When it comes to Bucket List-worthy destinations, a few obvious destinations stand out – the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, the Florida Keys, among others – but here’s one location that may have escaped your attention if you live outside of its immediate region.

Tucked away in Alabama’s northwest corner lies a lush sandstone gorge known as Dismals Canyon. This 85-acre oasis is not exactly a hidden gem, but there are plenty of unspoiled groves and grottos to enjoy some peace and quiet. This tranquil treasure was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975 by the National Natural Landmarks Program, and it’s a desired destination for both locals and visitors from across the country.

Dismals Canyon is located about 12 miles south of Russellville, just off US-43 between Russellville and Hamilton on Highway 8.

Mayur Patel / Google The canyon is located in the town of Phil Campbell.

Despite its landmark status, Dismals Canyon is not a state park. In fact, it’s privately owned and operated.

Dismals Canyon/Facebook Luckily, this beautiful place is open to the public.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Dismals Canyon appears more like Middle Earth than the Deep South.

Scott Neverdusky/YouTube In fact, Alabama is the fourth most biologically diverse state in the nation - and this place proves it.

This enchanting place surrounded by one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Alabama.

Dismals Canyon / Facebook

There are two amazing waterfalls here, Rainbow Falls and Secret Falls.

Shannon Williams / Google Rainbow Falls was once the source of power for a great mill and water wheel that a flood took out in the 1950s. There are 27 species of native trees around Secret Falls, which flows from an underground mountain stream.

A 1.5-mile hiking trail on the canyon floor will take you past both waterfalls and give you an up-close-and-personal look at all the native plant life.

Dismals Canyon/Facebook

You’ll see plenty of other points of interest on the route as well, like Weeping Bluff, Temple Cave, and Fat Man’s Misery.

Mayur Patel/Google This narrow opening between two big boulders was once the main entrance to the canyon floor.

Between the waterfalls, caves, grottos, and natural swimming holes, it’s safe to say Dismals Canyon is fairytale-like in its beauty.

Dismals Canyon/Google There’s even a spot known as Witches Cavern, a labyrinth of moss and fern-covered boulders.

Speaking of fairytales and enchantment, Witches Cavern happens to be where you’ll find the largest colony of Dismalites, which are only found in a few areas around the world.

Dismals Canyon Dismalites are tiny glow worms that light up the dark caverns of the canyon. They’re related to the rare glow worms found in Australia and New Zealand.

Curious? You can book a Dismalite Night Tour beginning each March, and they’re available for most of the year.

Dismals Canyon Dismalite Night Tours allow guests to learn more about these fascinating creatures while being surrounded by their soft glow.

Dismals Canyon has campsites and cabins for overnight guests, and they’re fantastic.

Dismals Canyon The two cabins, Bringing Up The Moon and Bringing Down The Sun are available by reservation from March through December.

If you want a rustic experience, rent a campsite. The cabins are cozy and comfortable.

Dismals Canyon Made of Western Red Cedar, they feature vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, and hardwood floors. You can even book a massage during your stay (which you can also do if you’re camping). And if you forgot something you need, just stop by the Country Store.

This place is a botanist’s paradise – 350 different species of Exotic Flora have been identified while exploring the canyon.

Mayur Patel/Google And the official state trees of 30 different states can be found on the canyon floor.

Dismals Canyon is truly a national treasure.

Dismals Canyon/Facebook There’s a lot to see in Alabama, but if you only have time for one major outing, you won’t regret making it this one.

Until you can see it for yourself, enjoy this virtual tour on YouTube by Scott Neverdusky:

Mayur Patel / Google

The canyon is located in the town of Phil Campbell.

Dismals Canyon/Facebook

Luckily, this beautiful place is open to the public.

Scott Neverdusky/YouTube

In fact, Alabama is the fourth most biologically diverse state in the nation - and this place proves it.

Dismals Canyon / Facebook

Shannon Williams / Google

Rainbow Falls was once the source of power for a great mill and water wheel that a flood took out in the 1950s. There are 27 species of native trees around Secret Falls, which flows from an underground mountain stream.

Mayur Patel/Google

This narrow opening between two big boulders was once the main entrance to the canyon floor.

Dismals Canyon/Google

There’s even a spot known as Witches Cavern, a labyrinth of moss and fern-covered boulders.

Dismals Canyon

Dismalites are tiny glow worms that light up the dark caverns of the canyon. They’re related to the rare glow worms found in Australia and New Zealand.

Dismals Canyon

Dismalite Night Tours allow guests to learn more about these fascinating creatures while being surrounded by their soft glow.

The two cabins, Bringing Up The Moon and Bringing Down The Sun are available by reservation from March through December.

Made of Western Red Cedar, they feature vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, and hardwood floors. You can even book a massage during your stay (which you can also do if you’re camping). And if you forgot something you need, just stop by the Country Store.

And the official state trees of 30 different states can be found on the canyon floor.

There’s a lot to see in Alabama, but if you only have time for one major outing, you won’t regret making it this one.



You’ll find the latest schedule and seasonal updates on the official Dismals Canyon website.

General Information:

Accessibility: Unfortunately, the canyon floor is not wheelchair accessible. There are stairs to use in order to get down onto the canyon floor, and the trail is on very uneven terrain.

Pet Friendly: Dogs are allowed, but they must remain leashed at all times.

Parking: Park in designated parking spaces and parking lots only. Please do not park on the grass.

Seasonal Access: Dismals Canyon opens for the season in March, and closing dates vary. Cabins and group tours are available by reservation year-round except for February. The schedule is subject to change, so check the Dismals Canyon website.

Cost: There is an admission fee to enter the canyon floor. Self-guided tours are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $8.75 for youth. Two-day passes that include one night tour are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $21.25 for youth.

Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous features of Hoh Rain Forest in Washington, Maroon Bells in Colorado, and the beautiful Florida Keys, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.

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Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA