10 of the Best Outdoorsy Things To Do in North Alabama
From waterfalls and caverns to glamping and wineries, these are some of the best things to do in North Alabama outdoors. This guide includes some of my favorite adventures in the state, from rock scrambling underground to sipping at the local vineyards.
From waterfalls and caverns to glamping and wineries, these are some of the best things to do in North Alabama outdoors.
Exploring caves and caverns with waterfalls, hiking on Lookout Mountain, kayaking on the largest lake in the state — these are just a few of the incredible adventures in northern Alabama. The foothills of the Southern Appalachians and a host of lakes and waterfalls create the ideal landscape for hiking, caving, kayaking, and more!
Keep reading for 10 incredible adventures in northern Alabama!
Swim at High Falls Park
One of the prettiest waterfalls in North Alabama, High Falls stretches some 300-feet across Town Creek, framed by a natural bridge that’s been carved out by the water. The drop is only about 35 feet, but the powerful gushing water makes for a gorgeous scene.
You can see it from High Falls Park, where a short walk leads to a pedestrian bridge across the gorge. The water at the top of the falls is actually calm enough to swim, wade, and fish in. You can also bring a picnic or purchase snacks inside a small welcome center.
Adventure in Lake Guntersville State Park
I visited for three nights and stayed at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, which has balcony rooms overlooking the water (it’s such a beautiful sunset view). There’s also a campground with tent sites, camper cabins, and glamping, as well as lakeside cabins and chalets.
During the day, you can rent boats, kayaks, or canoes to get out on the water, play an 18-hole round on the Eagle’s Nest Golf Course, hang out at a beach complex, or tackle the Screaming Eagle Zipline Canopy Tour. The park also has over 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Tour Cathedral Caverns State Park
Originally called “Bat Cave” when it offered public tours in the 1950s, the name was changed to capture the vibes of the giant rooms full of pipe organ and steeple-like features that give off a cathedral vibe. The cave stays at about 60 degrees throughout the year.
Visitors can explore inside on scheduled cave tours offered throughout the day where you can see tiny hummingbird bats, cave crickets, and shark teeth stuck in the ceiling.
Explore Bethel Springs Nature Preserve
A former family homestead with farmlands, a spring, a creek, and a 334-foot deep limestone cave, the preserve offers a habitat for native aquatic species and wildlife. The waterfall actually flows through the cave under the mountain and into the spring at the base.
Hikers can head out for an easy walk on the Bethel Creek Loop, a 0.3-mile gravel path along the creek, or make a moderately difficult 1.3-mile loop on the Carpenter, Falling Sink, and Mill Trails to see the waterfall up close.
Go Caving at Stephen's Gap
Stephen’s Gap is one of my favorite caves in north Alabama. You can choose your level of adventure here, from a moderately challenging climb into the pit by foot, to a more intense vertical caving drop down 143 feet.
I visited via the walk-in access, which starts with an uphill hike to reach the wide entrance, where you then scramble down rocks to a view of a waterfall. You can’t safely get all the way to the bottom of the pit this way, but the views are absolutely incredible! The walk-in trail ends about 50 feet above the floor with a steep drop from the edge, so you need to be careful and watch your footing, especially in wet conditions.
Sip Along the North Alabama Wine Trail
I was able to visit three that combine well for a day trip — Jules J. Berta Vineyards in Albertville, Wills Creek Winery in Attalla, and Maraella Vineyards in Hokes Bluff. All of them offer tastings and you can see the vineyards up close as well. You definitely don’t want to miss the wine slushies and wood-fired pizza at Jules J. Berta.
Explore Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon National Preserve is one of my favorite places to go in northern Alabama. One of just nine sites in the state managed by the National Park Service (most are historic sites), the preserve sits on the Lookout Mountain ridge of the Southern Appalachians.
You can easily visit on a day trip. I recommend starting with the overlook and hiking trails at Little River Falls (the parking lot fills up early on busy weekends), before taking a dip in Little Falls or the Blue Hole on a warm day.
End with the 23-mile Scenic Drive to stop at the eight overlooks, including a view of the tallest waterfall above ground in Alabama — 133-foot Graces High Falls.
Visit DeSoto State Park
The park has a lodge with motel rooms, as well as campsites, cabins, and chalets. The towns of Fort Payne and Mentone are also nearby.
Stay in a Treehouse at ReTreet
Most of the accommodations have a theme, like the “Hogwarts House” or nostalgic “Game Room” glamping tents. I stayed in the “Pink Flamingo” tiny cottage, which has a lofted sleeping space for two and the cutest decor to fit the motif.
While the tiny cottages have private fire pits and the tents feature secluded hot tubs, there’s also a communal lounging zone around a fireplace and Tree Spa with a hot tub and sauna. The property has a dog park, disc golf, horseshoe pit, and putting green.
Walk Under Noccalula Falls
The 90-foot tall Noccalula Falls is one of the must-see waterfalls in North Alabama. Noccalula is part of a family-friendly public park with trails, campsites, a Pioneer Village, train rides, a mini-golf course, and more.
To get up close to the cascade, take the Black Creek Trail along the gorge. It leads down to the waterfront where you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
10 of the Best Spring Road Trips in the USA This Year
Looking for fun spring road trip ideas? These bucket list road trips in the U.S. highlight coastal breezes in the Northeast, warm desert landscapes in the West, and blossoming trees in historic Southern towns. Some trips will fill a whole week of spring vacation with national parks and city breaks along the way, while others are short drives with time to relax at your final destination. Use the map and guide to find a road trip near you!
These spring road trips in the USA stretch from coast to coast and cross mountains, deserts, small towns, and more!
Looking for fun spring road trip ideas? These bucket list road trips in the United States highlight coastal breezes in the Northeast, warm desert landscapes in the West, and blossoming trees in historic Southern towns.
Some trips will fill a whole week of spring vacation with national parks, outdoorsy adventures or city breaks along the way, while others are short drives with time to relax at your final destination.
Use the map below to find a road trip near you for this spring or pin these ideas for future travel inspiration!
Catskill Mountains Road Trip
By Neha of Travel Melodies
Late spring is a wonderful time for road trips in the Northeast when winter starts to shed and the weather turns pleasant. Driving from Philadelphia to the Catskill Mountains in New York only takes around four hours, but the route is worth exploring over a span of four to five days.
There are fun places to stop along the way, like Bear Mountain State Park on the west bank of the Hudson River. Follow Perkins Memorial Drive here for gorgeous views of the rugged mountains and the lake. If you are an avid hiker, the trail to Perkins Memorial Tower is also a great option.
As you continue north to the Catskills, green mountains and blooming flowers welcome you with open arms.
The area is perfect for relaxed scenic drives or adventurous activities like mountain biking, ziplining and hiking at Hunter Mountain. There are many trails from easy to difficult for families or seasoned hikers. Kaaterskill Falls trail is an easy path to a 260-foot-tall tiered waterfall.
California Coast to Desert Road Trip
By Ale of Sea Salt and Fog
There’s no better way to enjoy spring than with sunshine, ocean breezes and beautiful wildflower displays. A road trip through Southern California and the Arizona desert will give you the best of all three and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Beginning in sunny Los Angeles, spend a day exploring the beaches on the west side — Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu are all iconic. Must-sees in this part of town include the Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Canals and the Getty Villa.
In LA proper, stop at the Original Farmers Market for an outdoor lunch and shopping. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a must-visit.
The next stop is Palm Springs, where the vibe is mid-century modern all around. You’ll find plenty of shopping and casinos in town, but nothing beats just hanging out next to a pool in the desert.
After Palm Springs, hit the road for about an hour until you reach Joshua Tree National Park. With just one day in Joshua Tree, you can see the Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock and Skull Rock. Wildflowers start to bloom in the desert in March or April, so look out for those.
Leaving Joshua Tree, you’ll drive through the desert until you reach Tucson, Arizona. Your final stop is Saguaro National Park, where a stunning collection of Saguaro cacti line the mountains and usually begin flowering at the end of April.
