10 Top Places To Visit In Alabama This Fall
As the summer heat fades and autumn's crisp, cool air settles in, Alabama transforms into an illustrious canvas of vibrant colors. The fall season, typically peaking from late September through early November, is the perfect time to explore the state's scenic beauty. Alabama's natural landscapes come alive with forests ablaze in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It is the ideal season for a hike through the forest, attending a lively festival, or driving through picturesque routes.
Cheaha State Park
Home to Alabama's highest peak, Cheaha State Park is a must-visit in the fall. Sitting at 2,407 feet, this park is located along the Appalachian forest, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the state's vibrant fall foliage. Late October brings a canvas of color to the park鈥檚 forest landscape, such as oak trees, maple trees, and hickories, which create a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The park鈥檚 signature trails, Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock, are ideal for hiking, and the beautiful fall scenery surrounds them. Visitors can capture unforgettable views from the scenic overlooks or take a peaceful nature walk through the colorful woodlands. For photographers, Cheaha provides stunning opportunities to capture autumn landscapes shadowed by golden light. Cheaha Road and Talladega Scenic Drive are some of the scenic trails in the area and create opportunities to explore the beautiful landscape.
Oak Mountain State Park
As Alabama鈥檚 largest state park, Oak Mountain comes alive in the fall, making it a prime spot for nature lovers. Covering over 10,000 acres, the park has spaces for outdoor recreation and enjoying the fall scenery. The park features forests, lakes, and rolling hills that paint the community in illustrious colors between late September and mid-October. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the Red and White trails, which take visitors through the length and breadth of the park. The reflective waters of Double Oak Lake create a perfect mirror for the rich fall colors, making it a popular spot for photographers. Mountain bikers can also ride through scenic trails while families enjoy picnicking by the lake or exploring the park's wildlife rehabilitation center. For a unique adventure, horseback riding along the park鈥檚 trails allows you to bask in the fall atmosphere and colorful surroundings.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon is one of Alabama鈥檚 most stunning fall destinations, located on the edge of the Southern Appalachians. Known for its stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and dense forests, the Little River Canyon National Preserve transforms into a vivid display of autumn colors from early October through mid-November. The scenic Little River Canyon Rim Parkway has multiple overlooks where visitors can look down at the canyon鈥檚 colorful fall foliage and the river below. Adventurous hikers can explore the canyon鈥檚 floor, taking in the colors up close while listening to the sound of rushing water from Little River Falls. This preserve also attracts photographers as its three falls have a beautiful setting that makes you just want to save the memories on a camera.
DeSoto State Park
With a dash of historic charm and vast forests, DeSoto State Park is a fall wonderland that comes alive between September and October. With over 30 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails and a unique location on the Lookout Mountains, this park is perfect for trail enthusiasts. If you are more of a casual explorer, do not worry; there is even an accessible boardwalk trail that leads straight to some of the park鈥檚 stunning waterfalls. DeSoto Falls is the major highlight of the park as it is a breathtaking 100-foot cascade that runs down into a picturesque pool at its bottom.
If hiking is not your strong suit, other fun attractions keep you thrilled all day. DeSoto State Park has you covered with some of the best leaf-peeping drives in the area. The forest-lined access roads offer up-close views of the colorful forests, making it the perfect setting for a laid-back scenic drive. Fort Payne is nearby, and you can enjoy a fun and exciting day trip to this historic town.
Bankhead National Forest
Bankhead National Forest, also known as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," is one of the places in Alabama where nature lovers can fully appreciate the fall scenery. With over 180,000 acres of dense forests and picturesque waterways, this forest becomes a vibrant canvas of red, gold, and orange during autumn. Visitors can explore the Sipsey Wilderness, which has over 25 miles of trails that run through the forest and take you past waterfalls along the Sipsey River. The Kinlock Falls trail is particularly popular as it gives an easy hike with stunning views of the area鈥檚 waterfall.
Fall is also a good time for camping, fishing, and picnicking by the banks of scenic creeks and rivers. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot deer, wild turkeys, or even black bears as they prepare for the colder months. For those looking to enjoy the seasonal beauty without strenuous activity, scenic drives through the forest provide excellent opportunities for leaf-peeping and photography.
Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park is an ideal fall destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It features biking and hiking trails that bring visitors closer to nature, helping them enjoy the lush forests that come alive in the fall. Visitors can explore the 20-mile forest at their own pace, taking easy to difficult routes like the North Plateau Loop, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the fall foliage.
Photographers will love capturing the reflections of autumn leaves in the park鈥檚 small lakes, while campers can enjoy crisp, cool nights under the stars at one of the park鈥檚 campsites. Families will enjoy a trip here as activities such as birdwatching and geocaching bring families together, making it an ideal fall destination for all ages.
Talladega National Forest
Talladega National Forest, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, is quite the attraction for fall adventurers seeking scenic views and outdoor activities. As autumn arrives, the forest's hardwood stands, especially along the scenic Skyway Motorway, burst into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The Skyway offers one of the best scenic drives in the state, with various pull-offs where visitors can stop, cherish the view, and snap photos of the stunning fall colors. Sylaward Trail is open for biking, while hikers will enjoy a visit to Pine Glen Recreation Area and Odum Scott Hiking Trail, which have paths that bring you closer to nature.
Lake Guntersville State Park
Lake Guntersville State Park is a top fall destination thanks to its combination of stunning lake views and incredible foliage. The park, located on the banks of the Tennessee River, covers over 6,000 layers of natural forest, which means visitors have open spaces for exploration and relaxation.
Adventurers can explore the park鈥檚 numerous hiking trails, which provide access to scenic overlooks and wooded paths that glow with autumn colors. Birdwatchers will delight in the fall migration of bald eagles, frequently seen soaring above the treetops. The park also gives guided eagle-watching tours during the fall, adding to the list of outdoor activities available. The park has a zipline that gives aerial views of the stunning landscape, and it is home to Alabama's largest lake, which also adds to its aesthetic. Here, you can enjoy fishing, sitting by the waterfront, or enjoying the reflection of the lake鈥檚 fall foliage.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
For anyone looking for an experience that focuses on how the fall colors light up the sky, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot to visit. Located in the heart of Alabama鈥檚 largest city, Birmingham, this 67-acre living museum offers a serene retreat where the changing leaves create a soothing contrast. From mid-October, the gardens come alive with seasonal blooms and vibrant trees, making it a great place for walks or family picnics. Visitors can stroll through the Japanese Garden, where the maples display autumn reds and golds, or explore the Oak Hill Garden for more views of fall foliage.
Blount County Covered Bridge Festival
For a charming fall festival experience, the Blount County Covered Bridge Festival is a must-visit. Held every October, this annual event celebrates the history of Alabama鈥檚 covered bridges while showcasing the beauty of the fall season. The festival takes place in Oneonta, where visitors can go with friends and family to enjoy live music, local crafts, and delicious southern food. The surrounding countryside provides an incredible backdrop for the event. Visitors can also embark on scenic drives to view the area鈥檚 famous covered bridges, which are all wrapped in the vibrant colors of the changing trees. Families will love the additional fall-themed activities, including hayrides, pumpkin patches, and corn maze, which are fun for both adults and kids.
From breathtaking scenic views to festive fall activities, Alabama offers various places to explore during the autumn months. Whether hiking through a forest trail covered by trees or attending a pumpkin festival with your family, these destinations provide the perfect setting for adventures. The combination of natural beauty, seasonal events, festivals, and family-friendly activities makes the places in this state a must-visit for photographers, adventurers, and loved ones.
