15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Alabama That Defy Explanation
By Lisa Battles|Published December 13, 2023
×
Lisa Battles
Author
Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Are you ready to be awestruck? We’ve rounded up the most exceptional natural wonders of Alabama, and it’s something to behold even in a snapshot. From curious caves to majestic canyons, whooshing waterfalls to dazzling views, this collection highlights the showstoppers. Dive in and discover these natural wonders in Alabama where our incredible biodiversity thrives.
Some of the top natural wonders in Alabama are our canyon areas, no doubt for their diversity of environments and the experiences you can have within them. The terrain gives hikers more choices among trails with varying elevation changes and scenery. Perched along their rims, you get bird’s-eye views of lush foliage and dramatic waterfall drops. Meanwhile, you get entirely different perspectives from the canyon floors. Here are a few of our best. And here’s a road trip guide for visiting all three.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Best Caves In Alabama
There’s so much more than meets the eye in the Yellowhammer State, and that’s saying a lot given how beautiful it is. If you want to be sure you experience all of the must-see nature in Alabama, our subterranean scenes are not to be missed. While we have many caves to explore, we’re highlighting a couple of our most popular.
Best Waterfalls In Alabama
Among our many natural blessings are countless beautiful waterfalls in Alabama. For context, the Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead National Forest is called the “Land of 1,000 Waterfalls,” and that’s just one area. You could probably spend a lifetime seeing them all, and that sounds like a worthy goal. In the meantime, here are two that are most exceptional. If you’re looking for your next adventure, note that these two are included among several in our Alabama waterfall road trip.
When you drive into our state, you’ll see highway signs that say “Welcome to Alabama the Beautiful.” That would be a bold claim if it weren’t so undeniably true. While you’ll see many of our most stunning sights elsewhere on this list, our best can be summed up symbolically with just two – our highest and lowest elevations. We’re proud to say our state is simply gorgeous from head to toe.
Advertisement
Best Rock Formations In Alabama
Some of the most incredible natural wonders in Alabama are rock formations you have to see to believe. Their curious appearance will draw you into the stories they tell. First, consider the forces and time needed for raw materials to become present. Then, you add the ages for wind, water, and other elements to sculpt these masterpieces.
Unique Natural Wonders In Alabama
A few of the best nature spots in Alabama defy categories. Two are emblematic of our incredible biodiversity. While our state is fifth in the nation for overall biodiversity, we take the top spot for the number of species in a handful of groups. We have more freshwater turtles, snails, fish, crayfish, mussels, and carnivorous plants than anywhere else. And the last, well, it’s just out of this world.
Advertisement
What do you think of our natural wonders in Alabama? Do you agree these are the best overall, or are there others you’d add? Let us know your thoughts. If nothing else, this should be a solid starting point for exploring the most spectacular natural wonders in Alabama. It might be enough to inspire a journey to see them all. If you go for It, be sure to consult our Road Trip Essentials Packing List before setting out for your adventure.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.