There’s no better way to experience the Yellowhammer State’s natural beauty than by taking scenic drives in Alabama. From waterfalls and canyons to rivers and lakes, the best scenic roads in Alabama offer plenty of unbelievable sights. The next time you feel like taking a scenic drive, consider taking one (or more) of these eight backroads near me in Alabama:

1. Talladega Scenic Drive
Talladega Scenic Highway, Talladega Scenic Hwy, Alabama 36266, USA
flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive, which begins in Heflin and ends in Lineville, is approximately 30 miles long. This scenic drive near me in Alabama will lead you straight to the Talladega National Forest. See what else is in store for a drive on Talladega Scenic Drive.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Alabama, USA
flickr/Jamie
The Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles long and passes through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Not only will you enjoy a long scenic drive in Alabama along the parkway, but you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy several recreational activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. Get more details on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
3. William B. Bankhead National Forest Tour
William B. Bankhead National Forest, Alabama 35572, USA
flickr/Michael Hicks
The William B. Bankhead National Forest Tour begins in Moulton and ends in Jasper. This 54-mile-long drive will take you through the central part of the William B. Bankhead National Forest, and you'll most certainly experience lots of beautiful scenery along one of the most scenic roads in Alabama. Learn more about William B. Bankhead National Forest.
4. Lookout Mountain Parkway
Lookout Mountain Parkway, Lookout Mountain Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL, USA
tripadvisor/NorthAlabama16
The Lookout Mountain Parkway is approximately 50 miles long. This scenic drive in Alabama, which begins in Gadsden and ends in Mentone, offers incredible views, canyons, waterfalls, and more. Plan out your trip along Lookout Mountain Parkway.

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5. Leeds Stagecoach Route
Leeds, AL, USA
flickr/Wally Argus
The Leeds Stagecoach Route begins at Lake Purdy and ends in the town of Moody. This scenic drive near me in Alabama, which was once a Native American trail, runs along the Little Cahaba River and through Leeds' historic downtown. Leeds is also home to the amazing haunted attraction, Atrox Factory.
6. Tensaw Parkway
Tensaw, AL 36579, USA
wikimedia commons/Bz3rk
Alabama's Tensaw Parkway is an incredible scenic road in Alabama. It begins in Mobile and ends at the Little River and runs 58 miles. Several waterways are located along this route that offers a variety of fun water activities such as kayaking, fishing, boating, etc. Get yourself more acquainted with Mobile.
7. Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway
Appalachian Highlands, Alabama 35953, USA
flickr/Evangelio Gonzalez
The Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway, which is 73 miles long, begins in Heflin and ends in Fort Payne. This scenic drive in Alabama will take you through forests and lead you to incredible views. Learn more about the Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway and other Alabama scenic roads.
8. Alabama's Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway
flickr/Brian Hancill
Alabama's Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway, which is approximately 120 miles long, is located along the beautiful Gulf Coast. It begins in Bayou La Batre and ends in Daphne. One of the loveliest scenic drives in Alabama, it will lead you to beautiful white-sand beaches, wildlife preserves, historic landmarks, and more. Read further on about the Coastal Connection Scenic Byway.

What’s your favorite backroad near me in Alabama? Have you ever taken any of the best scenic drives in Alabama? Let us know in the comments!

Want to take an extended road trip in Alabama? Check out what you can rent at RVshare.

Can’t get enough of local beauty and drives in Alabama? Take a scenic road trip to the loveliest natural places in Alabama for a trip you’ll never forget.

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In Alabama

Nikki Rhoades | March 29, 2020

What are the best roadside attractions in Alabama?

While scenic roads in Alabama are great, don't forget to stop along the way! Traditionally, one may not consider The Heart of Dixie to be an ideal vacation destination, but this is an interesting state.

  • When it comes to roadside attractions in Alabama, you can expect to spot landmarks like a Coon Dog Cemetery (which only provides an eternal home to authentic coon dogs), a saloon in a cave, and a trail surrounded by hand-carved trees. Yes, trees! With over 52,000 square miles of landscape awaiting exploration, it’s no wonder that the lovely Alabama hides a few surprises.

 

Are there any other scenic drives in Alabama?

There sure are! Scenic drives in Alabama are anything but an oddity, especially considering that our population is largely clustered around our big cities.

  • Outside of places like Mobile and Birmingham, you’ll find a bit of countryside. Our state contains 22 million acres of forest, offering shade on sunny summer days.
  • Of course, the Gulf Coast has its own incredible scenery. There’s nothing quite like filling up the tank and heading out into the unconquered beauty of Alabama for a scenic drive.

 

What are some fun things to do in Alabama when you have a free afternoon?

There absolutely are a lot of fun things to do in Alabama! If you’ve never visited the Yellowhammer State, you might be surprised by the multitude of fun things to do in Alabama.

  • You can road trip to Alabama's best-kept secrets, or you may set out in search of magnificent Alabama waterfalls.
  • If you’re looking to get to know the landscape on foot, a good hike is a great choice for you. There are many short and sweet Alabama hikes… but they come with an incredible payoff. No matter what you do, you’ll find that our landscape has much to offer.

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