RV Rental Helena, AL

Explore Helena, Alabama

Helena, Alabama is about 20 miles south of Birmingham. The community was first named Cove in about 1850 by veterans of the War of 1812 who had fought together in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend under Andrew Jackson. The town's name was later changed to Hillsboro in 1856. Soon, workers constructed a rolling mill that processed metals into resources to support Confederate troops during the Civil War. Union troops destroyed the mill and most of the town's homes on March 30, 1865. During reconstruction, engineer Pete Boyle renamed the community Helena after a prominent local judge's daughter named Helen Lee. Steel milling and coal mining were essential to this community's development for many years. A tornado killed 13 and destroyed 110 homes in 1933, but the community bounded back to become a community well-known for its livability. While exploring Helena, stop at the Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum to learn more about the history of the area. Old Town Helena is an excellent place for a boutique shopping adventure in a Helena, Alabama, RV rental. Nearby, Helena Amphitheater Park on Buck Creek's shores often hosts family weekend activities. From early spring through the fall, you will want to shop at the farmers market in this park. There are lovely restaurants in Old Town, including Depot Deli & Grill in an old train depot, Dondi & Shell's Food Oasis, where the bread pudding is superb and Refined ToGo, where the soul food is delicious.

National Forests Near Helena, Alabama

Talladega National Forest is an awesome place to visit. In particular, you will want to drive along the Talladega Scenic Drive, especially in the fall. Take your Helena, Alabama RV rental to Pine Grove or Coleman Lake when you're looking for a place to camp. Go for a hike in a pastoral valley at the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area or fish in the 17-acre lake. Highrock, Liberty Hill, Morgan, and Sweetwater lakes are also great places to go fishing. Reconnect with history by visiting the Shoal Creek Church and Cole Cemetery. Go for a horseback ride in the Warden Station Recreation Area. Spot deer and other wildlife in the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area. There are more than 80 miles of hiking trails at William B. Bankhead National Forest. See waterfalls, hardwood trees, and wildflowers as you hike along sandstone cliffs and through deep gorges by following the 25-mile-long Owl Creek Trail. Sipsey Wilderness is a terrific place to go fishing. Corinth and Clear Creek campgrounds offer full hookup camping during the warmer months. Practice target shooting at the Hurricane Range Recreation Area. The Corinth Recreation Area has excellent swimming spots. You will want to see the blooming dogwood and magnolia trees along the Bartram National Recreation Trail at Tuskegee National Forest. Thloko Okhusee Pond is a terrific place to go fishing, but anglers can also fish in Chutkee Pond and the Uphapee and Choctafaula creeks. Prepare for hunting season by practicing your shooting skills at the Uchee Shooting Range.

Events in and Near Helena, Alabama

• Buck Creek Festival – This September festival features children's activities, food, and music at Helena's Amphitheater Park.

• Magic City Art Connection – This three-day April juried festival at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham features the work of over 200 artists from across the United States.

• Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival – This festival in April and September at Homestead Hollow in Springville, Alabama features art plus the chance to see pioneer skills and the historic homestead.