Explore the Trails of Northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee
Our region is home to a variety of hiking trails and parks, offering something for everyone. From scenic waterfalls to challenging climbs, here are some of the top trails to explore:
- Bankhead National Forest (Alabama)
- Trail: Sipsey Wilderness Trails
- Length: Over 45 miles of interconnected trails
- Elevation: Ranges from 600 to 1,000 feet
- Highlights: Known as “The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” Sipsey offers stunning views, lush greenery, and plenty of water crossings.
- Monte Sano State Park (Huntsville, Alabama)
- Trail: North Plateau Loop and South Plateau Loop
- Length: 3.5 miles each (7 miles combined)
- Elevation: Peaks around 1,621 feet
- Highlights: These moderate trails provide sweeping vistas, historical CCC structures, and access to several other trails for extended hikes.
- Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve (Tuscumbia, Alabama)
- Trail: Multiple interlinked trails
- Length: Approximately 15 miles
- Elevation: 400 to 800 feet
- Highlights: Privately owned and free to access, this preserve features cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
- Walls of Jericho (Southern Tennessee/Northern Alabama border)
- Trail: Walls of Jericho Trail
- Length: 6 miles (round trip)
- Elevation: 1,000 feet descent and ascent
- Highlights: A challenging trail with a stunning amphitheater-like rock formation at the end, surrounded by waterfalls and lush forest.
- Dismals Canyon (Phil Campbell, Alabama)
- Trail: Dismals Canyon Trail
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: Minimal elevation gain
- Highlights: A National Natural Landmark featuring rare bioluminescent creatures called “dismalites,” along with beautiful sandstone formations and waterfalls.
- Savage Gulf State Park (Beersheba Springs, Tennessee)
- Trail: Stone Door Trail
- Length: 2 miles (round trip)
- Elevation: 300 feet
- Highlights: Stunning rock formations, cliffs, and panoramic views of Savage Gulf.
- Wheeler Wildlife Refuge (Decatur, Alabama)
- Trail: Atkeson Cypress Trail
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: Flat terrain
- Highlights: A family-friendly boardwalk trail through a unique cypress swamp, ideal for wildlife watching.
10 “Day-Hiker” Essentials
- Daypack/Backpack & Trekking pole(s)
- Knife or Multipurpose Tool
- Compass, Map, Pen and Paper
- Safety Items – Waterproof matches/lighter/flint device/fire starter; Whistle; Signaling mirror; Duct Tape; Nylon cord; Flashlight; Bear Bell
- Emergency Items – First aid kit (with moleskin); Snake bite kit; Hand sanitizer and Safety pin
- Weather Items – Rain gear (poncho); Hat; Trash bag (large); Extra clothing
- Comfort Items – Insect repellent; Sunscreen; Sunglasses; Mosquito net head covering
- Extra Food (such as nuts, dried fruit, energy bars or jerky)
- Extra Water (and a way to purify it just in case you need to drink from natural sources)
- Let someone know your itinerary (or leave a note under your car seat) and take your ID. Remember your cell phone may not pick up in the wilderness, and of course, don’t forget the toilet paper (small packs of tissue in a zip-lock bag take up less space or purchase a pack from us)!