Denver to the Rocky Mountains Road Trip
By Meg of Fox in the Forest
In the mood for awe-inspiring mountain vistas, unbelievable wildlife sightings and epic hiking trails? This road trip will take you straight into the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and some of the best nature experiences in the USA. As snow melts and temperatures rise, spring is a wonderful time to visit for those who love the outdoors just as much as they enjoy mild temperatures, scant crowds and clear mountain views.
From Denver, stop in the college town of Boulder for art galleries, cafes and museums. Day hikes here in the foothills are great to preview for what’s to come.
Head west from Boulder on Boulder Canyon Drive to take the Peak to Peak Highway to Rocky Mountain National Park for some of the most accessible mountain views in Colorado. Along the way, the Indian Peaks Wilderness area has impressive scenery and iconic mountain vistas without hoards of tourists.
Eventually, you’ll run into Estes Park, a quaint Rocky Mountain gateway town near three access points to the national park. Some of the best hikes in Estes Park include the trails to Dream Lake and Alberta Falls.
This Colorado to Utah road trip includes national parks, mountains and canyons
Southern Capitals Road Trip
By Julia of The Cure for Curiosity
Take full advantage of the cool weather and blooming trees and flowers of spring with a southeastern road trip from Raleigh to New Orleans. This 950-mile drive offers something for everyone, taking you through stunning natural areas and beaches, four state capitals, and some of the most historically significant sites from the Civil Rights Movement, before ending in New Orleans.
Start your trip in Raleigh, the City of Oaks and the heart of North Carolina. Proceed down to Congaree National Park, a lesser-known national park that sits right outside Columbia, South Carolina, another state capital worth a visit.
From Columbia, continue southwest through the charming city of Augusta, Georgia, and into Atlanta, the capital of the state. You’ll find endless tourist activities here from the World of Coca-Cola to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Next up is Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. The city played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, so brush up on your history at the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Continue south through the port city of Mobile before moving on to Biloxi, Mississippi, to visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore and try your hand at gambling. From there, it’s just 90 miles into New Orleans, home of live jazz and the infamous Bourbon Street.
If you’re circling back to the start, you could hit another Southern capital by diverting south to Tallahassee, Florida, or north to Nashville, Tennessee.
Florida Keys Road Trip
By Megan and Aram of Megan & Aram
The drive from Miami to Key West, Florida, is perfect in spring since it is the tail end of the dry season with warm temperatures. This stretch of highway offers a remarkable number of things to do, allowing a three-hour road trip to take three days or more.
Just outside Miami, consider a detour to Everglades National Park, a must if you're a nature lover or traveling with kids.
From there, venture down to Key Largo and the Upper Keys on the north end of the archipelago. Here you will find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. You can stay overnight in Key Largo or continue on to Islamorada, a collection of islands including Indian Key Historic State Park.
Drive further south over the famous Seven Mile Bridge to reach Bahia Honda State Park, one of the gems of the Keys. This island is protected and a fantastic place to snorkel or enjoy family beach time.
At the end of the road, you will arrive in Key West with its sandy beaches and buzzing Duval Street. From here you can also take a day trip by boat to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Key West is in one of its high seasons during spring, so opt for accommodation in the Middle Keys if you struggle to find it in the Lower Keys.
Southwest National Parks Road Trip
By McKenna of One More Step Travels
Las Vegas is an ideal starting point for tons of spring adventures in the Southwest, but some of the best places to road trip from the city are in southern Utah and northern Arizona. In spring, this part of the U.S. has mild weather with sunny skies, perfect for spending time outdoors in the desert.
It’s a great vacation for adventurous travelers of all ages — from families with young kids to college students on a school break.
Start your Arizona and Utah road trip by driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, where you can tackle famous hikes like the Narrows, Angel’s Landing and Canyon Overlook Trail, or stick to easier paths like the Riverside Walk or the Emerald Pools.
Spend the next several days exploring the natural attractions around Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s paradise during prime midday lighting and Horseshoe Bend offers dramatic views of the Colorado River wrapping around canyons. Lake Powell is the perfect place to soak in the sun and have fun on the water.
