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, we explore 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.
Outdoor Recreation Programs at Innovate Alabama Q&A
Q1: Alabama is often overlooked as a top outdoor destination. What do you think makes Alabama’s outdoor spaces unique compared to other states in the South?
A1: What sets Alabama apart is the incredible breadth of outdoor recreation activities available, paired with our biodiversity. The range of topography and landscapes is remarkable, from the Appalachian foothills in North Alabama to the vast river systems that crisscross the state to the pristine beaches along our Gulf Coast. You can find nearly any type of outdoor activity here, and it’s all within a short drive.
I often hear that Alabama isn’t as well-known for climbing as it should be, but we have much to offer. Whether you’re into traditional climbing, sport climbing, or bouldering, there are accessible options throughout North and Central Alabama. And that applies to nearly every outdoor recreation activity here—whether it’s paddle sports, backpacking, or mountain biking, Alabama offers best-in-class experiences that are under the radar. What makes it special is how accessible these experiences are with each other.
Q2: The SEEK AL initiative has drawn considerable attention. Can you tell us more about this outdoor recreation asset map and how it’s helping travelers discover Alabama’s hidden outdoor gems?
A2: SEEK AL is a campaign led by Innovate Alabama, designed to showcase the true character of Alabama through moments experienced outdoors—helping innovators, entrepreneurs, and the talent of tomorrow discover the beauty of all Alabama has to offer. From the talent attraction and retention lens, we show these groups why they want to build their businesses and a fulfilling life in Alabama.
The campaign aims to broadcast this message to markets across the country—places that might be better known for outdoor activities—that you can indulge your passion for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in your life here.
Unlike some other cities, the average day of an Alabama entrepreneur isn’t limited to long commutes and conference rooms. If you’re building a tech startup or launching a new venture, you don’t have to sacrifice access to world-class outdoor experiences. Alabama offers a high quality of life, an affordable cost of living, and a supportive innovation ecosystem—without compromising your love for the outdoors.
The SEEK AL outdoor rec asset map is a first-of-its-kind tool for the state. The ever-evolving interactive map consolidates all available data on outdoor recreation into one accessible platform, allowing people to discover opportunities in their backyard or across the state they may not have been aware of. It’s a powerful way to showcase just how dense and diverse Alabama’s outdoor offerings are.
Q3: With over 1,300 miles of trails and 132,000 miles of rivers, Alabama offers incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. How is Innovate Alabama working to enhance and preserve these natural resources?
A3: Innovate Alabama is making direct investments through grant-making into outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. This includes enhancing water access, building new trails, and improving the amenities surrounding our existing trail systems. Our goal isn’t just to provide the basic infrastructure needed to enjoy outdoor activities—we want to elevate these spaces into truly exceptional experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Q4: You’ve mentioned the importance of attracting outdoor-focused entrepreneurs to Alabama. Can you explain how Innovate Alabama encourages businesses to invest in the state’s outdoor recreation sector?
A4: We’re calling on the private sector—especially startups and entrepreneurs—to help fill gaps in Alabama’s outdoor recreation experiences. Whether it’s through concessionaires, outfitters, or guides, we’re working to create world-class outdoor recreation experiences from top to bottom in the state.
Since its inception, Innovate Alabama has invested about $80 million in capital into the startup ecosystem. The organization fosters an ecosystem that supports innovators and entrepreneurs across multiple sectors, including outdoor recreation, through these investments in Alabama’s startup ecosystem.
To create exceptional outdoor experiences, we need the expertise and innovation that only the private sector can bring. We prioritize building an environment where outdoor-focused businesses can thrive and grow alongside our natural assets.
Q5: Alabama is known for its Appalachian foothills and Gulf Coast beaches. How does the state manage such diverse ecosystems, and what are some of the most exciting outdoor adventures that travelers should experience?
A5: Alabama’s diversity of ecosystems is truly special, and we work hard to manage and preserve it. One of the most exciting ways to experience Alabama’s outdoors is to spend a day on the Pinhoti Trail in East Alabama. This scenic trail stretches almost 150 miles and eventually enters Georgia, where it links to the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trails. It’s a great way to explore the Appalachian foothills and even pass by the tallest point in Alabama at Mount Cheaha.
