There’s no better time than now to be outdoors! The brutal southern summer heat has passed and the trees are showing their spectacular colors of autumn. We have lots of great places to enjoy nature in the Shoals – so, no excuses! Get out there and take a hike, a bike ride, or simply relax and watch the leaves fall. Here are some of the best places in the Shoals to enjoy the great outdoors!

Deibert Park, Florence Location: Corner of Darby Drive and Cox Creek Parkway

This is definitely the “showplace” park of Florence. It also has an interesting history. According to the Visitflorenceal website:

This acreage was once a part of a large antebellum plantation owned by Judge Sidney Cherry Posey. In 1875 his heirs sold his farm to Charles Posey who had worked these same fields as a slave. Later, Charles and his wife, Amcy, began dividing the land among their heirs and this settlement became known as Posey. According to tradition, Charles Posey built a schoolhouse here for his children and others in the neighborhood. This park was donated to the people of Florence by Dr. Kirk R. and Lillian Cook-Diebert who initially acquired this property in 1952. It was officially dedicated on May 25, 2000.

The park is beautifully maintained with spacious paved trails that wind through open and wooded areas featuring several ponds stocked with lots of fish and turtles. Perfect for walking, running, biking, or pushing a stroller! Deibert Park also has public restrooms, an amazing playground, and an interactive children’s museum. For park hours and museum info, visit their website here.

Martin Park, Florence Location: 337 N. Royal Ave (near the stadium)

This park is a hidden gem that’s easy to miss. Convenient to downtown and both East and North Florence, the park features a paved walking trail loop that is just short of a mile. The track is not flat – it has a couple of inclines that’ll get your heart pumping and also has fitness stations around the perimeter of the walking track. The park has a playground, a public outdoor swimming pool (open summer months), and tennis courts just below the park on Royal Avenue. For more info, visit their website here.

Wildwood Park, Florence Location: 110 West College Street

Wildwood Park is one of the best places in the Shoals where you can really get out in nature without driving a long way. As stated on the florenceal.com website:

“One of our most beautiful, serene and secluded parks, Wildwood Park is located just a couple of minutes…