Alabama
Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

There’s A Group Of Cliffs In Alabama That Looks Just Like England’s White Cliffs Of Dover, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

The White Cliffs of Epes in Alabama, made from Selma chalk and resembling the White Cliffs of Dover, are a must-see natural wonder.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Alabama is home to many natural wonders, both natural and man-made. But what you may not realize is that our state's claims to fame include several spots that resemble other natural wonders around the state, country, and even the world. One look-alike natural wonder in Alabama that's a definite must-see is the White Cliffs of Epes in the town of Epes. This unique geological wonder in Alabama is a special spot that towers above the rest of the landscape and has a unique, ancient makeup. Check it out:

Alabama's White Cliffs of Epes stretch along the banks of the Tombigbee River in the tiny town of Epes.

alt
The Rampant Lion Photography/GoogleReviews

Made from layers of Selma chalk, this group of cliffs is around one mile long.

advertisement

As the years have passed, this natural wonder has become more and more exposed due to the rushing waters of the Tombigbee River.

alt
Sam Smith/GoogleReviews

What makes the White Cliffs of Epes unique is the fact that they resemble the White Cliffs of Dover in England (pictured). In fact, the cliffs at both sites were deposited around the same time, which is estimated to be around 70 million years ago.

alt
Gabriel Mello/Getty

The White Cliffs of Epes currently stand more than 80 feet above the river water, so you can't miss it!

alt
Billy Barnes/GoogleReviews

The next time you're passing through the tiny town of Epes, consider going to see the White Cliffs. Whether you admire it from above, or enjoy the view from a boat below the cliffs, after seeing it for the very first time, you'll understand why it's considered to be one of Alabama's most incredible natural wonders.

alt
Sam Smith/GoogleReviews

Keep in mind that there is a nominal admission fee to visit this natural area, but the views are absolutely worth it! These cliffs form an incredible backdrop for your year-round adventures.

Have you ever seen Alabama's White Cliffs of Epes up close and in person? If so, do you have any tips on how to make the most of a visit here? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

As if you needed any more reason to road trip around Alabama, we've rounded up some of our favorite natural wonders. And if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to add to the mix, hop in a boat and explore the Orange Islands!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/lookalike-attraction-outing-al/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The One Place In Alabama That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Dismals Canyon in Alabama offers enchanting landscapes reminiscent of Tolkien's Middle Earth, featuring unique glow worms and stunning natural beauty.

Updated Jun 4, 2024

Written by 

Jennifer Young

When most people think of Alabama, they don't often picture the dramatic, heavenly vistas found in J.R.R Tolkien's Rivendell or the peaceful, rolling landscapes of The Shire. If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy (books versus movies is a whole different debate), you're about to become a fan of one of the most beautiful and magical places in The Cotton State: Dismals Canyon. Dismals Canyon in Alabama is reminiscent of Tolkien's "Middle Earth," and it'll give you an up-close look at Alabama's enchanting side. One thing is for sure: as one of the most beautiful places in the entire state, you'll want to bring your camera with you as you embark on this spectacular outdoor adventure!

advertisement

Dismals Canyon, located in Northwest Alabama in Phil Campbell, is a beautiful 85-acre natural conservatory that attracts both locals and visitors. In 1975, it became a National Natural Landmark.

alt
Mayur Patel/GoogleReviews

Alabama doesn't get nearly enough credit for its natural wonders, but this place is magical in every sense of the word.

alt
Barbara Olsen Smith/GoogleReviews

One of the most unique characteristics of Dismals Canyon in Alabama is that it's one of the few places where insects called dismalites (glow worms) can be found in Alabama - or in the world, for that matter.

alt
Emma M/TripAdvisor

From moss-covered boulders to beautiful, cascading waterfalls, Dismals Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Alabama, and you'll definitely want to visit if you haven't already.

alt
Dismals Canyon/Facebook

There's no denying that Dismals Canyon looks like something from another world, and not from Franklin County, Alabama.

advertisement
alt
BamaGal83/TripAdvisor

The trails that meander through Dismals Canyon will lead you to some unforgettable places.

alt
Dianne/GoogleReviews

The caves are so huge that they'll make you feel absolutely miniscule.

alt
Will Martin/GoogleReviews

Dismals Canyon has several bridges, both natural and man-made, that'll help lead you through the area.

alt
TXtravler/GoogleReviews

Nothing compares to the natural beauty of Dismals Canyon, in our opinion!

alt
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Don't forget to add this fascinating natural wonder to your bucket list. After all, everyone should have the chance to experience Alabama's own "Middle Earth!"

alt
Dismals Canyon/Facebook

For more information about trails, hours, facilities, and guidelines, be sure to visit the Dismals Canyon website.

