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BY  Mashum Jul 26, 2021

There is a famous quote about the national parks in North America, “National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” - Wallace Stegner.  There are about 423 national parks scattered across Alabama for visiting and some. Nonetheless, there exist some National parks in Alabama Camping. The National Park Service (NPS) of the country maintains and curates these areas. The key aim of these national parks is to bring the demonstrated tragic and victorious history of the state to its visitors.  Alabama is a perfect place for spending a few days of your vacation. I hope you are here because you are looking for some suggestions for the famous national parks in Alabama. Well, you are at the right place because today we will discuss the historical parks in Alabama suitable for sightseeing.  The Best National parks In Alabama Generally speaking, the national parks in America are a combination of history and environmental beauty. No more waiting because the list of top national parks in Alabama is here. Brace yourself to explore some incredibly thrilling places in your upcoming holidays: 1. Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site National Park Service (NPS) has designated this institute as a national historic site known as a historic national park. With a variety of fauna, it is the first university campus to receive honor from the government.  The park is located on the University campus itself, which makes the destination accessible to all. It also has a museum covering George Washington Carver’s rare photos and unique life details. The burial ground is the best place to spend some alone and silent quality time. The site is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily for visitors.  2. Freedom Riders National Monument This monument symbolizes the protests of freedom riders whose one bus was firebombed by KKK members. You will sense a feeling of courage and confidence by going through the historical facts of them below the monument. The park offers a drive-only tour to many historical points to remind you of the tragic event at Greyhound Bus Terminal. Additionally, the Anniston Memorial Hospital that holds the remembrance of the burnt bus is also noteworthy.  3. Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail It is one of the most popular national parks in Alabama; however, it also carries significant historical events. The event also made the public furious. The route of the marchers in the site is a national historic trail now providing a sneak peek at American History.  The place will cherish you with the march of 600 people across 54-mile roadways to Montgomery. The Future Georgia congressman John Lewis led this procession on 7th March 1965.  What’s more?- you will find rich insights while visiting the three interpretive centers along this route. Please note that the journey would begin at the Selma Interpretive Center if you plan to visit this place. It is at the foot of the bridge on Broad Street.  These centers open at 9 a.m., whereas they close at 4:30 p.m. 4. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail There are special touches of history in the majority of the national parks in Alabama and this one is also not an exception. One native name of this place in the chronicle of America is “The Journey of Injustice.” The site will make you remember the struggling lives of Native Americans who relocated to Oklahoma from their homes in Alabama. The forceful removal between 1830 to 1840 from their native land makes their journey route “The Trail of Tears.” The National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled stops in multiple packers along this route as a part of the driving tip. It includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.  You can visualize the events of this historical movement at different stops in Alabama itself. Some of the most famous ones are Willstown Mission Cemetery, Waterloo Landing, and  Fort Payne Cabin Site.  5. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site honors the legendary military of the first Afro-American fighter pilots of America. Two aircraft hangars lounge on the site. Once you reach the place to visit these hangers, you will observe a wide range of engaging exhibits.  In addition to that, several areas of the park present documentaries of the pilots’ daily livelihood, training, and hassles during the war. All these have made it become one of the ‘best national parks in Alabama.’ The perfect time to visit the place is before Memorial Day for Tuskegee Sairmen Fly-in.  Furthermore,  both the museums in hangar one and hangar 2 remain open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. 6. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park It has been consistently ranked in the list of the best national parks in Alabama. Precisely, you will get awestruck once you stand in front of the entrance of the park. It is one of the favorite holiday spots for travel freaks owing to its stunning environment and deep serenity.  But beyond these, the site had experienced a ruthless and blood-shedding war about 100 years ago. The horseshoe bend of the Tallapoosa River was the accurate pinpoint of the battle. The oppression of Native American Tribes weaves the stories of this place. The visitor center is the starting mark of your tour. You can also enjoy a film of 15 minutes demonstrating the concept of battle. The park is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  The Final Thoughts  After reading this guide, is not your mind asking you to book a ticket and set out for Alabama? The national parks in Alabama mentioned above are significant pieces of remarkable and revolutionary history.  We hope that the list of national parks in Alabama will be of immense help while visiting here. As we have covered the key takeaways of each site along with opening and closing time, you should not face any more difficulties in planning a tour.  Moreover, if you have any opinions to share with us, feel free to comment in the comment box below. Lastly, keep supporting us in getting more travel guides on mesmerizing places across the globe. More Resources Alabama Travel Guide Canary Wharf: A Mini-Guide For Your Next Visit A Guide To National Parks In Oklahoma – Latest Guide

