Find your passion on the trails of North Alabama
NORTH ALABAMA – February 2022 The northernmost region of Alabama is one of the most diverse areas of the country, offering a surprising variety of things to do, places to see and experiences to enjoy. Interstate 65 dissects the region from north to south, starting just an hour south of Nashville at the Alabama state line, down to Cullman. But it’s the highways, byways, mountain trails and city streets that take visitors into the heart of North Alabama. And from the Shoals to mountains, the shimmering lakes to underground cathedrals, trails have been blazed, pointing the way for avid travelers of all interests.
The myriad of North Alabama trails is a testament to the diversity of the landscape, the depth of the culture and a commitment to savoring the best of the sights, tastes and experiences of the region. Some are for road warriors and some are for food lovers. Some feature beautiful waterfalls, others, historic churches. North Alabama has a trail for every interest and these top five include something for everyone.
Thanks to the flowing waters of the Tennessee River, North Alabama boasts some of the most beautiful waterfalls on either side of the Appalachians. There are 14 waterfalls noted in the Waterfalls of North Alabama trail guide and many are close enough to each other that you can visit several in a day and experience them all in a long weekend. For those who want to take their time and enjoy the surroundings, these stunning falls are surrounded by natural areas for hiking, beautiful spots for photographing and, in some cases, wineries for relaxing.
Can we get an “amen” for this innovative collection? The North Alabama Hallelujah Trail features 32 churches that are at least 100 years old and still hold public services. Whether simple white, wooden-frame structures or grand gothic designs, they combine to tell the story of the region’s spiritual roots. Quiet places of prayer and pillars of communities, homes to exquisite stained glass and humble pulpits, these houses of worship will inspire any visitor.
The North Alabama Wine Trail showcases the surprising variety of wineries throughout the region. The collection of six includes establishments featuring a combination of accessible wines, many made from native muscadines as well as other grapes, both locally grown and carefully sourced.
Those with a passion for trains will not be able to resist exploring the North Alabama Train Depots Trail. While the nine depots highlighted are the stars of the trail, it also guides visitors to museums, train-related events and historic markers, small-scale train rides and more. The first railroad came through the foothills and small towns of the region in 1833 and became a central element in the character of its communities. Today, these depots display the stories of those communities. The Bridgeport Depot Museum & Cultural Center (116 Soulard Square, Bridgeport, Alabama 35740; 256-495-4020) is home to not only railroad memorabilia and area historical records but also Native American and Civil War artifacts. Completed in 1860, the Historic Huntsville Depot (320 Church Street NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-564-8100) is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama and one of the oldest in the United States. Today it is a part of the innovative Early Works Family of Museums (404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville Alabama 35801; 256-564-8100)
The North Alabama Barbecue Trail is a guide to the best of a delicacy this region is known for. This is the perfect setting to explore whether chopped, pulled or sliced is best and whether brisket, ribs or chicken have the most flavor. There are large, well-known favorites such as Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (1715 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-350-6969), founded in 1925. There are also hidden gems like Local Joe’s (4967 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, Alabama 35906; 256-438-5179) a local favorite restaurant and trading post. As many barbecue aficionados know, beer makes a tasty accompaniment to any respectable ’que meal. For that, check out the North Alabama Craft Beer Trail!
From mountains to lakes and city centers to state parks, North Alabama is an unmatched destination, filled with unexpected adventures waiting to be explored. Following the curated trails through the region is an excellent way to find your passion. For personal accounts and recommendations of trail experiences and much more, the Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama podcast is a great place to start.
Lodging options are varied and abundant, from luxury hotels to back-to-nature cabins and complete travel information is available from northalabama.org.