Many types of natural wonders are located in Alabama. From waterfalls and mountains, to caves and canyons, we’re lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful natural scenery. The Alabama Tourism Department has designated 2020 the “Year of Natural Wonders.” Listed below are nine of Alabama’s most incredible natural wonders you’ll want to visit this year. Don’t forget to add them to your bucket list!
1. Mount Cheaha
Mount Cheaha, which is located within the Talladega National Forest, is Alabama's highest natural point. It's also home to Cheaha State Park, the Yellowhammer State's oldest state park.
2. Little River Canyon
The Little River Canyon is located atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama and is the main feature of Little River Canyon National Preserve. It's one of the Southeast's top outdoor attractions and is best known as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
3. Cathedral Caverns
Cathedral Caverns, which is the main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, is one of the state's top cave attractions. With a height of 25 feet and a width of 126 feet, it also has one of the largest cave entrances in the world.
4. Gulf Coast Beaches
Alabama is well known for it's gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches. In fact, the beautiful white sand and turquoise-clear water ranks them among the finest beaches in the world. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two of Alabama's top Gulf Coast travel destinations, especially during the summer months.
5. Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon is a beautiful sandstone gorge that's located in Phil Campbell, Alabama. What makes this canyon stand out from others is that it's one of the few places in the world where dismalites (rare insects resembling glowworms) live. It truly is a must-see!
6. Noccalula Falls
Noccalula Falls, which has a 90-foot drop, is the main attraction at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama. In addition to it being one of the Southeast's most beautiful waterfalls, it's also one of Alabama's most visited natural attractions.
7. Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is a sandstone bridge that's located in the tiny North Alabama town of Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge Park. With a length of 148 feet, it's also the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. Geological experts believe this natural wonder is more than 200 million years old.
8. DeSoto Caverns
DeSoto Caverns is a series of amazing caves located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg, Alabama. It features one of the largest collections of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites in the world, and it's best known as "Alabama's Big Cave."
9. The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta
Encompassing approximately 260,000 acres, the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, which is located north of Mobile Bay, is Alabama's largest river delta. Interestingly, it's also the second largest river delta in the contiguous United States and is one of the most eco-diverse places in the entire world.
Have you ever visited any of these natural wonders in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments? Also, what are some other natural wonders that belong on everyone’s 2020 bucket list?
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Featured Addresses
Mount Cheaha, Delta, AL 36258, USA
Little River Canyon National Preserve, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
Majestic Caverns, 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL 35044, USA
Mobile–Tensaw River Delta, Alabama 36527, USA