Marvel at the ‘Glowworms’ in Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon is a sandstone gorge in Franklin County, Alabama, near Phil Campbell. In May 1974, it was designated as a National Natural Landmark. Dismals Canyon is one of the few sites in the world where insects known as dismalites can be found. To attract food and mates, the larval versions of these flies emit a strong blue-green light. One of the most unusual things to do in Alabama is to visit Dismals Canyon at night. This is because dismalites, which are exceedingly uncommon fly larvae, can only be found in a few spots on the earth.

Searching for fly larvae may sound disgusting, but when the sun goes down, the unusual insects generate a bluish-green light, transforming the pitch-black countryside into an exotic light display! The dismalites, or "glowworms," thrive in the 85-acre nature conservatory, which is coated in moss. You can schedule a 45-minute guided night tour to Dismals Canyon if you wish to observe this unusual natural phenomenon for yourself.

Dismals Canyon also has two cascading waterfalls and some of the world's tallest Canadian Hemlock trees, making it an excellent place to hike throughout the day. You can hike the 1.5-mile canyon floor walk, which takes you past tunnels, gigantic boulders, gushing waterfalls, and towering trees.

Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, United States
Phone: +1 205-993-4559
Opening hours: 10AM–5:30PM

Ticket price: Adult – $12, Over 60 – $11, Under 12 – $8.75
Rating: 4.6/5.0, 967 Google reviews
Website: https://www.dismalscanyon.com/