Alabama is no stranger to natural beauty. From pristine waterfalls to lovely preserves and majestic mountains to incredible caves, there are many types of natural wonders here in our beautiful state, and there’s no better way to experience these wonders than by taking a road trip, right? Below, we’ve mapped out a super-outstanding road trip that features some of Alabama’s most amazing wonders of nature. The total mileage of this road trip is 512 miles, with an estimated driving time of 9 hours and 47 minutes, depending on if you stop and for how long. Voila:
Google Maps
- Russell Cave National Monument, Bridgeport
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Established in 1961, the Russell Cave National Monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and is one of the longest caves in the world, with a mapped length of 7.2 miles. Human remains were found inside Russell Cave by archaeologists that supposedly date back over 8,000 years. It’s an incredible place to visit and reflect upon our own short time here, compared to the infinite lives of these rocks. To plan your adventure, visit the official website for pertinent information about hours, closures, permits, and more.
Address: 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, Alabama, 35740
- DeSoto Falls, Mentone
Judy Frederick Photography/Flickr DeSoto Falls is one of Alabama’s most magnificent waterfalls, plunging over 100 feet down to a pristine pool below. It’s also one of the most recognizable and beautiful waterfalls in the entire South. It’s tucked away at DeSoto State Park, which is also worth a visit all on its own. For more details,visit this helpful website.
Address: 7104 DeSoto Parkway Northeast, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967
- Little River Canyon National Preserve, Fort Payne
Brent Moore/Flickr Located atop Lookout Mountain, Little River Canyon National Preserve is easily one of Alabama’s most desirable spots. Little River Canyon, Little River and Little River Falls are the three principal features of this national preserve. This natural wonder is a definite must-visit. Double-check the official website for important information you may need while planning your trip.
Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967
- Noccalula Falls, Gadsden
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr This 90-foot waterfall plunges into the Black Creek ravine and is one of Alabama’s most visited natural attractions. Noccalula Falls is the key feature of Noccalula Falls Park, inside of which it is located. This beautiful waterfall requires no hike to get there, either, which is just the icing on the cake. Visit the official website for additional information.
Address: 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama, 35904
- Mount Cheaha, Delta
Brian Collins/Flickr Located 2,407 feet above sea level, Mount Cheaha is Alabama’s highest natural point. Some of the most incredible views of Alabama can be experienced at the top of this mountain, and you’re more than welcome here. Mount Cheaha is located inside Cheaha State Park. Plan your trip with the help of its website.
Address: 19644 Highway 281, Delta, Alabama, 36258
- Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge
tripadvisor/LADYJET Spanning 148 feet across and with a height of 60 feet tall, Natural Bridge, Alabama, is the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. This earthen wonder truly is one of Alabama’s most incredible sites, and it’s yet another in a long list of Instagram-worthy places to check out ASAP. Additional details and important information can be found on the official website.
Address: County Road 314, Natural Bridge, Alabama, 35577
- Dismals Canyon, Phil Campbell
Redbird310/Flickr This 85-acre nature preserve is one of North Alabama’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. As you make your way through Dismals Canyon, you’ll discover six natural bridges and two breathtaking waterfalls. Dismals Canyon is also one of the few places where “dismalites” can be found. What’s a dismalite? …maybe it’s better if you don’t know. Take a look at the official Dismals Canyon website for more information.
Address: 901 County Road 8, Phil Campbell, Alabama, 35581
- Cathedral Caverns, Woodville
Marshall County CVB/Flickr Originally called “Bats Cave,” Cathedral Caverns is the dominant feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park. Measuring 25 feet high and 126 feet across, Cathedral Caverns has one of the largest known cave entrances in the world. Also, its amazing stalagmite forest covers about three acres, so be ready for that. Take a look at the website for information about hours, tours, permits, and more.
Address: 637 Cave Road, Woodville, Alabama, 35776
- Neversink Pit, Jackson County
drainhook/Flickr Neversink Pit has a drop of 162 feet and is one of the world’s most-photographed sinkholes. Cavers from all over the world come to experience this natural wonder. Note: If you plan to visit Neversink Pit, be sure to ask for permission first. This natural wonder is on private property. Also, only experienced cavers should attempt entering Neversink Pit. Use every precaution when doing so. For more information about the pit, check out this previous article on the area.
Address: Unnamed Road, Fackler, Alabama, 35746
Can you see yourself taking this road trip? Have you visited any of these natural wonders in Alabama before? If so, what did you think? Also, can you think of any other natural wonders in Alabama?
