Without a doubt, the best places in Alabama are those that are hidden away from the masses. Over the years, many of these places have become local favorites. Because of this, locals usually keep these places to themselves to prevent them from becoming overly crowded.
Listed below are nine hidden outdoor attractions in Alabama that locals keep to themselves.
Please note, Perry Lakes Park is temporarily closed.
- Dismals Canyon — Phil Campbell
flickr/Phillip Hendon Even though Dismals Canyon is a local favorite, it still attracts visitors from all over. This incredible canyon is one of Alabama’s true hidden gems, and it’s a definite must-visit for the entire family. (901 County Rd 8)
- Wilderness Park — Prattville
tripadvisor/ItsJessRightBlog Hidden within Wilderness Park is a towering bamboo forest with stalks as tall as 60 feet. You’ll seriously think you’re in Central Asia the moment you encounter these bamboo stalks. Wilderness Park is truly unique and perfect for all ages. (800 Upper Kingston Rd)
- Rattlesnake Saloon — Tuscumbia
yelp/Stormtrooper H. At Rattlesnake Saloon, guests have the opportunity to dine inside a cave. This is quite possibly Alabama’s most unique restaurant, and it’s enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. (1292 Mount Mills Rd)
- Madison County Nature Trail — Huntsville
tripadvisor/Heather S Madison County Nature Trail is one of Huntsville’s most impressive parks. The 1.5-mile trail that surrounds the park’s Sky Lake offers visitors lots of breathtaking scenery, especially during the fall season. (5000 Nature Trail Rd SE)
- Perry Lakes Park — Marion
flickr/James Diewald Perry Lakes Park is one of Alabama’s most beautiful and unique parks. Its interpretive nature trails and hauntingly beautiful scenery make it a must-visit for all ages. (AL-175)
- Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve — Tuscumbia
facebook/Friends of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve If you’re a resident of Northwest Alabama, you’re probably familiar with Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. This incredible nature spot is best known for its hiking trails and beautiful scenery. It’s a huge hit with the locals. (251 Loop Rd)
- Natural Bridge Park — Natural Bridge
flickr/mojorison_75 Natural Bridge Park is home to Natural Bridge, which just so happens to be the longest natural rock bridge east of the Rockies. This historic landmark is 200 million years old and is one of Alabama’s hidden gems. (Co Rd 314)
- Hippie Hole — Fort Payne
flickr/Tennessee Wanderer Located within Little River Canyon National Preserve, at Martha’s Falls, is the Hippie Hole. The Hippie Hole is a popular swimming spot that’s become a local favorite over the years. (Little River Canyon Pkwy)
- Turkey Creek Nature Preserve — Pinson
flickr/Andy Montgomery Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is one of Alabama’s top outdoor spots. It features some of the Southeast’s most beautiful scenery, including a stunning waterfall. On a warm day, you’ll likely find many locals here. (3906 Turkey Creek Rd)
Have you been to any of these hidden outdoor attractions? If so, share your experience(s) with us!
flickr/Phillip Hendon
Even though Dismals Canyon is a local favorite, it still attracts visitors from all over. This incredible canyon is one of Alabama’s true hidden gems, and it’s a definite must-visit for the entire family. (901 County Rd 8)
tripadvisor/ItsJessRightBlog
Hidden within Wilderness Park is a towering bamboo forest with stalks as tall as 60 feet. You’ll seriously think you’re in Central Asia the moment you encounter these bamboo stalks. Wilderness Park is truly unique and perfect for all ages. (800 Upper Kingston Rd)
yelp/Stormtrooper H.
At Rattlesnake Saloon, guests have the opportunity to dine inside a cave. This is quite possibly Alabama’s most unique restaurant, and it’s enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. (1292 Mount Mills Rd)
tripadvisor/Heather S
Madison County Nature Trail is one of Huntsville’s most impressive parks. The 1.5-mile trail that surrounds the park’s Sky Lake offers visitors lots of breathtaking scenery, especially during the fall season. (5000 Nature Trail Rd SE)
flickr/James Diewald
Perry Lakes Park is one of Alabama’s most beautiful and unique parks. Its interpretive nature trails and hauntingly beautiful scenery make it a must-visit for all ages. (AL-175)
facebook/Friends of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
If you’re a resident of Northwest Alabama, you’re probably familiar with Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. This incredible nature spot is best known for its hiking trails and beautiful scenery. It’s a huge hit with the locals. (251 Loop Rd)
flickr/mojorison_75
Natural Bridge Park is home to Natural Bridge, which just so happens to be the longest natural rock bridge east of the Rockies. This historic landmark is 200 million years old and is one of Alabama’s hidden gems. (Co Rd 314)
flickr/Tennessee Wanderer
Located within Little River Canyon National Preserve, at Martha’s Falls, is the Hippie Hole. The Hippie Hole is a popular swimming spot that’s become a local favorite over the years. (Little River Canyon Pkwy)
flickr/Andy Montgomery
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is one of Alabama’s top outdoor spots. It features some of the Southeast’s most beautiful scenery, including a stunning waterfall. On a warm day, you’ll likely find many locals here. (3906 Turkey Creek Rd)
For a list of free outdoor activities you can do right here in Alabama, click here.
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