10 Amazing Natural Wonders Hiding In Plain Sight In Alabama - No Strenuous Hiking Required
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Jennifer Young
Author
Alabama is home to many natural wonders. While some of these natural wonders are tucked away and involve a strenuous hike to reach them, others are hiding in plain sight and are much more accessible. Listed below are 10 amazing natural wonders in Alabama that are easily accessible and involve no strenuous hiking to reach them.
Cathedral Caverns, which was originally called "Bat Cave," is the main feature of Cathedral Caverns State Park. This cave is made up of many unique formations, including Goliath - one of the world's largest stalagmites. Also, at 126 feet wide by 25 feet high, Cathedral Caverns is known to have one of the world's largest cave entrances. (637 Cave Rd)
Little River Falls, which is located within the Little River Canyon National Preserve, is one of the South's most recognizable and accessible waterfalls. It's the perfect nature spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. (4322 Little River Trail NE)
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Natural Bridge, which was formed more than 200 million years ago and is made from sandstone and iron ore, is approximately 60 feet high and 148 feet long - making it the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. Natural Bridge is one of Alabama's greatest natural wonders. (County Rd 3500)
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Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches are some of the finest beaches in the nation. They provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle of life, and no hiking is required to sit and enjoy the sunshine and waves crashing against the shore.
The huge cave at Rickwood Caverns State Park features formations that are more than 260 million years old. These formations were created from water, and there's proof they were carved from an ocean bed. While touring this cave, you'll be traveling 175 feet beneath the earth. (370 Rickwood Park Rd)
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Noccalula Falls, the main feature of Noccalula Falls Park, is a 90 foot waterfall that plunges into a lush ravine. This natural wonder is easily accessible from the park's parking lot. (1500 Noccalula Rd)
The Cahaba River, which flows through the heart of Alabama, is the state's longest free-flowing river. It's also one of the most scenic rivers in the U.S. The most unique feature of this natural wonder is that from early May to late June, the portion of the river that's located within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is filled with beautiful Cahaba lily blooms.
DeSoto Falls, which is located in DeSoto State Park, plunges more than 100 feet into the water below. It's among Alabama's tallest and most visited waterfalls, and you can reach it by following a paved pathway. (7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE)
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The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which covers more than 7,000 acres, is used as a resting and feeding area for migratory birds. Not only is this refuge area perfect for bird watching, but it also contains some of Alabama's last remaining undisturbed coastal habitat. (12295 Alabama 180)
The Russell Cave National Monument is 7.2 miles long, which makes it the third longest mapped cave in Alabama. This cave is quite unique because it contains one of the most complete records of prehistoric civilization in the Southeast. (3729 County Rd 98)
To experience some of these natural wonders in a single day, you’ll want to take this ultimate road trip.
What other easily accessible natural wonders in Alabama can be added to this list?
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