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ALABAMA

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Alabama paddling trails have coastal habitats which are a surprise for many new visitors and include white sand beaches and dunes, oyster reefs, freshwater and forested wetlands, and pine savannas. Mobile Bay separates the two coastal counties, and its shallow depth of only about 10 feet is fed by freshwater from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Alligators, sea turtles, dolphins, speckled trout, and a wide variety of coastal birds are common along the coast. For many migratory birds, Dauphin Island is the first place to rest after crossing the Gulf of Mexico, making the island a popular destination for birders and paddlers alike. Find your adventure and explore the wonders of Dauphin Island, canoe the freshwaters of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta along routes of the Bartram Canoe Trail, or kayak along the Back Bay Blueway in South Baldwin County. The Alabama State Lands Division manages over 170 miles of water trails and provides maps and tips for planning your trip. Check out the Alabama state paddling website  for more information.

607
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Miles of Shoreline

Alabama has 607 miles of shoreline, which would take over 8.5 hours to drive if laid out along an interstate.1

3.4%

How wet is Alabama? 3.4% of the state is covered by water.2

77242
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Miles of Rivers

Alabama has 77,242 miles of rivers, which is long enough to travel around the earth three times!3

Famous  Alabama Wildlife

Belted

Kingfisher

Close up of a Belted Kinfisher
Belted Kingfisher

This stocky, large-headed bird is recognizable from its shaggy crest on the top and back of the head and can be found hovering over water looking for fish.

Alabama Red-bellied Turtle

Close up of red-bellied turtle
Red-bellied turtle

These endangered turtles can be found in shallow vegetated backwaters of freshwater streams, rivers, and bays in or around Mobile Bay.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Butterfly with wings spread
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Although prevalent all across the U.S., the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is Alabama’s state butterfly.

Alabama

Beach Mouse

Alabama Beach Mouse hiding in behind a rock
Alabama Beach Mouse

The endangered Alabama beach mouse lives in sand dunes and is only active at night to avoid predators.

State Flower
The state flower of Alabama is the Camellia.
State Bird
The state bird of Alabama is the Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker).
STATE SALTWATER FISH
The state saltwater fish of Alabama is the Fighting Tarpon.
Population
Nearly 5 million people call themselves Alabamians, making it the 24th most populous state.