Google Maps
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Established in 1961, the Russell Cave National Monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and is one of the longest caves in the world, with a mapped length of 7.2 miles. Human remains were found inside Russell Cave by archaeologists that supposedly date back over 8,000 years. It’s an incredible place to visit and reflect upon our own short time here, compared to the infinite lives of these rocks. To plan your adventure, visit the official website for pertinent information about hours, closures, permits, and more.
Address: 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, Alabama, 35740
Judy Frederick Photography/Flickr
DeSoto Falls is one of Alabama’s most magnificent waterfalls, plunging over 100 feet down to a pristine pool below. It’s also one of the most recognizable and beautiful waterfalls in the entire South. It’s tucked away at DeSoto State Park, which is also worth a visit all on its own. For more details,visit this helpful website.
Address: 7104 DeSoto Parkway Northeast, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967
Brent Moore/Flickr
Located atop Lookout Mountain, Little River Canyon National Preserve is easily one of Alabama’s most desirable spots. Little River Canyon, Little River and Little River Falls are the three principal features of this national preserve. This natural wonder is a definite must-visit. Double-check the official website for important information you may need while planning your trip.
Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967
This 90-foot waterfall plunges into the Black Creek ravine and is one of Alabama’s most visited natural attractions. Noccalula Falls is the key feature of Noccalula Falls Park, inside of which it is located. This beautiful waterfall requires no hike to get there, either, which is just the icing on the cake. Visit the official website for additional information.
Address: 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama, 35904
Brian Collins/Flickr
Located 2,407 feet above sea level, Mount Cheaha is Alabama’s highest natural point. Some of the most incredible views of Alabama can be experienced at the top of this mountain, and you’re more than welcome here. Mount Cheaha is located inside Cheaha State Park. Plan your trip with the help of its website.
Address: 19644 Highway 281, Delta, Alabama, 36258
tripadvisor/LADYJET
Spanning 148 feet across and with a height of 60 feet tall, Natural Bridge, Alabama, is the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. This earthen wonder truly is one of Alabama’s most incredible sites, and it’s yet another in a long list of Instagram-worthy places to check out ASAP. Additional details and important information can be found on the official website.
Address: County Road 314, Natural Bridge, Alabama, 35577
Redbird310/Flickr
This 85-acre nature preserve is one of North Alabama’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. As you make your way through Dismals Canyon, you’ll discover six natural bridges and two breathtaking waterfalls. Dismals Canyon is also one of the few places where “dismalites” can be found. What’s a dismalite? …maybe it’s better if you don’t know. Take a look at the official Dismals Canyon website for more information.
Address: 901 County Road 8, Phil Campbell, Alabama, 35581
Marshall County CVB/Flickr
Originally called “Bats Cave,” Cathedral Caverns is the dominant feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park. Measuring 25 feet high and 126 feet across, Cathedral Caverns has one of the largest known cave entrances in the world. Also, its amazing stalagmite forest covers about three acres, so be ready for that. Take a look at the website for information about hours, tours, permits, and more.
Address: 637 Cave Road, Woodville, Alabama, 35776
drainhook/Flickr
Neversink Pit has a drop of 162 feet and is one of the world’s most-photographed sinkholes. Cavers from all over the world come to experience this natural wonder. Note: If you plan to visit Neversink Pit, be sure to ask for permission first. This natural wonder is on private property. Also, only experienced cavers should attempt entering Neversink Pit. Use every precaution when doing so. For more information about the pit, check out this previous article on the area.
