AT&T Market Blogs

Tone/Voice:

• Peruse the client website for other blogs to get a feel for tone and voice.

Keywords:

• Use the keywords at least once.
• Try to get the primary keyword in the first paragraph; do so naturally if possible.

Guidelines: 

The Client Guidelines can be found here

Format:

• Stock Image ID’s (see below)
• Keywords
• Title
• Text (links and local keywords are key)
  • Make sure that the AT&T tie-in isn’t an afterthought in a sentence, but instead is part of the theme of the blogs.
  • Include internal and external links (see detailed information below)
  • When referring to products, try to stick to the newest models (for example: iPhone XS, not iPhone 7).
  • Use headers, bullet points and lists to break up the content and make it more readable.
  • Make sure to target at least a few cities, found here.
• Include a call to action at the end of the article that links the information in the article to how the client can help (a relevant page on their site).

Note: Do not include ‘experience’ anywhere in the blogs, even though their URL shows that

Links:

• Every paragraph or item/location that we talk about should have a link that relates to it. It can be a link to the specific location page, event, destination, app, product/service from AT&T, etc. (not another blog).
• Link to appropriate content (don’t link to another article providing the same information as theirs). This is really important to the client. They stressed that they do not want us to link to other blogs. Instead, link to actual sites that are about the thing we are linking them to or apps for people to download.
• For products and services, the hyperlinks need to be to attexperience.com.
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    • Do not link to att.com!
  • Note: attexperience.com does not yet carry actual phones online. Only in stores. So if linking “cell phones” please use this link: https://store.attexperience.com/-cell-phones-/LP-In-Store-Cell-Phones.html
• Include a link to the AT&T store location page for each state in the blog. For example:  https://www.attexperience.com/locations/search.html?q=arkansas or  https://www.attexperience.com/locations/search.html?q=IL

Add-On Formatting:

Add-ons should be placed at the top of the article like this:

• Please mark the images not only with the id # but also with the section/paragraph each image goes with. For example:
  • Stock Image (Arlington): File # 152724378
  • Stock Image (Austin): File #183423816
  • Stock Image (Houston): File # 25655929
  • Stock Image (San Antonio): File # 120964238
  • Stock Image (Big Bend National Park): File # 107255690

• Save the blogs as the Blog Topic
• Please put the AT&T Geo-Specific Blogs in the email subject line.
• Send completed articles to [email protected]

Stock Images:

Stock Image (Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway): File #: 171095030

Stock Image (Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Morning Ride): File #: 18376849

Stock Image (Usery Mountain Regional Park): File #: 152714004

Stock Image (Saguaro National Park): File #: 11365748

Stock Image (Horseshoe Bend): File #: 32371291

Cell phones, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy

Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Locations in Arizona

Taking and posting Instagram photos is a popular pastime that can become an extra source of income for some. In order to achieve true selfie-snapping success, you need to know how to choose epic photo locations and take pictures with the best cell phones from AT&T, such as the Samsung Galaxy S9+ or iPhone X. One of the most popular year-round destinations for Instagram gurus is Arizona. Whether you like to snap selfies for your own personal enjoyment or to gain a following, here are the top 10 Instagram-worthy locations in Arizona.

1. Lemmon Scenic Byway

As the name suggests, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful drives in southeastern Arizona. It’s located in the Catalina Mountains, about 15 miles from Tucson. It’s one of the only routes in Arizona that allows you to take photos of crisp desert landscapes, breathtaking rockscapes and lush mountain forests all within a two-hour drive! Photo tip: Make sure you stop at the Windy Point vista area about halfway up the canyon. You’ll get a stunning, 180-degree view that makes for exceptional panoramic photos.

2. Havasu Falls, Supai

If you haven’t snapped a selfie in front of Havasu Falls yet, you’re missing out on Instagram gold. These beautiful falls are part of the Havasupai Reservation and are a 10-mile hike from the West Rim of the Grand Canyon to the falls. You can also opt to take a helicopter ride if you’re not a fan of long hikes. Photo tip: The best time to shoot water is in the morning or evening, when the sun doesn’t glare too harshly on the water.

3. Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Morning Ride

Anyone can drive through a canyon or across a desert landscape for a great photo, but you can earn Instagram fame by taking a photo from a hot air balloon. Phoenix offers hot air balloon rides throughout the year. Although the activity is rising in popularity, not all Instagrammers have jumped on the hot-air-balloon-selfie trend yet. That means you can still get a lot of attention with your in-air pics. Photo tip: Have at least one person from your group ride in a separate hot air balloon. That way you’ll be able to get fantastic photos of each other in your hot air balloons.

4. Monument Valley

Looking for the most awe-inspiring Instagram photo imaginable? Head over to Monument Valley, where untouched vistas and monumental rock towers rise high above the desert floor. The best time of day to shoot an award-winning photo is at sunrise, when the sun peeks over the buttes and turns them to fire. If you can’t make it during sunrise, the next best time to take a selfie here is whenever you arrive! Photo tip: The best time to take pictures of Monument Valley is right before sunset, when the East and West Mitten Buttes glow a vibrant red.

5. Usery Mountain Regional Park

Usery Mountain Regional Park is one of the most popular places to take picturesque photos, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find everything from scenic wind caves to towering saguaro cacti in this harsh landscape. Photo tip: The park is a popular destination for nighttime photos, since there is hardly any light pollution and the view of the stars is only interrupted by the occasional mountain peak or cactus profile.

6. Humphreys Peak

Looking for an Instagram photo destination that shows off your physical fitness as well as your skills with the AT&T iPhone? Humphreys Peak is a monster of a mountain, but it’s worth the effort to get that coveted money shot at the end. The peak is the highest in Arizona (over 3,400 feet tall) and is only attempted by the most ambitious Instagrammers. Photo Tip: Make sure you get a photo of yourself next to the renowned Humphreys Peak sign at the very top.

7. Saguaro National Park

When you capture a desert photo at the perfect place and time, you’ve discovered the equation for Instagram stardom. Saguaro National Park makes it easy to take the perfect photo, no matter what time of day you go. Stately cacti grow virtually everywhere, and the gorgeous Rincon Mountains make a stunning backdrop. Photo tip: This park is known for its brilliantly hued sunsets, so stick around until the sun goes down for the perfect photo op.

8. Westgate Entertainment District

Not all winning Instagram photos are of nature. In fact, some of the most inspiring photos are those that capture the energy of the Westgate Entertainment District. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for fun, colorful photos. Photo tip: Head to the WaterDance Plaza to get pictures of the spectacular fountain display and street life, or take a selfie in front of the impressive AMC Theater.

9. Horseshoe Bend

No Arizona photo location guide is complete without mentioning the incredible Horseshoe Bend. Located on the Colorado River near Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is an iconic destination that must appear at least once on every serious Instagrammer’s feed. Photo tip: Most skilled photographers recommend that you visit this location in the late morning or midday. At those times, the bend is bathed in sunlight instead of shrouded in shadow.

10. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

You could spend days in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and come away with thousands of Instagram-worthy photos. Located in Northern Arizona, these cliffs look almost alien-like in their unique patterns and compositions. The entire park stretches across 280,000 acres full of delightfully diverse rockscapes. The Wave is located here, as well as the colorful South Coyote Buttes and stunning White Pocket formations. Photo tip: The best time to photograph The Wave is when the sun shines warmly into the deeper parts of the rock formation (sometime between mid- to late-morning).

Buy a Phone Equal to the Landscape

Now that you know where to go for Instagram-worthy photos in Arizona, it’s time to make sure your phone is up to the challenge. Some of the best phones for taking pictures and posting on Instagram include iPhone 8+, iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9+. And don’t forget about accessories that protect your smart device. To see all your options visit an AT&T store near you.

Stock Image (A Brief History…): Image # 63017637

Stock Image (Top 5 Products To…): Image # 125870784

Stock Image (iTunes): Image # 32200395

Stock Image (iPhone): Image # 53052207

Stock Image (MacBook Air): Image # 46492241

Apple, iPhone, Apple Watch

Your Guide to the Convention That’s Changed the Face of Technology: The MacWorld Convention  

The first MacWorld convention was held in 1985, back before computers were a household appliance and cell phones were more of a luxury rather than the necessity they are today. Being that Silicon Valley is just a short drive south, it made sense that San Francisco would be the first city to host this three to four day event during which technological masterminds of Apple got together to compare notes, brainstorm ideas and, more importantly, reveal their latest inventions.

