What makes us unique?

[Magic City Matt]

So I have been thinking a lot lately about what makes the Alabama trail network unique and honestly I can't quite place my finger on it. What are some things we find her that you don't find anywhere else? What makes our trails some of the best? Help me out a bit here if you could.

[PastorLarryT]

With the understanding that I do not have extensive, personal experience with trails in lots of other states or nations, I would have to say that Alabama is unique (even special) to me because we have:

1) A wide diversity of trail types (mountains (maybe foothills to some), riparian, swamp, coastal, plains, bluffs, etc)
2) Our trails are not overcrowded
3) People you do meet are friendly (at least so far!)
4) Weather is great for getting outdoors (90+% of the time).
5) One of the places with the widest variety of flora and fauna of anywhere in the world!

[Cuffs]

I like Larrys thoughts, except that I am going to have to kindly disagree with #4.  Its too stinkin hot to hike from May to at least August.  Thats 4 months...  so the good weather for me is 66% of the time!

[Joshua Szulecki]

Yeah... I've got to disagree with #4! Four to five months out of the year are just too darned hot and buggy!

I agree with 1-3 & 5. I'll also add a generally lower amount of poison ivy and sticker bushes (in exchange for Holly...) than I am used too.

My biggest criticisms would be a general lack of information (including trailhead signage) about trails in Alabama, and unattended dogs. I'm okay with unleashed dogs with owners, but I run into lots of wandering family pets (esp. in Talladega NF areas) that often adds some tense moments if I have my (very small) dog with me. Rural areas always have a somewhat lax view of dog restriction of movement, but Talledega County is worse than just about anywhere else I've been. Actually, there is also a general lack of roadsigns in Talladega and Clay counties...

I think the biggest factor in making a hike in Alabama a different experience is the wide variety of environments a single hike can pass through.

[Magic City Matt]

I like Larrys thoughts, except that I am going to have to kindly disagree with #4.  Its too stinkin hot to hike from May to at least August.  Thats 4 months...  so the good weather for me is 66% of the time!

That's when Lesray and I get out the most. I like the cool temps too but nothing can be finer than a nice cool swimming hole under canopy on a hot summers day. When there is water of course.

[PastorLarryT]

Okay... I'll agree that it is HOT here during the summer.  Humid and downright miserable sometimes.  But still as I look back over my hiking journals, I see that I DO a lot of hiking during the summer.  I adjust my hiking times (early mornings, late evenings) and try to include areas with shade and/or water.  Of course you have to "watch where you step and put your hands" in this part of the country, mosquitoes and ticks are also a consideration in warmer weather.

I recently got to hike in the Phoenix, AZ area during AUGUST!!!  If anyone ever compares our heat to the desert southwest and says, "but it's a dry heat"; tell them that 112 degrees F is STILL 112 degrees - humidity or not.  Our summer is hot and uncomfortable with the high humidity, but I will personally take it over the Desert Southwest.

Summer is not my favorite season to hike.  I prefer Fall and Spring.  Truthfully though, I love getting out and communing with GOD in nature and would do it no matter the season, temps, or conditions.  I will hike in the rain, snow (when we get any!), and the heat - just have to use good judgment and prepare accordingly.

[PastorLarryT]

I have a few photos from my journeys.  99% of them from AL.  Check em out at:

http://www.hoover.k12.al....83/JHudson/phototour.html

Wow Jaybird.  Some really great photos.  Thank you for sharing.

[lawnmowwer]

I agree nice pics Jaybird. I don't like the heat. I work outside and I like it cold. Many of my friend joke about me having eskimo blood.