There are many hidden gems in Alabama just waiting to be discovered. A great way to experience several of them is to visit one each month of 2023. Listed below are 12 Alabama hidden gems you’ll definitely want to visit this upcoming year. You’ll enjoy them all!
- Cheaha Mountain - Delta (January)
flickr/Brian Collins To kick off the new year, there’s no better place to be than atop of Cheaha Mountain, which happens to be Alabama’s highest natural point. Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
- Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell (February)
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM The next place that’s worth discovering is Dismals Canyon, which is one of the few places in the world where dismalites live. Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
- Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman (March)
flickr/jpeeden As spring approaches, you’ll want to visit Alabama’s Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman. This collection of tiny religious replicas will truly amaze you. Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
- DeSoto Falls - Mentone (April)
flickr/Brent Moore One of Alabama’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls that’s also great for a spring visit is DeSoto Falls. Plunging 104 feet, it’s one of the state’s tallest waterfalls. DeSoto Falls, Alabama 35984, USA
- Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge - West Blocton (May)
flickr/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region In May, you’ll want to visit the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge’s famous lilies begin to bloom this time of year. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, 3WXQ+6MJ, West Blocton, AL 35184, USA
- Natural Bridge - Haleyville (June)
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Natural Bridge is another wonderful hidden gem that’s worth discovering in Alabama. With a length of 148 feet, it’s the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s also one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Natural Bridge, AL, USA
- Lewis Smith Lake - (July)
wikimedia commons/Quintaped In July, there’s no better place to be than on Lewis Smith Lake, which is best known as Smith Lake. This lake is one of the cleanest in the U.S. and is perfect for spending a summer day. Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, USA
- Tinglewood Trail at Orr Park - Montevallo (August)
tripadvisor/pattyp814 When August approaches, you’ll want to make plans to visit Montevallo’s Orr Park. While exploring this park, you’ll stumble upon the Tinglewood Trail. This unique trail features a variety of whimsical tree carvings that you won’t see anywhere else. Orr Park, 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115, USA
- Bamahenge - Elberta (September)
flickr/Dennis Church Bamahenge is Alabama’s very own Stonehenge. The next time you’re in the Elberta area, consider visiting this unique landmark, which happens to be a replica of the real landmark in England. Bamahenge, Elberta, AL 36530, USA
- Little River Canyon - Fort Payne (October)
flickr/Tim Lumley Little River Canyon is one of Alabama’s most beautiful outdoor spots. Because it’s especially beautiful during the fall season, a great time to visit is during the month of October. Little River Canyon, Alabama, USA
- Noccalula Falls - Gadsden (November)
flickr/Lisa Nail When November arrives, a great place to visit is Noccalula Falls Park to see Noccalula Falls in person. Noccalula Falls is one of Alabama’s most visited natural attractions. Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
- Cathedral Caverns - Woodville (December)
flickr/Dystopos To close out the year, consider exploring North Alabama’s Cathedral Caverns. This cave has one of the largest entrances in the world and it’s also the main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park. Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
Have you ever visited any of these 12 hidden gems in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.
flickr/Brian Collins
To kick off the new year, there’s no better place to be than atop of Cheaha Mountain, which happens to be Alabama’s highest natural point.
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama 36258, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The next place that’s worth discovering is Dismals Canyon, which is one of the few places in the world where dismalites live.
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
flickr/jpeeden
As spring approaches, you’ll want to visit Alabama’s Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman. This collection of tiny religious replicas will truly amaze you.
Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
flickr/Brent Moore
One of Alabama’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls that’s also great for a spring visit is DeSoto Falls. Plunging 104 feet, it’s one of the state’s tallest waterfalls.
DeSoto Falls, Alabama 35984, USA
flickr/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
In May, you’ll want to visit the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge’s famous lilies begin to bloom this time of year.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, 3WXQ+6MJ, West Blocton, AL 35184, USA
Natural Bridge is another wonderful hidden gem that’s worth discovering in Alabama. With a length of 148 feet, it’s the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s also one of the state’s best-kept secrets.
Natural Bridge, AL, USA
wikimedia commons/Quintaped
In July, there’s no better place to be than on Lewis Smith Lake, which is best known as Smith Lake. This lake is one of the cleanest in the U.S. and is perfect for spending a summer day.
Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, USA
tripadvisor/pattyp814
When August approaches, you’ll want to make plans to visit Montevallo’s Orr Park. While exploring this park, you’ll stumble upon the Tinglewood Trail. This unique trail features a variety of whimsical tree carvings that you won’t see anywhere else.
Orr Park, 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115, USA
flickr/Dennis Church
Bamahenge is Alabama’s very own Stonehenge. The next time you’re in the Elberta area, consider visiting this unique landmark, which happens to be a replica of the real landmark in England.
Bamahenge, Elberta, AL 36530, USA
flickr/Tim Lumley
Little River Canyon is one of Alabama’s most beautiful outdoor spots. Because it’s especially beautiful during the fall season, a great time to visit is during the month of October.
Little River Canyon, Alabama, USA
flickr/Lisa Nail
When November arrives, a great place to visit is Noccalula Falls Park to see Noccalula Falls in person. Noccalula Falls is one of Alabama’s most visited natural attractions.
Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
flickr/Dystopos
To close out the year, consider exploring North Alabama’s Cathedral Caverns. This cave has one of the largest entrances in the world and it’s also the main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park.
Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
For more information about Alabama’s DeSoto Falls, be sure to take a look at the following article: Discover One Of Alabama’s Most Majestic Waterfalls – No Hiking Necessary.
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