Today the event has been renamed the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference and changed locations to San Jose, but it still showcases the technological innovations that continue to influence everyday life, as it did from the start.

A Brief History of the Meeting of the Masterminds

As mentioned, the MacWorld Convention goes as far back as 1985. While some noteworthy products were released in those early years — ImageWriter LQ, AppleShare PC, AppleFax and Power Macintosh — the real fun began in 1997, upon the reintroduction of Steve Jobs into Apple.

You may already know that Steve Jobs was released from his position at Apple in 1985, when Jobs and John Scully, the man he recruited from Pepsi-Cola to be his chief executive, underwent a power struggle that ultimately lead to Apple’s board siding with the CEO. Jobs, feeling hurt, betrayed and, most of all, angry, went on to create two other successful brands: NeXT and Pixar. As Apple began to struggle and lose billions in sales year after year, NeXT and Pixar flourished. In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT and Jobs along with it. At the 1997 MacWorld Convention, Jobs took to the stage to discuss the new direction in which Apple was headed and to introduce the new board of directors, which included himself.

After that exciting event, Jobs spoke at almost every meeting and introduced a new product or three. From the G3 Chip to Safari, and from the iMac G4 to the legendary iPhone, Jobs and company revealed it all at the MacWorld Convention.

Top 5 Products That Came Out of the Convention

Apple did not just change the face of technology — it changed the modern-day way of living. Thanks to the tech giant, consumers do not just want but expect to be able to access everything from question answers to music to photos at their fingertips. If a device isn’t capable of taking pictures, playing music, providing directions and giving attitude, it’s considered archaic. This is, for the most part, thanks to Jobs and team.

When Apple revealed a product, it didn’t reveal just a product — it revealed a newer, better and more convenient way of doing things. Case in point: these are, arguably, the five most life-changing products to ever be revealed at the MacWorld Convention:

1. iTunes: At the 2001 convention, Jobs announced iTunes, “the world’s best and easiest to use jukebox software.” This revolutionary software allowed users to import their music from all external hard drives, including CDs, and manage them from a single location. From there they could compress them into MP3 format for listening on the go or burn their own CDs with all of their favorite songs from various artists. Though the iPod was not released at the convention, it was unveiled later that year.
2. Safari: At the 2003 MacWorld Expo in San Francisco, Apple revealed Safari, a web browser that could load pages over three times faster than Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. Back then, Safari was innovative in a number of ways. For one, Google search capabilities were integrated directly into the search bar. It allowed for “SnapBack,” which refers to navigating back one or more webpages to find a recent search result. Safari also provided users a way to organize, name and present bookmarks, as well as to block pop-up ads. While each of these functions may seem commonplace now, they were revolutionary back in 2003 and completely changed peoples’ expectations for web browsing software.
3. iPhone: In 2007, Apple decided to integrate most of its successful earlier innovations into a single device through which people could also communicate. You know this device as the iPhone. With internet capabilities, touchscreen display and music player, the iPhone proved to be much more than a cellphone — it proved to be the trigger of the smartphone revolution. Today, the iPhone model is still going strong, with Apple now on its eighth generation of the device. At the same conference, Jobs also spoke briefly about Apple TV, which he wrote off at the time as being “hobby.”
4. MacBook Air: By 2009, Apple had launched several generations of laptops, including the iMac G4 in 2002, which set the stage for the company’s later-to-come products. For its last MacWorld demonstration, Apple had Jobs reveal the MacBook Air, which he did by pulling it from a manila folder. He called it “the world’s thinnest notebook.” At the time, the Air didn’t make quite as impressive an impact as the company would have liked, but 10 years later, the market is flooded with slim laptops. While Apple has since focused on developing even thinner, faster and more durable products, it cannot be denied that the Air is thought to have changed the trajectory of mobile computing. For some, the computer was little more than an overpriced laptop; for many, however, it was a representation of what computing could be, which is why it continues to be a fan favorite today.
5. Apple Watch: In 2015, the WWDC introduced a more advanced OS for the newly released Apple Watch. This handy device allowed people easier access to their cell phone technology, with time, calendars, texts and more right on their wrist, promoting a whole new arena of apps.

