A Guide to North Alabama
One of the best places in Alabama for innovators to find time in the outdoors is in North Alabama, a sweet home to hundreds of caves, countless trails and endless adventure.
Explore
Places to discover in North Alabama.
Monte Sano State Park
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville’s favorite nature park is atop Monte Sano Mountain. With the perfect blend of adventure and fun, park visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, sightseeing and a host of other activities.
DeSoto State Park
Fort Payne, AL
Visit DeSoto State Park and experience an abundance of activities to connect you to the outdoors. Kayak, fish, swim, hike, bike, boulder, picnic or just explore. There’s so much to do at DeSoto.
Lake Guntersville
Guntersville, AL
Whether you’re visiting the lake’s state park, hitting the water or taking a swim, Lake Guntersville is a great place to admire the vast beauty of the area, camp, boat, fish and more.
Horse Pens 40
Steele, AL
Found just an hour South of Huntsville is Horse Pens 40, a nature park on Chandler Mountain esteemed for its unique rock formations and climbing opportunities.
Cathedral Caverns State Park
Woodville, AL
Named for its cathedral-like formations and grand entrance, Cathedral Caverns boasts spectacular features, recreation opportunities and other attractions.
Bankhead National Forest
Double Springs, AL
This nationally protected land offers nearly 100 miles of trails for you to explore, and it’s less than an hour’s trip from Huntsville. From hiking and biking to horseback riding and camping, there’s a world of adventure here.
Top Sights
Things to see in North Alabama.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Fort Payne, AL
Northeast Alabama hides one of the nation’s finest preserves, protecting the Little River, the nation’s longest mountaintop river.
The Overlook at Monte Sano State Park
Huntsville, AL
Overlook North Alabama’s finest city, Huntsville, atop Monte Sano Mountain.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur, AL
Along the Tennessee River, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to see thousands of wintering sandhill cranes and other species throughout the year.
Noccalula Falls at Noccalula Park
Gadsden, AL
Within Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, just an hour and a half from Huntsville, is a glorious, 90-foot waterfall. Visitors can also enjoy other features and activities, like kayaking, camping, hiking and visiting the gardens.
Sipsey Wilderness at Bankhead National Forest
Double Springs, AL
Within Bankhead National Forest lies Sipsey Wilderness—the Land of 1000 Waterfalls—a 24,900-acre region with dozens of waterfalls, hiking and camping opportunities and more.
Congo Falls at Congo Falls Park
Fort Payne, AL
This gorgeous nature preserve found in Cherokee County boasts a scenic waterfall and provides access to hiking and biking trails. Please note that the preserve requires permits to access its grounds.
Top Trails
Jump on our favorite trails in North Alabama.
Walls of Jericho
Estillfork, AL
While it might be a tough hike, the Walls of Jericho found in North Alabama is worth it. The total 6-mile out-and-back trail is a beautiful choice for hiking lovers. The Walls of Jericho offers hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and birding.
Shoal Creek Preserve
Florence, AL
With nearly 300 acres of fields, waterfalls, creeks and trails, Shoal Creek Preserve offers several activities for the family, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Dismals Canyon
Phil Campbell, AL
This 85-acre conservatory is a designated national landmark. Hike the floor on a 1.5-mile hiking trail and experience breathtaking waterfalls and stunning views.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
Tuscumbia, AL
Part of the Land Trust of North Alabama, Cane Creek provides a vast assortment of hikes and difficulty levels down into the canyon. With miles of trails, hikers can experience overlooks, wildflower areas, and many cultural features.
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
Huntsville, AL
Overlook South Huntsville at the 1127-acre oasis that is Blevins Gap. Found just minutes from the city, this preserve is a great place to hit the 4.5 miles of trails and spend time exploring.
Stone Cuts Trail at Monte Sano State Park
Huntsville, AL
This moderate trail at Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park allows hikers to experience a thrilling hike through stone cuts. This moderate hiking experience is perfect for casual and avid hikers alike.
Hidden Gems
Discover North Alabama’s quiet favorites.
Natural Bridge Park
Winston County, AL
Home to Natural Bridge Park is the largest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. The massive sandstone-rock bridge is one of Alabama’s greatest wonders.
Rock Climbing at Horse Pens 40
Steele, AL
Tucked away in Northeast Alabama on Chandler Mountain is a renowned location for climbing. The park is known for its unique rock formations and climbing opportunities.
Monte Sano Park Disc Golf Course
Huntsville, AL
Have you ever wanted to play disc golf in the mountains? Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park offers a thrilling 18-hole course for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Stephens Gap Cave Preserve
Jackson County, AL
Venture down into one of the Southeast’s most admired caves. The 143-foot cave is beloved by cavers, photographers and other enthusiasts. There’s no question as to why this location is one of the most photographed natural beauties in the region.
DeSoto Falls at DeSoto State Park
Fort Payne, AL
Come and leave mesmerized by one of Alabama’s greatest wonders—a 107-foot waterfall from Little River on Lookout Mountain, near Mentone.
Russell Cave National Monument
Bridgeport, AL
This archeological site contains one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast, according to the National Park Service. Learn more about prehistoric people, hike on the strenuous nature trail and have fun.
Ave Maria Grotto
Cullman, AL
Cullman’s Ave Maria Grotto is a four-acre park that contains 125 miniature reproductions of historic buildings, shrines and structures.
North Alabama Japanese Garden
Huntsville, AL
The North Alabama Japanese Garden, found on Monte Sano Mountain, displays Japanese Maples and azaleas native to the area. The garden is also a great place for sitting, photographing or bird watching.
Ditto Landing
Huntsville, AL
The Ditto Landing Marina is more than just a landing—it’s a paradise resting in a blanket of greenery, welcoming people arriving by land and water. Experience boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and biking all in one place.
As you explore, always remember to follow leave no trace principles, stay on the marked trails and help keep Alabama beautiful.
Explore Alabama’s Natural Resources
Find trails, locations and more all on one map, and dive deep into all Alabama has to offer.
- Enter a world of adventure in one of Alabama’s four national forests.
- Relax ocean-side on one of Alabama’s white-sand beaches.
- Discover beautiful species in Alabama’s diverse ecosystems.
- Stand at the top of Alabama at Cheaha Mountain—Alabama’s highest peak.