BY  Shahnawaz Mar 1, 2024

In today's world, where wanderlust meets savvy investment strategies, there's a growing trend among travelers and investors alike: vacation properties. This unique approach not only satisfies the urge to explore new destinations but also presents a prudent financial investment through the acquisition of real estate. Here's how blending the love for travel with the intricacies of mortgages can create a rewarding venture. Why Consider Vacation Properties? Vacation properties serve dual purposes; they are a getaway retreat for you and your family and a potential source of income through rental. In picturesque locales, from the sandy beaches of Bali to the quaint villages of Tuscany, these properties beckon with the promise of adventure and the allure of financial returns. Investing in a vacation property has a lot of benefits. The first thing is, as mentioned above, it is an amazing source of passive income. When you rent out the property, you get back substantial returns, especially during the peak seasons. Moreover, vacation rentals have higher rental rates as compared to long-term rentals, which gives you more revenue. Along with the financial benefits, when you own a vacation rental property, you get to spend a lot of time enjoying your personal vacations as well. You can spend a lot of time on your own property when the place is vacant. You get to enjoy all the amenities you have set for others.it is a perfect relationship between investment and vacation home. Understanding the Mortgage Process for Vacation Homes Investing in a vacation property often involves navigating the mortgage landscape, which can be daunting for both seasoned investors and first-time buyers. The process entails several unique considerations: Interest Rates and Terms: Mortgage loans for vacation homes may come with different interest rates and terms compared to primary residences. Lenders often view these properties as higher risk, which can influence the loan conditions. Down Payment Requirements: Typically, vacation homes require a larger down payment, sometimes as much as 20-30% of the purchase price, reflecting their status as luxury or non-essential purchases. Rental Income Consideration: If you plan to rent out your vacation home, lenders might take potential rental income into account, which can aid in qualifying for a mortgage. However, this requires thorough documentation and, sometimes, previous landlord experience. The Joy of Travel and the Wisdom of Investment Owning a vacation property allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite destinations. Whether it's a ski lodge in the Rockies or a beachfront villa in the Caribbean, these homes offer a personal escape with the warmth and comfort of your own space. Beyond personal enjoyment, these properties can be rented out to vacationers, providing a steady income stream that can offset mortgage payments and maintenance costs. Navigating Challenges and Rewards The journey of buying and owning a vacation property is not without its challenges. From managing the property remotely to understanding local real estate laws, it requires diligence and research. Yet, the rewards can be substantial. Not only do you enjoy personal retreats in beloved locales, but you also stand to gain from property appreciation and rental income. A Call to Adventure and Investment As we navigate our world, the concept of investing in vacation properties presents a compelling blend of adventure and financial prudence. It embodies a spirit of exploration, not just in the sense of travel but in the realm of financial growth and stability. For those bitten by the travel bug and those seeking to expand their investment portfolio, vacation homes offer a horizon worth exploring. Factors you should consider while choosing the location of the property Picking the correct location for your vacation rental property is essential. Here are some of the crucial factors that you should consider: Factors you should consider while choosing the location of the property Picking the correct location for your vacation rental property is important. Here are some of the important factors that you should consider: Local attractions and tourism demand How successful your vacation rental property is going to be depends on the demand of the place. Before you invest, check for the popularity of the place among travelers. Identify the local attractions that are drawing the visitors to itself. Consider the things that are making the place popular. Whether it is their cultural heritage, its natural beauty, or how close the place is to the popular destinations. Properties that are close to tourist spots or close to vacation destinations have a tendency to attract more renters. You can choose coastal destinations, urban hotspots, ski resorts, historical and cultural sites, and some emerging destinations. Along with the well-established vacation sports, the emerging destinations are a good investment.  