The MacWorld Convention gave rise to a lot of exceptional products, many of which consumers continue to use today. While all innovation should certainly be applauded, very few products have changed the way we live. As it happens, many that have had the most significant impact have been produced by Apple. Get your life-changing products such as the Apple Watch, iPhone, Apple TV and more from your local cell phone carrier.

Stock Images:

Stock Image (Sitka National Historic Park): File #: 9105609

Stock Image (Kenai Fjords National Park): File #: 91904720

Stock Image (The Best Way to Stay on Course): File #: 96296912

Stock Image (Best National Parks Mobile Apps): File #: 15737617

Stock Image (Reliable AT&T Cell Phone Options for Explorers): File #: 4586342

Cell Phones, AT&T

Your Guide to Exploring Sitka National Historical Park & Kenai Fjords National Park

Discovering the nation’s incredible national parks is a thrilling opportunity. To watch pervasive concrete give way to untouched greenery and fresh air feels almost therapeutic. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed traveler or you just like to take a vacation every once in a while, Sitka National Historical Park and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska should be on your bucket list.

Sitka National Historical Park is full of rich history that will educate and entertain. Kenai Fjords National Park has a reputation for abundant wildlife. Both will inevitably leave an impression that you’ll remember far after your trip is over. You can navigate through both parks without cumbersome maps if you download Travel Alaska apps for iPhones and Androids.

Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park is not as big as most other national parks, but its 113 acres are still overflowing with hiking trails, rivers and historical sites. The park is located on an island surrounded by striking hemlock and spruce trees. Tucked between the greenery and wildlife are traces of history and culture. Totem poles stand starkly against the trees and sky along a coastal trail. A charming museum offers an impressive selection of artifacts related to the Russian-American period in Alaska and the 1804 Battle of Sitka. If you have enough time and a good map (or cell phone app), you should be able to see the best this park has to offer during your stay.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park is an opportunity that will remain with you for a lifetime. This behemoth of a park covers an impressive area of just over 1,046 square miles. Trying to choose the best area to explore is like trying to pick your favorite snowflake out of a snowdrift.

Are you a resilient wanderer who loves to immerse yourself in the most untouched parts of nature? Try mountaineering through The Harding Icefield. You’ll need to be familiar with cross-country skiing and skilled in traversing dangerous icy terrain. You can also make your way across the endless expanse of snowy peaks with snowshoes, if you prefer. The possibility of hidden crevasses is real, so make sure you rope together with fellow travelers for safety purposes.

If you’re not a fan of dangerous, harrowing adventures, you can enjoy the park’s most beautiful vistas and lakes from the comfort of a well-traveled hiking trail or from your vehicle. You can also see the park’s marine life up close by paddling a kayak in the pristine Kenai Fjords.

The Best Way to Stay on Course

How do you make the best use of your time while exploring these incredibly diverse natural parks? More importantly, how do you avoid getting lost once you’re swallowed up in the thousands of miles of scenery these parks have to offer? The key is to plan exactly what you want to see before you go. Once you do that, you’ll need reliable directions to keep you on course.

Many travelers rely on bulky, hard-to-follow maps to figure out where they’re going in Sitka and Kenai Fjords National Parks. You can certainly do this if you want, but wouldn’t it be ideal if you could find your way around without bringing any extra navigational tools with you? One of the best national park exploration tools at your disposal is probably in your pocket at this very moment. Using your cell phone to plan your trip and stay on course is one of the most convenient and effortless ways to make your way through any national park with minimal stress.

Benefits of using your AT&T cell phone for National Park navigation include:

• They provide reliable, updated directions
• They are lightweight and non-cumbersome
• They offer Instantly available location and destination information
• They don’t require navigation skills

Traditional maps aren’t as popular as they used to be, and many people don’t know how to use them anymore. Many prefer to use cell phones instead when traveling through national parks because of these benefits.