Our Gulf Coast beaches shouldn’t be overlooked, either. Gulf State Park is a perfect example of the pristine beauty along our coastline. Since it’s a state park, there’s no development, so you get a real sense of Alabama’s natural beaches, including the restored dunes that make this environment even more beautiful. What’s remarkable about Alabama is how accessible these diverse landscapes are—whether you’re in the mountains or on the beach, you’re always close to other outdoor gems.
Our SEEK AL website has been a great tool to highlight lesser-known outdoor experiences. It’s been energizing to develop content that uncovers untold stories, like Alabama Scenic River Trail’s 650-mile paddle race, which takes participants from one end of the state to another. Events like these highlight just how much Alabama offers for outdoor recreation.
Q6: Eco-tourism is growing rapidly as travelers become more environmentally conscious. How is Alabama embracing eco-friendly travel, and how do you see this trend influencing the state’s outdoor tourism in the future?
A6: With SEEK AL, we’re encouraging people to explore their home and the natural spaces around them. That’s one of the key ideas behind the campaign—highlighting outdoor recreation adventures that can be integrated into everyday life, without needing to travel far. You don’t have to head across the country for your next great backpacking trip or go out west to a ski resort for off-season downhill mountain biking. Many of those experiences can be found right here in Alabama, no matter where you are in the state.
Exploring closer to home is also a great way to support your local or rural economy. When you adventure within your state, you’re also spending money in your community or supporting rural areas often closer to some of our most outstanding outdoor recreation assets. Ecotourism, especially in-state tourism, is a significant boon to these communities and helps to drive economic growth where it’s often needed most.
Q7: You’ve worked with many partners to expand Alabama’s outdoor offerings, from mountain biking trails to waterways. Can you tell us about some of the latest enhancements and what visitors can expect in the coming years?
A7: We’ve significantly invested in improving outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. For example, we’ve worked to reroute sections of the Pinhoti Trail off roadways and into the woods where it belongs, enhancing the natural experience for hikers. We’ve also added shelters and restrooms along the trail to make it more accessible and enjoyable for multi-day hikers.
In terms of mountain biking, we’ve invested in trail improvements in both East and Central Alabama to achieve IMBA Silver designation. This will put Alabama on the map for serious mountain biking enthusiasts. Additionally, we’ve been expanding boating and water access in over 20 counties statewide, ensuring that you have easy access to our incredible rivers and waterways no matter where you are in Alabama.
Looking ahead, we will continue investing strategically in outdoor recreation infrastructure to attract visitors, innovators, and families who want an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. That’s really at the heart of our focus on this space. We want people to visit Alabama, but even more than that, we want them to stay here. From Alabama founders to local college students, we want Alabama’s next generation of leaders to find their outdoor niche right here in Alabama. We want innovators and entrepreneurs from around the country to see Alabama as the place to start their next business—combining their professional ambitions with a passion for the outdoors.
Q8: Looking forward, what are some of Innovate Alabama’s long-term goals regarding outdoor recreation and making Alabama a leader in adventure tourism?
A8: Our long-term outdoor recreation goal is for Alabama to be top-of-mind when people consider where to live an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. A big part of that is getting people to visit for the first time or even just introducing them to what the outdoors in Alabama has to offer. In Alabama, we often say that if we can get them here once—Alabama’s outdoors can convince them to stay. Through the SEEK AL campaign, we want to ensure our core audience—outdoor enthusiasts or innovators—becomes familiar with everything Alabama has to offer.
As people evaluate where to take their careers, lives, and passion for the outdoors, we want Alabama to be in that conversation early and often. In the long term, I see Alabama becoming synonymous with both innovation and a lifestyle that’s deeply connected to the outdoors. We’re building that bridge between professional growth and personal passion, which will set Alabama apart in the years to come.
What’s Next for Alabama’s Outdoor Recreation?
Alabama is emerging as a premier adventure destination, boasting diverse landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. Innovate Alabama is driving this transformation with initiatives like SEEK AL, which are attracting both visitors and entrepreneurs. With a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainable travel, Alabama is quickly becoming a must-visit location for nature lovers.