Look for places that are rapidly developing; they have high potential for getting you a high rental return. Rental and seasonality demand Having a good understanding of the tourist season in the place is important. Research about the holidays, special events, and the peak tourist seasons that will take the rental demand to the next level. If the location is such, which has a year-round demand, it is going to get you a consistent source of income. But if the property is in a seasonal location, then you might get fluctuations in the rental bookings. Regulatory environment Before you get a vacation rental property, it is important to know the regulatory environment of the location. Some countries and cities have specific rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals. Get yourself familiar with the restrictions and local laws to make sure you abide by all the regulations. Try not to ignore the legal aspects, as that could land you with a penalty or even cause your rental business to close. Amenities and infrastructure Think about the accessibility and proximity of the essential infrastructure as well as the amenities. Choose an area that has good transportation links, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Guests always prefer properties that are convenient and have easy access to the services and local attractions.  Final Thoughts Before embarking on this journey, it's crucial to conduct thorough research, consult with real estate and financial professionals, and consider all aspects of the investment, including the potential need for a mortgage. With the right preparation and mindset, owning a vacation property can be an enriching experience that combines the joys of travel with the benefits of real estate investment. ADDITIONAL READING: A Guide To Planning Your First Family Ski Trip The Ultimate Business Traveler’s Guide To Bangkok From Britain To Australia: A Guide For Brits Making The Move Down Under

BY  Sibashree Oct 10, 2025

Drama and Golden hour glow! And of course, the Jenga rock formations!  All these make the Edge of the World Arizona perfect for camping, stargazing, and scenic drives. The Edge of the World calls the Coconino National Forest its home, and the national forest is further located between Sedona and Flagstaff.  The 55 km round trip is fun, provided you are ready to take the bounce coming from the washboards on the road. Furthermore, every bit of toil on the road is worth it once you enjoy the views from the Mogollon Rim top or inhale the whiff of the Ponderosa Pine.  What’s more? Let’s discuss the Edge of the World Arizona, in detail. We will also talk about the practical tips for a safe outdoor experience. Quick Facts About Edge Of The World Arizona  Distance from Sedona: 28 Miles Distance from Flagstaff: 27-28 Miles Road Type: A combination of gravel, dirt, and washboards Ride Types: High-Clearance 4x4, Dirt Bike, ATV (50"), SxS (60"), and SUV Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Road Condition: Not Maintained After Snow or Rain Best Time of the Day for Visit: Sunrise or Sunset Tools Needed: GPS Coordinates for Viewpoints Route Length: 55 Miles Dog-Friendly: Yes Elevation Change: 3,400’ Drones Allowed: No Edge of the World Arizona Map  1. East Pocket Arizona View this post on Instagram A post shared by ThreeSixZero Photo (@threesixzero_photo) The Edge of the World and the larger area are often referred to as the East Pocket. There is an old watchtower nearby for keeping an eye on the wildfire. This watch tower is called the East Pocket Tower.  2. The Knob The Jenga Rock formations, offset the cliffs, look like knobs, and they seem to be formed with puzzle blocks, which are not in order.  How To Reach The Edge Of The World Arizona  Here are the step-by-step guides for how to reach the Edge of the World Arizona from Flagstaff and Sedona. Flagstaff to Edge of the World Arizona RouteSedona to Edge of the World Arizona Route Journey Time: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes • Take the 89A Highway from the south of Flagstaff.• Drive for around 25 minutes to find the US Forest Service Road 535.• Continue for 19 Miles on Service Road 535. • Then, find the Forest Service Road 9012R and turn right to reach the Knob. Journey Time: Around 1 Hour and 30 Minutes• From the North of Sedona, Take Highway 89A.• Drive till Forest Road 535. You will find the turnoff after driving for around 17 miles north of Sedona.• Drive for 19 miles on Forest Road 535. Then, take the # 9012R.• Drive till the end of the road and turn right to find the Knob. • You will find various switchbacks, and navigating through the rocks and ruts here is really difficult. Also, following the numbered rock signs can be a little difficult.  During December to February, these roads can get blocked with extreme snowfall and ice accumulation. The icy patches remain till the spring months of March and May.  However, the summer months from June to August and the Fall months from September to November are ideal for the drive from Sedona or Flagstaff.  Before you plan a drive to the Edge of the World, Arizona, you can download and use the AZ 511 app and know about the current weather conditions.  What To Expect At The Viewpoint Of The Edge Of The World Arizona?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mary Forbes (@sunkissed_mary) With rocky cliffs in the surrounding area, you will also enjoy views of multiple peaks and ridges when driving to the Edge of the World in Arizona.  There are no hiking trails. However, you can climb some rocks and walk in some spots to get wonderful vistas of the canyon and the surrounding area.  