Best National Parks Mobile Apps

There are several great apps that make national park exploration a cinch. A few of the top options include:

1. The National Park app by Chimani: This app can be used offline, which is essential when you’re in the middle of the wilderness. It’s actually more like a virtual bookshelf that contains a comprehensive compilation of 59 national parks apps.
2. REI National Park Guide & Maps: You’ll find the best community-ranked hikes in various national parks on this app. You’ll also be able to track your elevation and GPS position instantly. No signal is required to get all the features this impressive app offers.
3. Passport: Your National Parks: Looking for an easy way to record your national parks visits? This fun and easy-to-use app features a map showing the location of over 1,000 Passport to Your National Park cancellation locations. It also gives you the ability to virtually collect Passport cancellations with ease.

Of course, your ability to use these apps to navigate national parks is only as good as your cell phone. National parks are not known for their hospitable environments, so take a phone with you that is reliable and has good service. You’ll also want a great camera so you can capture your trip in stunning color.

Reliable AT&T Cell Phone Options for Explorers

AT&T offers a variety of durable cell phones that are perfect for the adventurous type. Some of these include:

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9: The Note 8 continues to rack up top rankings for its impressive dual 12MP rear/8MP front camera resolution and 14-hour battery life. It also has lots of storage and can handle the many pictures and videos you’ll inevitably take during your national park adventures.
• Apple iPhone: The ever-popular iPhone X has the smartest, most powerful chip in a smartphone with a breakthrough dual-camera system. iPhone X is everything you love about iPhone.
• Samsung Galaxy S9+: Looking for a phone that can capture low-light conditions effortlessly? The Samsung Galaxy S9+ will not disappoint. This phone takes beautiful photos and has exceptional overall performance.
• And don’t forget to grab a good case or screen protector for those outdoor hikes!

To find more top-ranked phones and accessories that are durable and will support various national park apps, visit AT&T today.

Stock Image (TheatreSquared): File # 13151033

Stock Image (Museum of Native American History): File # 39918499

Stock Image (Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art): File # 6749270

Stock Image (Anthony Chapel): File # 98918622

Stock Image (War Eagle Mill): File # 22188967

Cell phones, AT&T store

Top 5 Places to Visit in Arkansas

If you ever find yourself in the beautiful Southern state of Arkansas whether by choice or happenstance, make yourself cozy and stay awhile. Arkansas may not be a top tourist destination, but it does have a lot to offer to those willing to give it a chance. Your cell phone should be able to help you locate all the must-see, must-do places and activities, but if you’re hard-pressed for service, it may be time to reevaluate your loyalty to your current carrier — or your current phone model. Make your visit a productive one and head on over to the nearest AT&T store to shop the vast collection of cell phones. An associate should be able to set you up with a plan on an (actual) smart phone in less time than it would take you to download directions on your outdated model.

New phone in hand, use the handy Google search widget to garner suggestions from the know-it-all search giant. If Google really does know it all, the five locations listed in this post will surely pop up in the top search results.

TheatreSquared

You don’t have to be in New York or Los Angeles to experience a bit of culture. T2 in Fayetteville is renowned for its locally produced and nationally acclaimed productions that span multiple genres, including comedy, tragicomedy, tragedy, melodrama and theater of the absurd. A testament to its outstanding performances is the fact that the year-round company attracts approximately 45,000 patrons each year. Of course, this number is nowhere near as great as those of a Broadway theater, but considering that it creates about a third of the productions that major theaters produce, 45,000 is admirable. The theater has been recognized by the American Theater Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, as one of the nation’s 10 most promising emerging theaters. Reserve your seats early and purchase your tickets from your cell phone.

