2 hour drive north will take you to DeSoto State Park. Both parks make excellent alternatives to wasting a day in front of the TV and the summer programs offered are both educational and fun for the whole family.

OAK MOUNTAIN
Literally offering something for everyone, Oak Mountain State Park features:

  • 50+ miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that wind through a forest of native plants and animals
  • a beautiful lake and fishing center with rental equipment and bait shop
  • a beach and boat rentals – rent a kayak or paddleboat to leisurely explore the lake and/or fish from
  • pavilions and picnic areas for families and friends
  • a full blown BMX track
  • a petting zoo for the little ones
  • a beautiful golf course
  • a Wildlife Center and more.

Every week Oak Mountain coordinates activities and programs that focus on Alabama wildlife and nature. These programs are designed to be fun and educational.  The topics slated for July and August are sure to be hits with children of all ages. All scheduling information is pulled from Alabama State Parks website at www.alapark.com


July 9th – Things That Go Bump in the Night – Learn all about the many nocturnal animals that call Alabama home. Fun for all ages.
July 23rd – Nature Scavenger Hunt – The hunt takes place on the Treetop Nature Trail. Children will love participating in this fun scavenger hunt.
August 6th – Get Wild – A monthly free program for the whole family, this program advocates the conservation of native birds and participants have the opportunity to get a close up look at the rehabilitation center and how injured birds are cared for and reintroduced into the wild. Program starts at 1pm.
August 6th – Alabama’s Biodiversity – Alabama’s ecosystem is very complex. Join this seminar to learn more on subjects such as the Cahaba River and its hundreds of species of fish.
August 13th – Mammals of Alabama – Meet at the Campground pavilion to learn about the species of mammals native to Alabama.
August 20th – Animal Adaptations – One of the coolest things about animals is their ability to adapt to ever changing environmental conditions. Attend this seminar on the Treetop Nature Trail for all sorts of fun facts!

DeSOTO STATE PARK

DeSoto State Park sits atop Lookout Mountain and offers stunning views of landscape and interesting rock formations.  Set up camp with the family and prepare for full days of fun swimming, mountain biking and hiking. The trails take you through beautiful country outdoors and past awe inspiring waterfalls. 

See the dates for upcoming events this summer:

Now thru October 2011 - Campfire Talks at DeSoto State Park – This series of fun and educational  programs is picked up almost every Friday and Saturday night with a new discussion every week.

July 22nd – Growin’ Up Wild: Tracks! This program is tailored to entertain even the most restless of toddlers with fun and exciting nature themed arts and crafts.
July 22nd – Voices of the Night; Frog Calls of Alabama – “Dr. Frog” George Cline leads this sweet and funny program about frogs and the romance behind their ‘singing voices.’ Fun for the whole family (Moms and Dads too!).
July 23rd – Creepy Crawlies: How Reptiles Move – Ever wondered how a snake slithers or why turtles are so slow? Put those questions to rest and attend this s-s-s-seminar. This program is a huge hit with the kids and will leave you with more reptile trivia than you ever thought you would know! 
August 26th – Growin’ Up Wild: Ants on Parade – Held on the fourth Friday of every month, the Growin’ Up Wild series is geared specifically for preschoolers.  This particular session is loaded with fun arts and crafts that introduce children to the curious nature of the hardest working insects in nature.

The best times are spent with family; the best times are even better when spent with the family outdoors. Day hikes and weekend camping trips are perfect ways to spend that precious time and to instill in young hearts a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors.

 

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