Alabama has a very diverse topography ranging from mountains in the northeast to ocean shoreline in the southwest panhandle. A majority of the state is rolling hills and rich farmland, taking advantage of the long growing season. Despite it's farming history, Alabama has 713,887 acres of state, national, and national forest lands within it's boundaries. Alabama is known for its cool winters and hot, humid summers. All of the state, national, and national forest facilities are open year round.
Snow is possible in the northeastern corner of the state, but is rare.
Although summers are hot, count on a shower or thunderstorm to cool things off, especially along the Gulf Coast. Alabama has four major metropolitan areas. Huntsville, located in the north central part of the state. Birmingham, the largest city located almost in the center of the state. Montgomery, the state capital, also located in the center of the state, and Mobile, located on the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of Mobile Bay.