5 Spots in Alabama We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

It's clear that there's something special about Alabama—really, way more than just one thing. The birthplace of legends like Hank Williams, Helen Keller, Mia Hamm, and Nat King Cole is also home to America's oldest baseball park, and where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, sparking the Civil Rights Movement. There are dozens of unique places in the Yellowhammer State, but there are five for which we're especially thankful this year. Here they are!

1. Little River Canyon National Preserve, Fort Payne

Little River Canyon National Preserve is a 14,000-acre gem in northeast Alabama. It highlights the state's natural beauty, with places to hike, bike, kayak, rock climb, and fish. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic drive down County Road 176, taking in stunning foliage in the fall or wildflowers in the spring. The park is open every day, year-round from sunrise to sunset, but the hours of specific areas within it change seasonally. Pets are welcome in the preserve, but need to remain on a leash.

2. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Birmingham

Colonel James Withers Sloss founded Sloss Furnaces in the 1880s, where Birmingham's abundant iron, limestone, and coal were used to produce pig iron. The furnaces operated around the clock and helped Birmingham grow into an industrial powerhouse. As the industry evolved and steelmaking became more prevalent, Sloss Furnaces' work slowed and eventually closed in the 1970s.

The site was designated a national historic landmark in 1981 and remains a hub of history, art, community, and education. Visitors can take a tour, enjoy a sculpture garden, participate in an iron arts program, explore its haunted tunnel, and more. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark beautifully celebrates Birmingham's unique history and present-day community.

3. DeSoto Falls Dam and Waterfall, Mentone

DeSoto Falls is one of the most beautiful areas in Alabama, bringing together man-made structures and natural features for a fantastic visitor experience. The DeSoto Falls Dam was built in the early 20th century to provide the area with hydroelectric power. There's also DeSoto Falls, a dramatic waterfall cascading more than 100 feet into a breathtaking canyon. Visitors can enjoy picnics, kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, and more in the area. The DeSoto Falls Bottom and Ice Cave Trail in Mentone is a 1.1-mile out-and-back hike that belongs on a nature lover's bucket list.

4. Cathedral Square Park, Mobile

Mobile's Cathedral Square Park is a scenic area that hosts numerous cultural and arts events throughout the year. The square is bordered by North Claiborne, Dauphin, North Jackson, and Conti Streets. The massive, stunning Basilica-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception sits along the square and is the source of its name. A fact about Mobile is that the cathedral took about 15 years to build! Past events in the square include the city's Mardi Gras celebration, Market in the Park farmer's market, and MOB Music Fest.

5. Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville

Monte Sano State Park is an impressive, underrated state park. It's especially gorgeous in the fall, with incredible foliage and diverse trails. Its native azaleas in the spring and wildflowers in the summer make it worth a visit any time of year. The park has a Civilian Conservation Corps (C. C. C.) Museum and Memorial Garden, where visitors can learn about the park's history. It also has a disc golf course, a Japanese garden, a playground, and a planetarium. It's easy to appreciate all that there is to do in this 2,100-acre state park just outside of Huntsville.

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Huntsville Redstone Gateway is an incredible accommodation in the area, with a convenient location, fitness center, swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

There are so many awesome attractions in Alabama that it is truly difficult to choose only five to highlight. Are you ready to plan your next Alabama adventure? Only In Your State's AI-travel planner is an easy way to brainstorm the ideal destination.