Dismals Canyon, Alabama
I love that I still find new and amazing places to visit in my home state even after twenty-five years. I visited another secret oasis this past Saturday. Forty minutes South of downtown Tuscumbia in Northwest Alabama, a National natural landmark known as Dismals Canyon lies hidden away. The sunny, Spring-like day was a perfect setting for an afternoon of exploration.
Just a short walk from the entrance takes you to Rainbow falls where you then descend to the bottom of the canyon. The waterfall pours into a small creek that meanders the length of the canyon. A trail near the creek takes you 3/4 of a mile to where the rock walls of the canyon disappear and the land levels out. The trail is short but there are many side trails you can explore and rocks to climb. Once summer comes around the rocks are covered in a brilliant emerald green moss, so I am told.
Even though it was a warm 75 degree day, the high canyon walls offered shade and cool breezes. The creek looked inviting but could not tempt me this time. I was mostly focused on sliding between tall narrow rock walls and finding secret hideouts.
We had such a good time exploring this secret sanctuary and I look forward to going back. Next time I would like to go on a night tour to view thousands of "dismalites" or glowworms. These insects are only found in a few places on Earth. Dismals Canyon will also be featured in The Discovery Channel's North America Series premiering this year. An interesting side note is that the same cinematographer who films out at Hallo Bay Bear Camp and who I stayed with in Bristol, England, filmed at Dismals for the Discovery Channel series. Small world!
I'm looking forward to exploring more of the natural wonders of Alabama!
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| High Canyon Walls |
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| Narrow passageways |
Just a short walk from the entrance takes you to Rainbow falls where you then descend to the bottom of the canyon. The waterfall pours into a small creek that meanders the length of the canyon. A trail near the creek takes you 3/4 of a mile to where the rock walls of the canyon disappear and the land levels out. The trail is short but there are many side trails you can explore and rocks to climb. Once summer comes around the rocks are covered in a brilliant emerald green moss, so I am told.
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| Rock Climbing |
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| Root Climbing |
Even though it was a warm 75 degree day, the high canyon walls offered shade and cool breezes. The creek looked inviting but could not tempt me this time. I was mostly focused on sliding between tall narrow rock walls and finding secret hideouts.
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| Brentwood and I enjoying the natural beauty of Dismals |
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| Swinging bridge |
I'm looking forward to exploring more of the natural wonders of Alabama!