Museum of Native American History

All you history buffs might enjoy a tour of the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, which offers a look back at our country as it was up to 14,000 years ago. Dubbed the “best artifact museum” and lauded as a “treasure for the state of Arkansas,” this museum explores each era of the Americas in chronological order, beginning with the first people and ending with the early European influence. Unlike many small-time museums that use photographs in place of artifacts, this gallery features some of the best ancient artifacts you’ll ever be lucky enough to behold. Dazzling headdresses, the famous Sweetwater Biface and imaginative effigy vessels all take up residence within the display cases. The museum even features an Ice Age wooly mammoth. The museum is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. There is no admission charge.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Bridges is a 50,000-square-foot gallery built into the heart of Crystal Springs. Exhibits are located both inside and out and span walking trails as well as floors of the museum itself. The gallery, which was the idea of Alice Walden, heir to the Walmart fortune, contains hundreds of millions of dollars of artwork and artifacts. On its walls you will glimpse some of America’s most renown works, including but not limited to Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola and other artworks by modern and contemporary artists, such as James Turrell, Georgio O’Keefe and John Baldessari. The gallery features permanent exhibits as well as temporary exhibitions.

Download the Crystal Bridges Mobile App to gain access to interactive maps, videos, audio tours and behind-the-scenes videos. The free app also teaches users about how collections are curated as well as gives an in-depth history of the museum’s unique architecture. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Anthony Chapel

The architecture of Anthony Chapel may not be as complex as that of the Crystal Bridges Museum, but it is just as breathtaking, if not more so, and it is certainly more intricate. Whereas the Crystal Bridges Museum is in-your-face, Anthony Chapel in Hot Springs blends in with its wooded surroundings. It achieves this feat by being composed entirely of native wood and glass. It boasts a 57-foot ceiling, which lets in as much of the natural light that filters through the trees as possible (perfect for snapping photos with your new cell). Even when you’re indoors you feel as if you’re outside, thanks to the transparent walls and slender wooded beams. If you’re considering getting hitched anytime soon and want to say your vows in a natural but comfortable environment, this is the place to do so.

The chapel sits within Garvin Woodland Gardens and is surrounded by sky-reaching pines, old oak trees and impressive flower displays of over 250 species of flora.

War Eagle Mill

War Eagle Mill may sound like a site for the old history war veteran, but in actuality, it’s a place that the whole family can enjoy. You can find crafting, shopping and history all at this almost 190-year-old site. Though picturesque and worthy of more than just a few Instagram posts, this mill is much more than a beautiful face — it’s also a workhorse. The 18-foot undershot water wheel shovels water from War Eagle Creek, the force of which powers the mill’s ancient machinery and grinds grain into flour. It’s been doing this for local residents since 1832, when the nearest grain mill was 25 miles down the road — a day’s trek back then. In addition to being a rich piece of history, this mill also sells whole grains and flours, jellies, jams and soups, kitchenware, mixes, and more.

If you’re like most Americans, you use your cell phone as a GPS, tour guide, camera, go-to-resource and much more on not just a daily basis, but an hourly basis. If you want to truly appreciate each experience you have in Arkansas, saddle up with a new cell phone from the nearest AT&T store in Dumas, Bryant, Fayetteville or Siloam Springs. With a new, reliable phone, you can focus more on the experience at hand than about making sure that your cell phone can keep up with your adventures. Locate the store nearest you for assistance.

Stock Image (Alabama’s Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway): File # 19969477

Stock Image (Madison County Nature Trail): File # 8732829

Stock Image (Cane Creek): File # alcane6494

Stock Image (Appalachian Trail): File # 27855797

Stock Image (Cheaha State Park): File # 134317032

Cell phones, signal booster

Your Guide to the Most Scenic Routes in Alabama, and How You Can Make the Most of Your Trip

When most people think of Alabama, they think of football, sweet tea, barbeque and charm. They also think of hometown pride, homegrown music and Southern literature. One thing that most people do not think about when they think of Alabama, however, is the trails. Believe it or not, the Heart of Dixie is home to swoon-worthy views, many of which can be captured in just a day’s drive from a state hub such as Hoover, Huntsville or Hartselle. Whether you’re simply passing through the state, have decided to make Alabama your vacation destination or call ‘Bama your home, use those devices you always have at the ready (yes, your cell phones) and navigate your way to one of the five trails mentioned below.

