Take the 270-mile drive northeast of Helena to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The closest entrance to Helena is the Townsend, Tennessee entrance, which brings you into the park near Cades Cove, where you will want to stop and explore the historic buildings, including three churches, a working gristmill, barns, and log houses. If you love hiking, follow the Rocky Top option to the top of Thunderhead Mountain, which is especially beautiful in the late spring and early summer when the mountain laurel is blooming. Cades Cove Campground is open year-round and offers 159 camping spots. Then, head northeast to explore the Sugarlands area. Stop at the Sugarlands Visitors Center, and take the short hike to see Cataract Falls. Then, head out along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see more waterfalls. Watch as you drive as this can be a great place to see wildlife, including black bears. Continuing to the east brings you to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park. Take time to climb the observation tower, where you can often see over 100 miles on a clear day.
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails to explore. Mountain bikers love riding along the Red Trail, which has been listed as one of 52 must-ride trails worldwide. It runs by Beaver Lake, a fantastic place to take a break and play on the beach, before continuing through the forests along this course. You will also want to walk along the Tree Top Nature Trail to see the birds and mammals being rehabilitated by the Alabama Wildlife Center. Wind Creek State Park offers public access to Lake Martin. When workers finished constructing it in 1926, it was the largest man-made lake in the world. It is a great place to go swimming, boating, fishing, and waterskiing. This state park also contains one of the largest state-operated campgrounds in the U.S., with 566 campsites. Practice your bow-and-arrow skills at the archery range or challenge your camping companions to a game of golf on the putt-putt course. Guided horseback trail rides are available. Get a better view of the trees by playing on the zipline course. Cheaha State Park contains Island in the Sky, the highest point in Alabama. Consider starting your visit at the interpretative center to learn more about the local ecosystem. Spend the night in the campground so that you can play in the highest swimming pool in the state. Guests can swim, boat, and fish. The Cheaha Wilderness is an excellent place for a hike. You can follow a short connector trail in this park to hike along part of the Appalachian Trail. Follow the Rock Gardens and Pulpit Rock trails to reach excellent rock climbing and rappelling areas.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument consists of seven sites in Birmingham, Alabama, where the protests led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place leading up to the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Take a tour of the Historic Baptist Church and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. View the Children's March Sculpture at Kelly Ingram Park and see the A.G. Gaston Motel, where African Americans planned their strategy. Follow in the footsteps of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Alabama by traveling along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. Start your visit by touring the George Washington Carver neighborhood, where march organizers stayed with local families. See the Brown Chapel AME Church, where the march started, and Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of Bloody Sunday. View the four campsites used on the way to the Alabama State Capital Building. Freedom Riders National Monument commemorates the Freedom Riders. Wander through the Downtown Anniston Historic District to see where different events occurred in May 1961.
Safe Harbor R.V. Park in Riverside features fishing and a boat launch onto the Coosa River, where fishing tournaments are often held. Furthermore, this campground is near Interstate 20, making it easy for campers to access. About half of the sites are pull-through sites, making it convenient for those with larger Class A motorhomes. Logan Landing Cabins and RV Resort, in a private gated community in Alpine, Alabama, features a fishing pond. You can rent paddleboats, and your children will love the playground. It has over 80 miles of trails open for hiking, biking, and golf cart riding. Grandstand RV Park is near the Talladega Motor Speedway in Lincoln, Alabama. The spacious sites at this campground each have full hookups. Join family-fun activities on holiday weekends.
How does hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental work, and is it challenging?
Hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental requires proper positioning of the RV and truck and connecting the hitch. It can be challenging for first-time renters, but the owner usually provides a thorough explanation of the process.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Helena, AL?
When towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Helena, AL, it is important to note the weight and size of the RV and follow all traffic laws. Drivers should also be cautious of wind conditions as they can affect stability.
Do I use a generator to power the electrical system on a 5th wheel RV, or do I need to connect to a power source at a campground or RV park?
Most 5th wheel RVs come with a built-in generator, but some may require being plugged into a power source at a campground or RV park. RV owners will provide information on the specifics of powering the RV.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a 5th wheel RV in Helena, AL, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
Renters should always check local regulations before parking a 5th wheel RV in Helena, AL. Some areas have specific zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations regarding parking and storing RVs.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a 5th-wheel RV rental during my rental period?
Renters should keep the RV clean and make sure to report any damages. Regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire checks are the responsibility of the RV owner.
Are there any safety concerns I should know when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV, such as sway or brake issues?
Sway and brake issues can occur when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV. Renters should be mindful of weight distribution and proper hitching to prevent these issues.
How do I properly level and stabilize a 5th-wheel rental RV at my campsite or RV park?
Leveling and stabilizing a 5th-wheel rental RV requires proper positioning and use of RV leveling blocks. The owner should provide instructions or assistance if needed.
Do I need to bring my cooking appliances or equipment for use in the 5th wheel rental RV's kitchen?
Most 5th wheel rental RVs come with a equipped kitchen, check the listing details or ask the owner for specific items. Renters may choose to bring additional cooking appliances or equipment if they desire.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in 5th wheel RV rental that may not be found in other towable RVs in Helena, AL?
5th wheel rental RVs may have additional features such as multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, larger living spaces, and better towing stability compared to other towable RVs in Helena, AL. RVshare owners may offer additional amenities or features for a more comfortable stay.