Exploring Wild Alabama
A Guide to the State's Publicly Accessible Natural Areas

Kenneth M. Wills (Author), L. J. Davenport (Author)

9780817358303

Paperback / softback, published 20 September 2016

448 pages, 130 colour figures, 27 colour maps
22 x 14.7 x 3.5 cm, 1.008 kg

“Exploring Wild Alabama goes beyond the classic guidebook for seeing many of the natural wonders our great state has to offer. It represents the culmination of extensive field research and exploration that brings the knowledge of natural sciences and history to the general public. The work is exceptionally well-written and includes detailed descriptions of the geology, geography, flora, and fauna of each location, as well as various activities to enjoy. I look forward to seeing this book on the shelves of bookstores, gift shops, and outdoor stores throughout Alabama.” —Randy Mecredy, former director of the Alabama Museum of Natural History

""Exploring Wild Alabama is a much needed resource. The authors have done a superlative job of describing and depicting the physiographic and ecological diversity of Alabama. To my knowledge, this is the first book to provide a statewide guide to actual places for the reader to visit. The writing is accessible to a general readership without being simplistic. I can't wait to have it on my own bookshelf!"" —Mark A. Bailey, coauthor of Turtles of Alabama

Exploring Wild Alabama is an exceptionally detailed guide to the most beautiful natural destinations in the state. From the rocky outcrops of the Appalachian plateaus to the sugar-white beaches of the Gulf Coast’s Orange Beach and Dauphin Island, Alabama offers a wealth of remarkable sites to explore by car or canoe, bicycle or motorcycle, or on foot.

Intrepid explorers Kenneth M. Wills and L. J. Davenport divide Alabama into eleven geographic regions that feature state parks and preserves, national monuments and forests, wildlife management areas, Nature Conservancy and Forever Wild properties, botanical gardens and arboreta, as well as falls, caverns, and rock cliffs. Exploring Wild Alabama provides detailed site entries to one hundred and fifty destinations. Each section is beautifully illustrated with color photographs and area maps.

Exploring Wild Alabama includes a large state map and numerous local topographic maps to help readers locate each site. Individual site entries include:

• written directions to each site and GPS coordinates
• engaging notes about the ecology, landscape features, and local species of plants and animals of the sites
• international recreation symbols for hiking, fishing, boating, camping, hunting, and other fun outdoor activities.