The last leg of the trip is to the marvelous Grand Canyon National Park. Dozens of scenic points along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
You can wrap up the trip back on the Las Vegas Strip, where giant hotels offer casinos, buffets, pools and activities.
California’s Big Sur Road Trip
By Dhara of Roadtripping California
California’s Big Sur is at its most beautiful in the spring, when the hills are bright green and wildflowers carpet the rugged slopes, making it the perfect time for a Big Sur road trip.
One of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet, Big Sur features waterfalls, scenic overlooks, state parks and a historic lighthouse. Daytime temperatures in the spring are pleasant, and while you may run into occasional coastal fog or mist, it often disperses by noon.
Starting in San Francisco, take California’s Highway 1 down the coast to Big Sur. Along the way, you can admire the beaches of Half Moon Bay, check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, explore quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, and go whale-watching in Monterey.
In Big Sur, hike the trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, snap photos of beautiful Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls, stop for a relaxing spa treatment at the Esalen Institute, and have a meal at the upscale Sierra Mar Restaurant in the Post Ranch Inn.
This California road trip works as a romantic getaway for couples or as a fun trip for outdoor-loving families or groups of friends.
(Editor’s Note: Always check the status of Highway 1 near Big Sur before planning a road trip through here because hazardous conditions cause frequent and lengthy closures.)
North Atlantic Coast Road Trip
By Nicole of The Abroad Blog
Coastal New England is the perfect region for a road trip in late spring because of its crisp weather and blooming flowers. This route is ideal for anyone into quaint small town stays and scenic ocean drives.
Begin your trip by visiting Newport, Rhode Island, a charming seaside town with a downtown shopping district and historic mansion tours at The Breakers and The Elms.
Next, drive about 80 miles north, passing through Providence and stop in Boston, Massachusetts. The largest city in New England and one of the oldest in the U.S., Boston is a can’t-miss destination for Italian food in the North End, shopping in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and a quick history lesson near the Boston Common in Beacon Hill.
About an hour north, stop in Portsmouth, the crown jewel of New Hampshire’s Seacoast, before ending your trip in Portland, Maine. Be sure to try some fresh Maine lobster and visit the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Southeastern Coast to Mountain Road Trip
By Brittany of Travel by Brit
A Southeast road trip through Charleston, Savannah and Asheville is the ideal spring vacation for gorgeous scenery, excellent food, historic cities and beautiful weather in the 60s and 70s.
Approaching from the south, your first stop will be in the quaint, historic city of Savannah, Georgia. In spring, the beautiful azaleas and trees are in full bloom. Some of the best things to do in Savannah include ghost tours, strolling through Forsyth Park or along River Street, and shopping at the open-air City Market.
Charleston is the next destination, a little over 100 miles northeast on the coast of South Carolina. You can relax on the beach here at spots like Kiawah Island or hop around to Rainbow Row with its pastel houses, the Pineapple Fountain and The Battery promenade on the waterfront, and the Charleston Tea Garden just outside town.
Conclude your road trip in Asheville, North Carolina, about a four-hour drive into the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few top things to do here include hiking to the Craggy Pinnacle overlook, visiting the Biltmore Estate and exploring Asheville’s breweries.
Virginia’s Eastern Shore Road Trip
By Megan and Aram of Virginia Travel Tips
One of the best short road trips to take in spring is between Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This jut of land is connected to Virginia Beach by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17-mile engineering marvel that is one of just a few bridge-tunnels in the world. Virginia Beach is the most populous Virginia city and entering the Eastern Shore will transplant you to a different world.
The first stop after crossing the bridge is Cape Charles, a small community with bay beaches and beautiful buildings in a walkable downtown historic district. Toward the end of spring, as the water warms up and the sun is out and shining, families flock to the coast here for swimming, kayaking and bike riding.
From Cape Charles, make your way toward Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore across the state line in Maryland. The Chincoteague area is known for its salt marshes, historic homes, red and white Assateague Lighthouse, and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.
Wild ponies roam the islands here freely and in summer, an annual Pony Swim festival draws crowds. Spring is a great option to avoid the busy season.
