Alabama is home to many incredible natural wonders. Some are so amazing that they attract people from all over the U.S. What if I were to tell you that you could visit some of Alabama’s most incredible natural wonders in a one-day road trip? Pretty awesome, right?
Even though there are many natural wonders located throughout Alabama, here at Only In Alabama, we selected a few in the Northeastern region of the state that could easily be visited in a single day. Listed below is a mapped route of these natural wonders, plus a couple of eating establishments.
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As you can see, the total mileage for this ultimate Alabama natural wonders road trip is only 302 miles, with an estimated drive time of 6 hours and 25 minutes. This road trip can easily be accomplished in a single day. You can view the actual Google map here.
Now, let’s take a look at some of Alabama’s most incredible natural wonders that are perfect for an ultimate road trip:
Please note, Flip Side Cafe is no longer in business.
Because your road trip will begin early and last the entire day, a hearty breakfast is a must. Noccalula Falls, in Gadsden, will be the first natural wonder you'll visit. A great place to grab a quick breakfast is Flip Side Cafe. The breakfast wraps are great and the customer service can't be beat! Flip Side Cafe is located at 931 Rainbow Dr., Gadsden, AL 35901.
You've arrived to Noccalula Falls. Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall that drops into the Black Creek ravine, is the main feature of Noccalula Falls Park, located in Gadsden. This gorgeous waterfall is marked with a bronze statue of Noccalula, a young Cherokee woman who, according to legend, jumped to her death after her father demanded her to marry a man she didn't love. Noccalula Falls Park is located at 1500 Noccalula Rd., Gadsden, AL 35904.
Your next stop is Cathedral Caverns. Cathedral Caverns, originally called Bat Cave, was opened to the public in the 1950s. Because of its cathedral-like appearance, it was re-named. During the summer of 2000, Cathedral Caverns was opened as a state park. This magnificent cave maintains a comfortable, year-round temperature of 60 degrees, which makes it perfect to visit at any time. Some of the most beautiful formations are located inside the cave, including "Goliath," one of the largest stalagmites in the world. Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Rd., Woodville, AL 35776.
4. Payne's Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain - Scottsboro, AL
It's now time to grab some lunch. Just up the road, in Scottsboro, is Payne's Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain. You'll seriously feel like you've stepped back in time the moment you enter through the doors of this whimsical eatery, which also has an authentic soda fountain. Payne's Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain is located at 101 E Laurel St., Scottsboro, AL 35768.
5. Russell Cave National Monument - Bridgeport, AL
After a scenic drive, you'll arrive to the Russell Cave National Monument. At a length of 7.2 miles, Russell Cave is the third longest mapped cave in Alabama. What makes Russell Cave interesting is the fact it was used as a shelter by prehistoric Indians from the earliest known human settlement in the Southeastern United States. Human remains have been found by archaeologists that may date back more than 8,000 years. The Russell Cave National Monument is located at 3729 County Rd. 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740.
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6. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne, AL
Your next stop is Little River Canyon National Preserve. Little River Canyon National Preserve is located on top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne. The formation of this incredible canyon begins at Little River Falls (pictured), the main feature of the preserve. Little River Canyon is sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East." Little River Canyon National Preserve is located at 4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967.
Sadly, your road trip has come to an end. You've arrived to your last stop: Cheaha Mountain. Cheaha Mountain, also known as Mt. Cheaha and Mount Cheaha, is the highest natural point in Alabama. This beautiful mountain is part of the Talladega Mountains and was opened to the public as a state park in 1939. After arriving to Cheaha State Park, you'll want to get some dinner. The Pinhoti Dining Room (Pictured) is the restaurant in the Cheaha State Park Lodge. In addition to serving delicious food, it also offers a spectacular view of Cheaha Mountain. Cheaha State Park is located at 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta, AL 36258.
So, are you up for this ultimate road trip? Which of these natural wonders have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!
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