Alabama
Trip Ideas|Day Trips

9 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Alabama

Discover nine must-visit fall destinations in Alabama, from pumpkin patches to scenic parks.

Published Sep 1, 2017

Written by 

Jennifer Young

With fall just around the corner, there's no better time than right now to start making plans. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, there are many great places in Alabama to visit this fall. Listed below are nine of our favorite fall destinations. How many have you visited?

1. The Great Pumpkin Patch - Hayden

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facebook/The Great Pumpkin Patch, LLC

The Great Pumpkin Patch is home to the best Halloween festival in Alabama. It lasts from September 23 to October 31. From hayrides and bungee jumps, to a pumpkin patch and petting zoo, there's something at The Great Pumpkin Patch for everyone. Admission is free. You simply pay for each activity. (288 County Hwy 45)

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For more information, click here.

2. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne

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flickr/pookie_NY

Little River Canyon National Preserve is located atop Lookout Mountain. From its stunning waterfalls to its colorful foliage, this preserve is one of Alabama's best fall destinations. (4322 Little River Trail NE)For more information, click here.

3. Alabama Farmers Market - Birmingham

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facebook/Alabama Farmers Market

The Alabama Farmers Market is situated on 49 acres of land, which makes it the state's largest farmers market. It features more than 500 farmers and vendors, and it's the perfect place to pick up fresh fall produce. (344 Finley Ave W)For more information, click here.

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4. CornDodgers Farm - Headland

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facebook/CornDodgers Farm

Over the years, corn mazes have been a fall tradition for many families. One of the best corn mazes in Alabama is located at CornDodgers Farm, and it'll open on September 23. A few other activities offered at CornDodgers Farm include pony rides, a cow train, a jumping pillow and more. (1555 Knowles Rd)For more information, click here.

5. Peach Park - Clanton

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flickr/Ralph Daily

Peach Park, which is spread across seven acres, is one of Alabama’s top tourist attractions. It's best known for its homemade peach ice cream and mouthwatering fried pies. Peach Park is a great place to visit year round, but there's something extra special about it during the fall season. (2300 7th St S)For more information, click here.

6. Birmingham Botanical Gardens - Birmingham

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flickr/Dystopos

Strolling the grounds of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a great fall activity for the entire family. This top attraction, which covers more than 60 acres, offers free admission and is a wonderful place to have a picnic. (2612 Lane Park Rd)For more information, click here.

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7. Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival - Springville

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facebook/Homestead Hollow

The Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival features one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, lovely antique/vintage goods and more. Pioneer demonstrators are also on hand to teach visitors about the good old days. The next festival will take place September 22, 23, 24, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (1161 Murphrees Valley Rd)For more information, click here.

8. Cheaha State Park - Delta

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flickr/l0fty

Cheaha State Park is situated on Cheaha Mountain - Alabama's highest natural point. This wonderful state park offers the most incredible views, and its colorful foliage during the fall season is positively breathtaking!

(19644 AL-281)For more information, click here.

9. Town of Mentone

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flickr/Andy Montgomery

The charming town of Mentone is located atop Lookout Mountain. Its quaint restaurants, lovely shops and beautiful views make it the perfect place to spend a fall day. For more information, click here.

Have you been to any of these places? What other places in Alabama would make a great fall day trip? Share your thoughts with us!

To experience Alabama's best fall foliage, you'll want to take this road trip.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Everyone In Alabama Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive offers spectacular fall views and access to historic sites and natural beauty.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Because it's the fall season, there's no better time than right now to experience Alabama's natural scenic beauty. One of the best ways to do this is to take a scenic drive. Several scenic drives are located across Alabama, including the incredible Talladega Scenic Drive. It happens to be one of the best scenic drives in Alabama.

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Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive, which stretches for 26 miles, is one of the state's best fall drives. It follows State Route 281 near Heflin, and it ends at Adams Gap.

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flickr/J. Stephen Conn

While taking this Alabama scenic drive, you'll experience spectacular views of the Talladega National Forest. It's such a beautiful place this time of year.

