Scenic drive beauty, waterfall splendor and covered bridge nostalgia
NORTH ALABAMA–MAY 2023–North Alabama is known as a year-round destination for a number of reasons. The region, which begins at the Tennessee border, spans the state’s 16 northernmost counties and is dissected by Interstate 65. The diverse landscape and wealth of natural resources bring outdoor enthusiasts including anglers, paddlers, hikers, climbers and more. Its cities have world-wide appeal for those with such diverse interests as space travel and music. Its small towns are classic and its state parks are known as some of the best in the country.
In fall, all this is cast against an amazingly colorful background. Vibrant fall foliage adds color to the region’s scenery and is a favorite time for many visitors. Peak time for the color show in North Alabama can occur from early October through November. There are a number of excellent ways to enjoy the color while taking in some of the region’s best-known treasures.
Alabama has beautiful sections of two of America’s most scenic drives. In the northwest corner of the state, the Natchez Trace Parkway (800-344-0783), a National Scenic Byway and All American Road, has been named one of America’s most beautiful scenic byways and one of America’s best drives. Along the state’s northeast border is Lookout Mountain Parkway (256-845-3957), with its waterfalls, canyons and scenic vistas. Alabama’s portion of each of these multi-state routes are lined with natural wilderness and exceptional views. They offer a perfect entry to all the beauty of North Alabama in the fall.
On North Alabama’s roadways, visitors will find a number of iconic covered bridges, many of which are located in beautifully forested areas. Blount County, which is known as Alabama’s Covered Bridge Capital, is home to three of the state’s 13 covered bridges. Easley (335 Easley Bridge Road, Oneonta Alabama 35121; 205-274-2153), Horton Mill (25 Covered Bridge Circle, Oneonta, Alabama 35121; 205-274-2153) and Swann (1590 Swann Bridge Road, Cleveland, Alabama 35049; 205-274-2153) covered bridges are some of the region’s most picturesque spots to view fall color.
The region is also home to beautiful waterfalls. The Waterfalls of North Alabama trail guide features 27 not-to-miss stops, many of them close enough to each other to be enjoyed in a single day. Travelers can combine visits to the falls with a hike in surrounding natural areas, a photography tour or stops at area wineries.
Lodging options offer a full spectrum of accommodations choices. There is a wide range of rental cabins to fit any need, many with amazing views of the region’s seasonal foliage. And many of North Alabama’s state parks have lodge and cabin accommodations, too.
If you go
Combining a fall foliage tour with a memorable special event or fun farm visit can add to any North Alabama experience. These fall events each feature unique elements of North Alabama’s history and culture and are regional favorites.
Buttahatchee River Fall Fest (225 1st Street SW, Hamilton, Alabama 35570; 205-921-7786) Created to celebrate the history and heritage around the Buttahatchee River, this is a family friendly event offering a day of arts and crafts, music, tractor and car show and kids’ area.
Covered Bridge Festival (110 1st Avenue E., Oneonta, Alabama 35121; 205-274-2153) Blount County holds the title of Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama, with three covered bridges. As a tribute to these symbols of its roots, a one-day festival is held every year in downtown Oneonta. It’s filled with family fun including a quilt show, arts and crafts displays, a rib cook-off, car show, live music, great food and more.
Cullman Oktoberfest (309 1st Avenue NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055; 256-734-9157) This is one of North Alabama’s largest annual events and takes place at Depot Park in downtown Cullman. Typically held the first weekend in October, the fest features a biergarten, an arts and crafts show, live German music, kids’ activities and a bratwurst eating contest.
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention (Athens State University, Athens, Alabama 35611; 256-233-8241) Old-time music lovers of all ages enjoy this “grandaddy” of music festivals each fall. Nearly 200 contestants compete in categories including fiddle and guitar categories, harmonica, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, dulcimer, old-time singing and buck dancing.
Belue Place Pumpkin Patch (700 County Road 513, Lexington, Alabama 35648; 256-366-6277) On the site of the family’s early 1800s farm, the Belues have turned the farm into a pumpkin patch. Other activities on the farm include a petting zoo, hayloft, corn crib, hayride and cow train.
McGee Farm (8211 County Road 7, Florence, Alabama 35633; 256 766-2725) During the month of October, McGee Farm in Florence welcomes thousands of visitors to its pumpkin patch to celebrate the arrival of fall. The public is invited to a fun-filled pumpkin picking experience along with additional on-the-farm fun activities.