It’s no secret Alabama is overflowing with a variety of beautiful places. From canyons and lakes, to parks and preserves, you never know what you’ll discover while exploring our great state. Even though the list of these places is quite long, we’ve narrowed it down to nine of our favorites.
1. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne
Little River Canyon National Preserve is located atop beautiful Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama. It's one of the Southeast's most popular outdoor spots. Little River Falls (pictured) is one of the preserve's main features.
2. Kymulga Grist Mill and Kymulga Covered Bridge - Childersburg
Both the Kymulga Grist Mill and Kymulga Covered Bridge date all the way back to the Civil War. The grist mill still operates today, and the covered bridge, which was built in 1861, is one of Alabama's two 19th-century covered bridges still in its original location. The Kymulga Grist Mill Park is a great place to spend an afternoon.
3. Battles Wharf - Fairhope
Battles Wharf is located along Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast in Fairhope. It offers some pretty spectacular views of Mobile Bay.
4. Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell
Open seasonally, Dismals Canyon is located within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northern Alabama. This place is incredibly unique because it's one of the few places in the world where you'll discover dismalites, which happen to be rare insects that resemble glowworms.
5. Cheaha State Park - Delta
Established in 1933, Cheaha State Park is Alabama's oldest continuously operating state park. In addition to its incredible hiking trails, Cheaha State Park is also well known for its amazing scenic views from atop Cheaha Mountain. In fact, Cheaha Mountain is Alabama's highest natural point.
6. William B. Bankhead National Forest
The William B. Bankhead National Forest, which is best known as the "Bankhead National Forest," is located in North Alabama. It's one of the Southeast's top hiking destinations. The Bankhead National Forest's most popular hiking spot is the Sipsey Wilderness. Because of its many waterfalls, this wilderness area is appropriately nicknamed the "Land of 1,000 Waterfalls."
7. Lewis Smith Lake
Alabama's Lewis Smith Lake, which is best known as "Smith Lake," is located in Cullman, Walker, and Winston counties. It covers more than 21,000 acres and is one of the nation's clearest lakes. Smith Lake is also one of the state's top summer destinations.
8. Noccalula Falls Park - Gadsden
Noccalula Falls Park is home to one of Alabama's most beautiful waterfalls, Noccalula Falls. This 90-foot waterfall, which flows into a lush ravine, is one of the state's most-visited natural attractions.
9. Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is located on the southernmost point of Alabama. This tiny coastal town, which receives visitors from all over the world, is best known for its beautiful sunsets. In fact, Dauphin Island is known as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama." It truly is a magical place!
Have you been to any of these staggeringly beautiful places in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, share with us some other beautiful places you’d add to this list.
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Featured Addresses
Little River Canyon National Preserve, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Kymulga Grist Mill, 7346 Grist Mill Rd, Childersburg, AL 35044, USA
Battles Wharf, AL 36532, USA
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
William B. Bankhead National Forest, Alabama 35572, USA
Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, USA
Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA