If you enjoy exploring nature and you’ve been wanting to take a weekend getaway, we have the perfect road trip for you. Listed below, we’ve included a mapped road trip route that’ll take you to three canyons in Alabama, some of the most beautiful canyons in the state! Because the drive time is less than four hours long and the driving distance is less than 200 miles, this road trip can easily be taken in a single weekend.

Now, let’s get started:

Google Maps
Use this Google Maps link for driving directions.

1. Dismals Canyon - Phil Campbell

Ryan Beverly / Google Reviews
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
Redbird310 / Flickr
The road trip begins at Dismals Canyon. Dismals Canyon, a sandstone gorge, is located off the beaten path is the small town of Phil Campbell. What makes this canyon one of the most unique you'll ever explore is the fact that it's one of the few places in the world where dismalites live. Dismalites are very rare insects that resemble glowworms. This is one of the best canyons in Alabama!

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2. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve - Tuscumbia

Friends of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve / Facebook
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Mark Glasson / Google Reviews
After a short drive north, you'll arrive at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. Located in Tuscumbia, this nature preserve covers approximately 700 acres and is one of North Alabama's most beautiful areas. It's also a great hiking location and includes a variety of natural features such as waterfalls, streams, boulders, and more. You'll even experience a breathtaking view during your visit. It’s the perfect addition to your Alabama road trip!

3. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne

Evangelio Gonzalez / Flickr
Little River Wildlife Management Area, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
formulanone / Flickr
The road trip ends at Little River Canyon National Preserve located in Fort Payne. Covering more than 15,000 acres it's one of Alabama's most beautiful outdoor destinations. One of Little River Canyon National Preserve's main features is Little River Falls, which happens to be one of Alabama's most accessible waterfalls. Little River Canyon is best known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" and is definitely worth exploring. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Alabama!

Now that we have you excited to go on a hiking road trip to see Alabama canyons, check out some of the nations best hiking trails in this video:

Have you ever explored any of these three canyons in Alabama? If so, please share your experiences with us in the comments section!

For more information about Little River Canyon National Preserve, be sure to take a look at the following article about another wonderful trip to a canyon in Alabama that is sure to bring out your adventurous side. One of our favorite resources for finding hiking trail maps is AllTrails+, give it a try and let us know what you think.

A Trip To This Alabama Canyon Is Sure To Bring Out Your Adventurous Side

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More to Explore

Canyons In Alabama

Megan McDonald | May 06, 2023

What are the best canyons to visit in Alabama?

There are many beautiful canyons to visit in Alabama! Although Alabama may not have the expansive canyons found in other regions, these geological formations and natural areas offer their own distinct beauty and opportunities for exploration.

These are some of the best canyons to visit in Alabama:

  • Little River Canyon: Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Little River Canyon offers dramatic cliffs, deep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls. It provides breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.
  • Walls of Jericho: Located in the northeastern part of the state, the Walls of Jericho is a natural area featuring towering limestone cliffs and a deep gorge. It offers scenic hiking trails and a stunning waterfall, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
  • Cheaha State Park: While not a traditional canyon, Cheaha State Park is situated atop the highest point in Alabama and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. The park features rugged rock formations and deep valleys, providing a sense of grandeur and natural beauty.
  • Dismals Canyon: Located in Phil Campbell, Dismals Canyon is a unique geological formation characterized by sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and serene pools. The canyon is renowned for its bioluminescent insects called "dismalites," which create a magical sight at night.

 

What is the best canyon in Alabama?

While Alabama may not be widely known for its canyons, one notable natural wonder that resembles a canyon is Little River Canyon. Located in northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East." This stunning area features dramatic cliffs, deep ravines, and beautiful waterfalls, offering breathtaking views and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. Little River Canyon's rugged beauty and diverse ecosystem make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking scenic adventures in Alabama.

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