Furthermore, to up your adventure level a few notches higher, you can go for a hike to the Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock Mountains in Sedona.  Nevertheless, the Lego or Knob Rock formation here is the main attraction. However, taking a photo of the formation is a bit tricky as the formation sits almost at the edge of the cliff.  So, you can climb up the left rock of the twin boulders you will come across before reaching the viewpoint.  Moreover, if you want to just stand below the rock formation, you can jump over a chasm and reach the lower rock in front of it. There is a gap of around 15 feet. So, jump only if you can manage.  Warnings And Things To Keep In Mind At The Edge Of The World Arizona  Keep the map open and follow the blue GPS dot, as network connectivity will be lost once you are on the Service Road 535. Do not follow Google Maps blindly, as in most cases, the road numbers on Google Maps may not match the signs of the Forest Service Roads.  Follow the Leave No Trace policy and follow all the local regulations of the Coconino National Forest. Keep the contact number of the national forest (+1 928-527-3600) handy so that you can contact them in an emergency. You can also contact the forest service at 1-800-832-1355.  Nature And Wildlife At Coconino National Forest Home to the Mormon Lake and Rogers Lake, the national forest is also home to many wildlife animals and birds.  Types of AnimalsExamplesMammals• White-Tailed Deer• Mule Deer• Black Bears• ElkPronghorn• Porcupines• Mountain Lions (Rarely Visible)Birds• Mexican Spotted Owls• Wild Eages• Bald Eagles• OspreysReptiles• Desert Spiny Lizard• Short Hord Lizard Plants At Coconino National Forest I have already mentioned that the Edge of the World in Arizona is filled with the aroma of Ponderosa Pines. I love these pine needles for their vanilla scent. These plants stand as the eternal witness, with an imposing height of up to 8000 feet.  These plants are also crucial for the fire-prone nature of the forest. They can withstand fire attacks thanks to their thick bark and pruning branches.  Other plants and trees found here are Quaking Aspen and Rocky Mountain Junipers.  Overall, the Coconino National Forest houses a combination of diverse ecosystems such as the high-elevation tundra, desert, and ponderosa pine forests. So, you will notice a great variety in the animals and plants living here.  Camping And Overnight Stay At The Edge Of The World Arizona View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Imhoff (@imhoff.imagery) The red rock formations and wonderful vistas make the Edge of the World in Arizona an ideal place for camping. However, the camping conditions here are primitive. Also, you have to be very careful about the fire usage as the forest is prone to catching fire.  Follow these simple tips to avoid fire hazards during the Edge of the World camping in Arizona.  Use dead firewood for lighting up a fire. Do not cut the branches of the standing trees. Use a small stove for cooking according to the rules and regulations of the United States Forest Service (USFS). Listen to the rangers and use lanterns at night. Use fire rings if you are building a fire. Keep a shovel and 6 gallons of water handy. Ensure that the woods you are burning are turned to ash and there are no sparks.  Camping is free of cost at the Coconino National Forest. Also, you do not need a permit for camping here.  What Is The Best Time To Visit The Edge Of The World Arizona?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Kesti | 📍Arizona | Hiking + Adventures (@jess.kesti96) The fall season from September to November is the best time to visit the Edge of the World. However, here is a detailed breakdown of the weather conditions and road conditions in Edge of the World, Arizona. Season and MonthWeather ConditionRoad ConditionBest ForSpring/ March to MayCool and ComfortableMostly smooth. However, sometimes snowy patches are visibleClear ViewsSummer/June to AugustHotDustySunset CampingFall/September to NovemberMild ColdSmoothBeautiful Fall ColorsWinter/December to FebruaryColdMud and SnowOften, roads remain closed Visiting The Edge Of The World Arizona: Itinerary & Nearby Places 1-Day Itinerary • Driving Early Morning• Picnic in the Afternoon• Take Sunset Photos• Plan a Return2-Day Itinerary• Day Drive and Picnic• Overnight Camping• Sedona Hikes on the Next MorningNearby Places for Food and Fuel • Desert View Market and Deli• Desert View Gas StationNearby Attractions• Kaibab National Forest• Grand Canyon National Park Edge Of The World Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Edge of the World, Arizona.  1. What 7th Wonder Of The World Does Arizona Have? The Grand Canyon is the 7th wonder of the world in Arizona. It is a chasm formed by the erosion of the Colorado River and the rampage of wind and rain. The chasm is 277 miles in length, and it has a length of 18 miles.  2. Where Is The Top Of The World In Arizona? Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona and the highest point in the San Francisco Peaks, is the top of the world in Arizona. With an elevation of 3,852 meters, Humphreys Peak is a popular hiking destination. In the summer season, especially many hikers flock to this place.  3. Are You Allowed To Camp Anywhere In Arizona? No, you cannot camp anywhere in Arizona. The Bureau of Land Management in Arizona says that dispersed camping is allowed in national forest lands, the Bureau of Land Management lands, and for a limited time on State Trust Lands.  Read Also: The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis Here are Some Warm Places to Travel in February in the USA! Check the Best Warm Winter Destinations in USA!