After a summer full of fun, activity and adventure, life in Alabama always seems to slow down as fall arrives. Crisp weather, gentle breezes, and—of course—college football make autumn a season cherished across the state. Many Alabamians point to the changing leaves as one of fall’s greatest highlights. Shades of red, yellow, orange and green sweep across cities and forests, showcasing Alabama’s natural beauty.
Fall colors in Alabama typically peak between late October and early November, depending on environmental conditions earlier in the year. While the season passes quickly, there’s still plenty of time to get outdoors and soak in the vibrant scenery.
Here are 13 great spots around the state to enjoy this year’s fall foliage.
Bankhead National Forest
Bankhead National Forest is a nationally protected forest in northeast Alabama and a perfect spot to be enveloped in the beauty of Alabama’s fall foliage. With miles of trails that offer expansive views and colorful sights, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the fall in Bankhead—especially in the Sipsey Wilderness area.
Nicknamed the Land of 1,000 Waterfalls, Sipsey has more than 50 miles of trail opportunities to enjoy Alabama’s foliage. Whether you want to hike, ride or run through, there is plenty of beauty to explore.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
The Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve in northwest Alabama near Tuscumbia has breathtaking sights year-round, but especially when the leaves prepare to fall. Visitors can immerse themselves in the orange, yellow, red and green hues in a variety of ways, including driving around the area and on the 25 miles of hiking trails within the preserve.
Cane Creek is owned by the Land Trust of North Alabama who strives to protect and preserve the rich biodiversity of areas like Cane Creek and throughout North Alabama.
Cheaha State Park
Alabama’s highest point and favorite spot at Cheaha State Park in Delta is another fantastic spot to see fall foliage. If you want to hike, the Pulpit Rock Trail is a great moderate route to reach a scenic overlook. The Bald Rock Trail is another great option that leads out to the Bald Rock overlook.
Cheaha offers guests a number of activities and amenities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping and lodging and educational opportunities year-round.
DeSoto Falls — DeSoto State Park
Near Mentone within DeSoto State Park is one of the state’s most popular areas, DeSoto Falls. From picnic areas, a 104-foot waterfall and gorgeous views, DeSoto is one of the area’s best spots to experience fall foliage. Enjoy the rush of the waterfall while immersed in the vibrant colors of the season.
The rest of the park offers 3,502 acres of hiking, biking, camping, picnicking and birdwatching.
Oak Mountain State Park
Central Alabama’s favorite, and the state’s largest, state park boasts countless opportunities and ways to experience the beauty of changing seasons. The most regal of them all is King’s Chair Overlook. Getting to King’s Chair isn’t an easy feat. However, the payoff is certainly worth it.
Lake Guntersville State Park
The beautiful Lake Guntersville State Park is another fantastic place to spend time in the outdoors and enjoy all the fall foliage Alabama has to offer. With over 36 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, there are plenty of options to immerse yourself in the colors of the season.
If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey in the area, the 3.6-mile Lake Guntersville Walking Trail is another great option to walk alongside the lake, providing views of the water, wildlife and, of course, lovely fall colors.
Little River Canyon Rim Parkway and National Preserve
If you’re looking for a less active, yet still brilliantly colorful, experience, the 11-mile Little River Rim Parkway (also known as Highway 176) gives access to eight overlooks, views of waterfalls, picnic tables, rock walls and no shortage of breathtaking colors.
Little River Canyon National Preserve is also a great place to see fall foliage on foot, whether at Canyon View Overlook, Wolf Creek Overlook or simply hiking through the trees.
Noccalula Falls Park
Take a hike along the Black Creek Trail in Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park and enjoy beautiful fall colors along the Black Creek Gorge. The park offers more than 15 miles of single-track trails for hiking, running and mountain biking.
Noccalula Falls Park is also a great place to spend the night under the stars and experience the fall colors while camping.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur’s Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for watching birds and wildlife, but it’s also a great place to enjoy yellow and orange colors. Visitors can enjoy scenery from hiking trails while fishing or exploring the refuge area.
Ruffner Mountain
Overlooking Birmingham is Ruffner Mountain, a 1,038-acre forest in Central Alabama, offering 14 miles of trails, educational opportunities, wildlife viewing, and—you guessed it—plenty of opportunities to experience our state’s beautiful changing colors.
The park’s popular vista overlooks the city and offers spectacular views of both the city and the trees surrounding Birmingham.
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
This north Alabama natural oasis overlooks South Huntsville and is one of the area’s best spots to see changing leaves.
The preserve has miles of hiking trails across 1,127 acres, making it a great spot to hike out to an overlook, like the one off the Bill and Marion Certain Trail, to see and experience picturesque views and vistas. The Blevins Gap Trailhead also offers a breathtaking overlook directly off the parking lot.
Lake Nicol
Located almost 20 minutes away from the University of Alabama is Lake Nicol—a forested oasis that offers beautiful scenery year-round. With hiking trails and water activities, Lake Nicol is perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet in the outdoors. And during the fall, the lake offers great viewing opportunities for fall foliage.
Tuscaloosa area natives and local college and university students frequent the lake.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
An area favorite for Birmingham locals and visitors alike is the free-to-visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens. With dozens of gardens across 67 acres, the park fosters a family friendly environment that, according to their website, “promotes a passion for plants, gardens, and the natural world” for all ages.
See the colors
As the colors start to change, the opportunities for experiencing the fall season’s beauty at the Gardens increases. With fall colors jumping in the trees and fall plants and flowers surrounding, there is so much to see and enjoy.
If you’re looking for more, the Alabama Travel website designed a cross-state trail, the Alabama Fall Color Trail, that lets visitors see all the beautiful fall colors our state has to offer. They also have a tool that shows the predicted fall color changes across the state by date, helping you find the perfect time to head out and experience Alabama’s extraordinary colors.
Whether you plan to hike through, hammock or drive by to enjoy the autumn colors, our state’s outdoor opportunities are endless. Whatever you set out to see, there is so much waiting for you in Alabama. Check out our activity page and area guidebooks to see where you can enjoy your favorite activities in Alabama this fall.
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