Have you ever experienced Dismals Canyon in Alabama? Tell us about your best memories, tips, and sights!

Our state is filled with many magical places, and this scenic area is just one of many. Be sure to read more about Alabama's hidden gems, or take a road trip to some of our favorites. In fact, why not take a few road trips, while you're at it? (You'll want to enjoy the FULL breadth of Alabama's scenery, after all.)

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/scenic-byways-al/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The Perfect Alabama Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Australia

Published Mar 7, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Battles

Ever dream of stealing away to the Southern Hemisphere and exploring the wonders of the land Down Under? I know it will sound like a bigger reach than the distance getting there, but you can experience Australia in Alabama. Well, at least a bit of it. Or perhaps I should say, a lot of very tiny bits of it.

advertisement

How so? Australia is among only a few places worldwide where you'll find creatures like the Dismals Canyon glow worms in the small community of Phil Campbell in Northwest Alabama.

If you've seen photos of Dismals Canyon or visited yourself, you might even think you're looking at it below. However, this image is from Glow Worm Tunnel at Wollemi National Park about two and a half hours north of Sydney.

alt
Johannes van der Wiel/Google Reviews

Granted, looking at the Dismals Canyon area here, the rock formations and plant life are on a much smaller scale than the glow worm getaway in Australia. Nevertheless, the same mossy, lush, and cool environment surrounds you at our National Natural Landmark as it does their National Park.

alt
Dianne/Google Reviews

The trail out and back at Glow Worm Tunnel in Australia is about a quarter of a mile shorter than the trail at Dismals Canyon.

alt
Rachelle Gosnell/Google Reviews

The Dismals Canyon trail is about one mile out and back. Trails at both locations are considered easy routes.

advertisement
alt
Dismals Canyon/Facebook

Probably the greatest advantage of Glow Worm Tunnel is that it is a tunnel – and a very dark one. Because of that, you're more likely to see the glow worms after you enter any time of day. While you certainly can see them at Dismals Canyon, you must take one of the scheduled night hikes to ensure visibility.

alt
Serena Yu/Google Reviews

People have captured some stunning images of these bioluminescent creatures at Glow Worm Tunnel. The glow worms are gnat larvae that, in most cases, glow to attract food. While similar to these Aussie counterparts, our dismalites are part of a different genus.

alt
Serena Yu/Google Reviews

While it's not Australia, perhaps adding a beach experience will help convince you. To hit the beach, you'll have to road trip about 6 hours south of Dismals Canyon to reach our Gulf Coast communities. If you go for it, check out this Three-Hour Orange Beach Islands Excursion for a unique experience while there.

You can learn more about when to book night hikes on the Dismals Canyon website and keep up with the attraction's latest news on the Dismals Canyon Facebook page.

Let us know if you make the trip, whether it is to Dismals Canyon or Glow Worm Tunnel! We'd love to hear all about it.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food
Restaurants

Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Stand in Maine

by Kim Falchek
on Oct 4
A visit to Flo's iconic hot dog stand in Cape Neddick is always a must stop. The steamed dogs with famous relish sauce are both affordable and delicious.
Nature
Hiking

The 2.7-Mile Hiking Trail in West Virginia That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Lisa Sammons
on Oct 3
alt
Food

The Best Apple Fried Pie in Tennessee Comes From This Mountain Orchard

by Chris Dodge
on Oct 3
A mouth-watering apple fried pie.
Nature
Hiking

The 2.7-Mile Hiking Trail in Virginia That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Beth Copenhaver
on Oct 3
alt
Food
Restaurants

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in South Carolina That Is Worth the Day Trip

by Beth Copenhaver
on Oct 3
alt