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google/Lisa Sarver

If you wish to stop and explore the Talladega National Forest, you most certainly can. During your hike, you'll encounter several rock outcroppings, streams, wildflowers, waterfalls, and so much more.

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flickr/Kaiguin17

The incredible Talladega Scenic Drive will also take you to Cheaha State Park, which is located atop Cheaha Mountain - Alabama's highest natural point.

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google/Lisa Sarver

Cheaha Mountain has an elevation of 2,407 feet above sea level, and it offers one of the finest views in Alabama. You'll be able to see for many miles while atop this majestic mountain.

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google/Leigh Isom

Another place you'll encounter while taking Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive is the historic Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge. These two historic sites are approximately 200 years old and attract history lovers from near and far. The Kymulga Covered Bridge is one of two 19th-century covered bridges in Alabama that's currently in operation.

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google/Scott Squires

There's no denying that this Alabama scenic byway is one of the state's best-kept secrets. To experience the drive for yourself, don't forget to add it to your fall bucket list. It'll be an adventure like no other!

Have you ever taken the Talladega Scenic Drive, one of the best scenic drives in Alabama? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments.

If you feel like experiencing more of Alabama's great outdoors, you'll want to take this road trip. But before you hit the road, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need for the ride.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

This Animal Attraction In Alabama Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

Published Mar 5, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Battles

While there a dozens of incredible attractions in Alabama, none are as perfect year-round as a Montgomery Zoo day trip. Our capital city is centrally located within an easy drive from any part of the state, and the zoo is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last but not least, the zoo is home to a cast of characters who'll make it an interesting visit no matter when you go. Just in case you don't believe us, I'd love to introduce you to just a few of them.

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While the Montgomery Zoo dates back to a community park zoo in the 1920s, it moved to its present location in 1972 and has continued to expand there ever since. In 2005, the zoo opened its Africa realm, which today is home to three African elephants, Tina, Star, and Makena. Makena was the first African elephant born in the state, two years after the realm opened.

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The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

The zoo's male lions, Dash and Buddy, are approximately 14 years old and longtime favorites among zoo visitors. Dash is said to be a bit more social than Buddy.

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The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

The zoo welcomed a baby African Bongo, Amara, in December 2023. She and her parents, Sipa and Murdock, all live in the African Forest section of African realm.

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he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Sierra, a snow leopard, came to live at the zoo in 2002, with guests able to visit her exhibit that July. She was three years old when she arrived from the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.

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he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Also arriving in 2022 was Odysseus, a then four-year-old Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth, who had been living at Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. People call him Ody for short.

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he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

One of the zoo's most special experiences is the Giraffe Encounter, where you can stand nose-to-nose with Ashley and JJ, the zoo's reticulated giraffes. Guests must purchase a $3 ticket and can walk over the moat into the exhibit to bring feed to these majestic creatures. The encounter is open for two hours each day, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

You'll also see peacocks strutting freely about the grounds, with the peafowl showing off bold, beautiful plumage.

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The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Kids of all ages love climbing aboard a train ride that takes you around the perimeter of many of the zoo's exhibits. There is also a Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride that bisects the property.

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The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Admission to the zoo includes the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, where the whole family can learn about the animals at the zoo and beyond. The zoo's gift shop is spacious and well-stocked, full of fun mementos of your day trip and also a great spot to shop for animal lovers any time.

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he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

The Montgomery Zoo was my first experience as a small child, and it's wonderful to see how much it has grown and expanded since. I've barely covered the creatures in the African area, and the zoo has a total of 10 animal realms! You can learn about all of the animal realms and inhabitants on the Montgomery Zoo website and keep up with special events and other updates on the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum Facebook page.

Have you visited the Montgomery Zoo lately? We'd love to hear about your favorite animals and fun experiences there. If you're planning to visit soon, check out the Montgomery & Selma Area Multi-Attraction Pass for savings across several destinations.

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