There are many hidden gems in Alabama just waiting to be discovered. A great way to experience several of them is to visit one place each month of 2024. Listed below are 12 outdoor attractions in Alabama that are hidden gems you will definitely want to visit this upcoming year. It’s time to get outside and enjoy them all!

1. Cheaha Mountain - Delta (January)

Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
flickr/Brian Collins
To kick off the new year, there's no better place to be than atop of Cheaha Mountain, which happens to be Alabama's highest natural point.

2. Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell (February)

Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The next place that's worth discovering is Dismals Canyon, which is one of the few places in the world where dismalites live.

3. Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman (March)

Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
flickr/jpeeden
As spring approaches, you'll want to visit Alabama's Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman. This collection of tiny religious replicas will truly amaze you. It's one of the most unique outdoor attractions in Alabama.

4. DeSoto Falls - Mentone (April)

DeSoto Falls, Alabama 35984, USA
flickr/Brent Moore
One of Alabama's most beautiful and accessible waterfalls that's also great for a spring visit is DeSoto Falls. Plunging 104 feet, it's one of the state's tallest waterfalls.

5. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge - West Blocton (May)

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, West Blocton, AL, USA
flickr/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
In May, you'll want to visit the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge's famous lilies begin to bloom this time of year.

6. Natural Bridge - Haleyville (June)

Natural Bridge, AL, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Natural Bridge is another wonderful hidden gem that's worth discovering in Alabama. With a length of 148 feet, it's the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. It's also one of the state's best-kept secrets.

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7. Lewis Smith Lake - (July)

Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, USA
wikimedia commons/Quintaped
In July, one of the best things to do outdoors is to be waterside. For that, there's no better place to be than on Lewis Smith Lake, which is best known as Smith Lake. This lake is one of the cleanest in the U.S. and is perfect for spending a summer day.

8. Tinglewood Trail at Orr Park - Montevallo (August)

Orr Park, 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115, USA
tripadvisor/pattyp814
When August approaches, you'll want to make plans to visit Montevallo's Orr Park. While exploring this park, you'll stumble upon the Tinglewood Trail. This unique trail features a variety of whimsical tree carvings that you won't see anywhere else.

9. Bamahenge - Elberta (September)

Bamahenge, Elberta, AL 36530, USA
flickr/Dennis Church
Bamahenge is Alabama's very own Stonehenge. The next time you're in the Elberta area, consider visiting this unique landmark, which happens to be a replica of the real landmark in England.

10. Little River Canyon - Fort Payne (October)

Little River Canyon, Alabama, USA
flickr/Tim Lumley
Little River Canyon is one of Alabama's most beautiful outdoor spots. Because it's especially beautiful during the fall season, a great time to visit is during the month of October.

11. Noccalula Falls - Gadsden (November)

Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
flickr/Lisa Nail
When November arrives, a great place to visit is Noccalula Falls Park to see Noccalula Falls in person. Noccalula Falls is one of Alabama's most visited natural attractions.

12. Cathedral Caverns - Woodville (December)

Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
flickr/Dystopos
To close out the year, consider exploring North Alabama's Cathedral Caverns. This cave has one of the largest entrances in the world and it's also the main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park.

Have you ever visited any of these 12 outdoor attractions in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you. If you’re curious about nearby trails at any of these places, be sure to check out AllTrails+. There you will find plenty of maps and other helpful details to make your trek enjoyable.

For more information about Alabama’s DeSoto Falls, be sure to take a look at the following article: Discover One Of Alabama’s Most Majestic Waterfalls – No Hiking Necessary.

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More to Explore

Best Things To Do Outdoors In Alabama

Katie Feldkamp | November 29, 2023

What are some of the best things to do outdoors in Alabama?

With a state as gorgeous as Alabama, you’re practically obligated to take in as much of its natural beauty as possible. What’s even better is when you can enjoy the scenery in a budget-friendly manner. Behold, an article on some of the best things to do outdoors in Alabama that are free. You’ll learn about places such as:

  • A hiking trail in the Sipsey Wilderness in the William B. Bankhead National Forest in North Alabama
  • Watching the sun set on Dauphin Island
  • Also on Dauphine Island, check out the Audubon Bird Sanctuary
  • Paddling down Cypress Creek in Lauderdale County
  • Hiking in Colbert County at the Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
  • Biking the Chief Ladiga Trail that runs from the Alabama-Georgia line to Anniston

 

What are some things to do outside in Alabama?

If the thought of outdoor activities sounds overwhelming, you are going to love this list of things to do outside in Alabama that anyone can do. On the list are activities such as:

  • Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There are over 20 unique gardens to admire at this free attraction.
  • Travel the Tennessee River on the Pickwick Belle Riverboat in Decatur.
  • In the summer, cool off in Little River Canyon’s Hippie Hole.
  • Visit DeSoto Falls in Mentone. It’s seriously breathtaking.

For more information on these and more, check out this article on things to do outside in Alabama.

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