Cool sunny days, clear blue skies and leaves swirling at your feet blend to make November perfect for hiking. And there’s plenty of hiking and enjoying nature planned in the area, especially at Talladega National Forest and Jacksonville State University’s Epic Program held at the Little River Canyon Field School Educational/ Interpretative Center.

November 12 is Free Fee Day at Talladega National Forest (Shoal Creek District) in the Heflin area from 7:30 a.m.-noon. Call 256-463-2272 for specifics. Talladega National Forest in the Talladega area also has Free Fee Day from 7:30 a.m.-noon. Call 256-362-2909 for specifics.

November 17 is a big day of events at the Little River Canyon Interpretative Center starting with “Native American Tools and Weapons” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Free). “Native American Pottery Workshop” is from 10 a.m.-noon. (Pre-Registration required for this one: $15-adults, $5-children--it fills fast.) “Native American Stories-Family Fun” takes place from 1-3 p.m. (Free) and “International TELLABRATION-Storytelling in the Canyon” is from 3-5 p.m. (Free) Come and enjoy the day taking part in these great activities to celebrate Alabama’s Native American Heritage.

For more information, directions to Little River Canyon Interpretative Center, or to register for the above events, call 256-782-5697 or contact www.jsu.edu/epic.

On November 24, there is “Nature Trails at Guntersville State Park Resort” featuring an invitation for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the many trails in the park and hike off the extra weight you might have gained from your Thanksgiving meal. (Free) Call 256-571-5440 for information.

There are plenty of trails, some featuring waterfalls, at nearby Cheaha State Park. Check in at the Camp Store in the park and pick up a map listing the specific trails and take your pick. Call 256-488-5155 for more information. I encourage you to get outside during November while the weather is cool and crisp but still good. Take a hike and discover some of the natural scenic beauty around our area. Happy Hiking!

Alice G. Duckett is a freelance writer, author of two children’s books, speaker, and journalist. Visit her website at www.Shadowpurr-r-rPress.com.