7 Incredible Natural Wonders In Alabama That You Can Witness For Free
By Jennifer Young
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Updated on April 26, 2023
(Originally published April 21, 2023)
Several natural wonders are located throughout Alabama waiting to be discovered. From canyons and caves, to rivers and waterfalls, the list is endless. Listed below are seven natural wonders in Alabama that can be experienced year-round for free. The only question is: which of these amazing natural wonders in Alabama will you visit first?
1. Little River Canyon
Little River Canyon, Alabama, USA
Little River Canyon , which is best known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of Alabama's top outdoor destinations. It's the main feature of Fort Payne's Little River Canyon National Preserve and receives thousands of visitors each year because of its beautiful surrounding scenery.
2. Cahaba Lilies
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, West Blocton, AL, USA
Alabama's famous Cahaba lilies can be found at the
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge , which is located in West Blocton. While here, you'll get to see the largest known stand of Cahaba lilies in the world.
3. Gulf Coast Beaches
Alabama's
Gulf Coast beaches are known for being some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Over the years, their sugar-white sand and turquoise waters have attracted visitors from near and far.
4. Bankhead National Forest
Bankhead National Forest, 1070 AL-33, Double Springs, AL 35553, USA
North Alabama's
Bankhead National Forest , which covers more than 181,000 acres, is one of the state's top hiking destinations. It's also known as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls" because of its number of waterfalls.
5. Wetumpka Impact Crater
Wetumpka Impact Crater marker, 6246-6422 AL-21, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
The
Wetumpka Impact Crater is located east of downtown Wetumpka, Alabama and is the only confirmed impact crater in Alabama. Its diameter is 4.7 miles and it's believed to be around 85 million years old. This natural wonder is a must-see for anyone visiting Wetumpka.
6. Mobile-Tensaw River Delta
Mobile–Tensaw River Delta, Alabama 36527, USA
Encompassing approximately 260,000 acres, the
Mobile-Tensaw River Delta , which is a popular spot for boating and fishing, is Alabama's largest river delta and wetland. It's also one of America's most biologically diverse regions.
7. White Cliffs of Epes
White Cliffs of Epes, 26867 US-11, Epes, AL 35460, USA
The
White Cliffs of Epes are located along the Tombigbee River in Epes, Alabama. They're made from layers of the Selma Chalk Formation and are approximately one mile long. Interestingly, they formed around the same time as England’s famous White Cliffs of Dover.
Have you ever visited any of these seven natural wonders in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.
For more information about Alabama’s Little River Canyon, be sure to take a look at the following article: A Trip To This Alabama Canyon Is Sure To Bring Out Your Adventurous Side .
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More to Explore
Natural Wonders in Alabama
Sarah M.
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April 26, 2023
What are the most beautiful places in Alabama?
The natural wonders listed in the above list all certainly rank among the most beautiful places in Alabama -- but there's so much more beauty to behold in our state!
Cheaha State Park is a wonderful state park that's located atop Cheaha Mountain. Having opened in 1933, it's also Alabama's oldest continuously operating state park. Even though Cheaha State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, it's best known for its incredible views.
Noccalula Falls Park covers approximately 250 acres and is one of Alabama's most visited natural attractions. It's home to Noccalula Falls, which just so happens to be one of the state's most beautiful waterfalls.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, which covers nearly 500 acres, is one of Alabama's most popular outdoor nature spots. In addition to its beautiful scenery, this preserve is also well known for its hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Natural Bridge Park is home to Natural Bridge, which is one of Alabama's most incredible natural wonders. With a length of 148 feet, it's also the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. Interestingly, Natural Bridge is believed to be more than 200 million years old.
DeSoto Caverns is a series of caves located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. It's best known as "Alabama's Big Cave" and attracts tourists from all across the Southeast and beyond. What makes this cave destination stand out from the rest is that it features one of the world's largest collections of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites. It's truly stunning!
Dismals Canyon is one of Alabama's most unique places. What makes this scenic canyon so unique is that it's one of the few places in the world where dismalites (glowworms) live. It's also a great place for hiking and camping.
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