There’s a reason Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote the song “Sweet Home Alabama.” The State of Alabama, from the sandy white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico to the dense forested Appalachian Mountains, is one beautiful state. Expect to receive a healthy dose of down-home southern charm and perfect conditions for getting your Jeep® brand vehicle dirty. Jeep Jamboree is back for the 3rd time to the Stoney Lonesome OHV Park in Cullman, Alabama.
Nestled in the southern-most tip of the Appalachian Mountain range, Stoney Lonesome features an impressive number of off-road trails ranging from very easy to extremely challenging. You’ll likely need to dig out your big mud tires for this beauty, because there’s plenty of water to get into. And as you might expect, where there’s water and trees, there is a ton of mud. Expect to get your Jeep brand vehicle dirty on these trails. This perfect venue includes cabins for rent, but if they’re filled up, no worries because there are plenty of lodging options.
There is plenty to do in the Cullman area if you decide to extend your trip. Take a stroll on the North Alabama Birding Trail. With fifty designated stations, many with kiosks, you are bound to get a good look at a wide variety of our feather friends. I hope you packed a fishing pole, because you won’t want to miss Smith Lake. Smith Lake Park features 21,000 acres of clear water for sport fishing, skiing, and boating. This beautiful park offers 200-plus tent and RV campsites, cabins, a swimming pool, spiral waterslide, lake swimming, picnic area, and pavilions. With over 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Lake is sure to be home to the next fish that “got away.” Want a bit more athletic challenge? Try your hand at rock bouldering at Horse Pens 40 (HP40). There are no bolted routes, no rope climbing or no rappelling allowed in the park. But that’s okay; just bring your crash pad, shoes, and chalk. Many climbers describe HP40 as being a lot like the famous boulder area in Europe called “Fontainebleau.”
A short drive down the road, you can escape civilization on the Bartram National Recreation Trail. This eight and a half mile trail wanders through the Tuskegee National Forest. Hikers here can expect a spectacular view of a wide variety of wild flowers and flowering trees, including dogwood and magnolias. Don’t be surprised to catch a glimpse of deer, turkey, or other wildlife as they scamper through the forest.
If you get tired of the mountains and forests, head south towards the Gulf of Mexico and visit Dauphin Island. Spend some time sailing or just lie around and enjoy the warm breeze off Mobile Bay. With almost weekly events, there’s no shortage of ways to occupy your time.
Don’t wait, make your reservation, pack up your Jeep brand vehicle and head to the Deep South. Alabama’s just waiting to offer you a shrimp boat load of southern hospitality and a terrific place to get the most out of your Jeep vehicle.