Address: Unnamed Road, Fackler, Alabama, 35746
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Address: 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, USAAddress: 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USAAddress: 4322 Little River Trail, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USAAddress: 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USAAddress: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USAAddress: Natural Bridge, AL, USAAddress: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USAAddress: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USAAddress: Fackler, AL 35746, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Wonders in Alabama April 06, 2021 Tori Jane What is the ultimate Alabama road trip? Well, the answer to that question is certainly up to you and your tastes; lucky for us, Alabama is an interesting state with loads of things to see and do, and it’s pretty easy to dream up a road trip for almost anyone! For example, you could do a “weird roadside attractions in Alabama” road trip, or maybe a “ghost towns and abandoned places” road trip. If the weird and wonderful aren’t on your list of things you’re interested in, there are always ideas like “ultimate Alabama waterfalls” road trips, or even food-related ones, like amazing donut trails or the best ice cream parlors. The possibilities are endless, and it really helps to live in such a fun state. What are the most beautiful places in Alabama? That’s a tough one; see, the entire state is magical and gorgeous, so it’s hard to narrow down an answer to just a couple of items. However, some of the most popular scenic places in Alabama noted for their beauty include the Kymulga grist mill and covered bridge (the oldest in the state!), the banks of the Coosa River and its waterfalls, Orr Park, with more greenery than you’ll know what to do with, and Dismals Canyon, a ridiculously picturesque spot in northwest Alabama that you will absolutely need your camera for. What are some things to do outside in Alabama? Well, you’ve got things you can find in most places, like your traditional hunting, camping, fishing, etcetera, but there’s a lot more to our beautiful state than just those things. There’s also caving (also known as spelunking), canoeing, rafting, and glamping (luxury camping - you need to try it). There are literally hundreds of hiking and walking trails to choose from of varying difficulty levels, and we’re home to 21 state parks and eight national parks. How many do you think you could visit in a year? Also worth mentioning are the many swimming holes and ponds scattered around the state, too - they’re also all worth a visit sometime. Alabama is an excellent state to live in if you’re outdoorsy because the possibilities are infinite!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Wonders in Alabama
April 06, 2021
Tori Jane
What is the ultimate Alabama road trip? Well, the answer to that question is certainly up to you and your tastes; lucky for us, Alabama is an interesting state with loads of things to see and do, and it’s pretty easy to dream up a road trip for almost anyone! For example, you could do a “weird roadside attractions in Alabama” road trip, or maybe a “ghost towns and abandoned places” road trip. If the weird and wonderful aren’t on your list of things you’re interested in, there are always ideas like “ultimate Alabama waterfalls” road trips, or even food-related ones, like amazing donut trails or the best ice cream parlors. The possibilities are endless, and it really helps to live in such a fun state. What are the most beautiful places in Alabama? That’s a tough one; see, the entire state is magical and gorgeous, so it’s hard to narrow down an answer to just a couple of items. However, some of the most popular scenic places in Alabama noted for their beauty include the Kymulga grist mill and covered bridge (the oldest in the state!), the banks of the Coosa River and its waterfalls, Orr Park, with more greenery than you’ll know what to do with, and Dismals Canyon, a ridiculously picturesque spot in northwest Alabama that you will absolutely need your camera for. What are some things to do outside in Alabama? Well, you’ve got things you can find in most places, like your traditional hunting, camping, fishing, etcetera, but there’s a lot more to our beautiful state than just those things. There’s also caving (also known as spelunking), canoeing, rafting, and glamping (luxury camping - you need to try it). There are literally hundreds of hiking and walking trails to choose from of varying difficulty levels, and we’re home to 21 state parks and eight national parks. How many do you think you could visit in a year? Also worth mentioning are the many swimming holes and ponds scattered around the state, too - they’re also all worth a visit sometime. Alabama is an excellent state to live in if you’re outdoorsy because the possibilities are infinite!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Well, the answer to that question is certainly up to you and your tastes; lucky for us, Alabama is an interesting state with loads of things to see and do, and it’s pretty easy to dream up a road trip for almost anyone! For example, you could do a “weird roadside attractions in Alabama” road trip, or maybe a “ghost towns and abandoned places” road trip. If the weird and wonderful aren’t on your list of things you’re interested in, there are always ideas like “ultimate Alabama waterfalls” road trips, or even food-related ones, like amazing donut trails or the best ice cream parlors. The possibilities are endless, and it really helps to live in such a fun state.
What are the most beautiful places in Alabama?
That’s a tough one; see, the entire state is magical and gorgeous, so it’s hard to narrow down an answer to just a couple of items. However, some of the most popular scenic places in Alabama noted for their beauty include the Kymulga grist mill and covered bridge (the oldest in the state!), the banks of the Coosa River and its waterfalls, Orr Park, with more greenery than you’ll know what to do with, and Dismals Canyon, a ridiculously picturesque spot in northwest Alabama that you will absolutely need your camera for.
What are some things to do outside in Alabama?
Well, you’ve got things you can find in most places, like your traditional hunting, camping, fishing, etcetera, but there’s a lot more to our beautiful state than just those things. There’s also caving (also known as spelunking), canoeing, rafting, and glamping (luxury camping - you need to try it). There are literally hundreds of hiking and walking trails to choose from of varying difficulty levels, and we’re home to 21 state parks and eight national parks. How many do you think you could visit in a year? Also worth mentioning are the many swimming holes and ponds scattered around the state, too - they’re also all worth a visit sometime. Alabama is an excellent state to live in if you’re outdoorsy because the possibilities are infinite!
