Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon, one of the best day trips from Alabama, is located near Phil Campbell in Northwest Alabama. From both Huntsville and Birmingham, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive. It’s also a little over a one hour drive from Tupelo, Mississippi. Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the country, and Dismals Canyon really shows that off. The canyon includes exotic flora, rare trees, and mosses and ferns that almost make this feel like you are walking through a rainforest. And that’s not to mention the huge rock facades and the waterfalls. Plus, Dismals Canyon is one of the few places in North America where you can see glow worms at night, which really does make this a one-of-a-kind experience.

During the day, you can hike a 1.5 mile loop trail on the canyon floor. This beautiful hike features waterfalls, steep canyon walls, rock formations, and streams. You’ll also find historic areas where Paleoamericans and Chickasaw and Cherokee American Indians once used the rock bluffs as shelter.

One of the things that makes Dismals Canyon so unique is the Dismalites! These cousins to the Australia and New Zealand glow worms are actually fly larvae that make their home on the walls of the canyon. At night you can take a guided tour to see the Dismalites, which look like stars sparkling on the canyon walls!

You can also camp near Dismals Canyon! They have five primitive campsites set up near the canyon. All of them have access to a bath house. Camping is offered 7 days a week during the summer and on the weekends during the rest of the year. There is a 2 night minimum stay, and you will have to hike a short distance to get to your campsite.

• Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
  
• Admission: Adult: $12, Over 60: $11, Under 12: $8.75
• Opening Hours: Fri 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Phone: +1 205-993-4559
• Website: https://www.dismalscanyon.com/