Alabama’s Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway

Whether you hail from California’s west coast, Ohio’s flatlands or Florida’s wetlands, you’re sure to feel right at home along this stretch of preserved lands. The byway, aptly named, serves as a connection between the deep South and the more laid-back lifestyle afforded in the islands. Most people who are just passing through the Connection plan on staying for a day, but once there, they discover that the beautiful beaches, authentic downtowns, delicious seafood and wildlife preserves all warrant a longer stay. If you feel most at home in the water on a board, download a surf app, such as Surfr App, LLC, to your phone to find the best waves, forecasts, shark alerts and other cool stuff most surfers didn’t know they needed.

Madison County Nature Trail

Located just outside of Huntsville, the Madison County Nature Trail (a.k.a. Green Mountain Nature Trail) provides a spectacular view of the surrounding communities and woodlands. The 1.5-mile trail skirts Sky Lake, 17 acres of deep blue fresh water. If you visit during the summer months, don’t forget to pack a bathing suit and water toys. However, the best time to go is during the fall months when the foliage is the color of fire. Impress your friends with professional-style shots shared via Snapchat. Use HDR mode to capture the darkest and lightest aspects of your photo to really make the fiery reds and golden yellows stand out. While the scene should be awe-inspiring in and of itself without much editing, if you feel as if your picture doesn’t do the sight justice, tweak the colors and filters to render the shot as you remember it.

Cane Creek Nature Preserve Loop

The Cane Creek Nature Preserve has an interesting history. People used to avoid this area due to the illegal activity happening with moonshiners and bootleggers.  Many were too scared to wander through the landscape, leaving it open to prosper into amazing waterfalls and canyons.

The area is now a 700-acre privately protected and maintained scenic natural area.  If you follow Waterfall Trail it will lead you to the largest waterfall found in the preserve, where water drops 60 feet over a natural rock shelter and splashes into a narrow canyon.

The preserve also has rock shelters which make for great photo opps while on your hike.  As you continue on the trails make sure to pass through Yellowwood falls, where water flows over a half-moon-shaped rock shelter into a small, clear pool.

Appalachian Trail

If you’re like most people, you had no idea that the Appalachian Trail extended all the way down to Alabama, but it does…or, it will. Over 170 miles of the Pinhoti Trail, a very long U.S. distance hiking trail that connects multiple states, are located in Alabama. Though the Pinhoti is not yet a spur of the AT, trail blazers are working on making it the newest official leg of the 2,190-mile trail that stretches from Maine down to Georgia. The Pinhoti Trail goes up through Georgia and connects the Rebecca Mountain to the Appalachian Trail. If you choose to hike this as-of-yet unacknowledged portion of the AT, start at Flagg Mountain in Weogufka, Alabama, which is the southernmost peak in the state.

Hike smarter and safer by downloading a hiking app to explore the Alabama wilderness. For a small annual fee, Gaia GPS allows you to save maps offline and get map overlays so that you can see the slope angles, contour lines and hill shading of a trail before you trek it. While Star Walk doesn’t really help you find your way, it is a great resource for stargazers, as it helps users identify the constellations above based on a phone’s location.

Cheaha State Park Road

If you’re in state when the leaves start to fall and pumpkin spice is on all cafe menus, do yourself a favor and reserve a cabin or a campsite within Cheaha State Park. Though you could drive through and snap pics of the fall foliage in just a few hours, this 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat has much more than pretty leaves. It contains fresh air, breathtaking views and short hikes that, when combined, are much more relaxing than a day at the spa.

Other than using your cell to snap photos of the reds and golds that make up the Talladega National Forest and to capture surprises that hide within it (think exotic wildlife and spectacular waterfalls), disconnect for a day or two and really become one with nature. Just a weekend away in this gem of a reserve will offer more health benefits than a week vacation anywhere else.

Alabama has much more to offer than just football, sweet tea and charm. It has nature and dozens of ways for visitors to enjoy it. Whether your idea of an outdoor adventure is a two-hour trip down a county nature trail, a tour of a plantation with a lush lawn, a weekend camping trip or a four-month-long hike on a thru-trail, you can find it all in the Heart of Dixie — and your cell phone can serve as a useful tool to help you get where you need to go. Having trouble getting signal on your travels? Register your signal booster today or visit one of our AT&T locations today.