Where to see Alabama fall foliage
- Cheré Dastugue Coen
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
With cooler days on the horizon, North Alabama is preparing for a spectacular fall display.
Southerners pull out sweaters and gumbo pots long before the temperatures really drop to signal fall (it's 69 degrees at night here in Georgia and I've got my flannel sorted). But whether we jump the gun or not, and whether it's several weeks or several months, fall is right around the corner. That means places such as northern Alabama will soon be alive with brilliant reds, golds and oranges, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and weekend getaways. So start planning a visit!
Peak time for fall color in North Alabama is anywhere from the second week in October to the first week in November. And the Alabama Tourism Department has designated 2025 the Year of Alabama Trails, a year-long celebration of the state’s diverse and scenic outdoor trails. Naturally, autumn season in North Alabama is an ideal time to experience the beauty of the region, compliments of Mother Nature.
Fort Payne Area
DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve are both gorgeous in October and November. Take a drive along the Canyon Rim Road in Little River Canyon to see the color all through the park. DeSoto State Park has miles of hiking trails to see fall color, and do not miss DeSoto Falls with the fall color as its backdrop.
Centre Area
Cherokee Rock Village, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Terrapin Creek and Yellow Creek Falls will not disappoint for those searching for fall color. Hike to the top of Cherokee Rock Village to see a beautiful view of Weiss Lake and the fall color surrounding it, and the drive along the Canyon Rim Road in Little River Canyon, which also extends into
Cherokee County, is gorgeous in the fall and offers plenty of places to pull over and look out into the Canyon.
Gadsden Area
Noccalula Falls Park is stunning when the leaves change each fall. For the best views of the vibrant colors, take a hike along the Black Creek Trail and enjoy the park’s natural beauty. (And come back for the annual Christmas at the Falls spectacular!)
Oneonta Area
Horton Mill, Easley or Swann covered bridges, Mardis Mills Falls, Palisades Park and Rickwood Caverns State Park are the best places near the Oneonta area to see some amazing fall foliage.
Cullman Area
Ave Maria Grotto, Hurricane Creek Park and Clarkson Covered Bridge are the perfect places in the Cullman area to see fall color.
Double Springs Area
Bankhead National Forest and Natural Bridge Park are the perfect places to see fall color in the Double Springs area. Take a hike in the Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead to see the fall color surrounding some pretty waterfalls. And Natural Bridge Park has a mile-long trail that winds into the park to see the leaves changing.
Hamilton Area
There is nothing prettier than beautiful fall colors reflecting off of the water of the Buttahatchee River near Hamilton.
Phil Campbell Area
Dismals Canyon is known for its unique sandstone gorge and lush vegetation, which transforms with vibrant fall colors during autumn.
Muscle Shoals Area
The large shade trees around Coldwater Falls, the centerpiece of Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia, turn brilliant shades of gold, orange and red, creating a colorful frame for the waterfall and fountain. Then head over to Cane Creek Canyon’s 18 miles of trails to soak in sweeping overlooks in bold shades of orange, yellow and red. Finally, take a leisure drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway to experience even more of autumn’s beauty.
Florence Area
Take a drive along the Natchez Trace too see some beautiful fall color and take a hike on one of Joe Wheeler State Park's hiking trails to see the pretty color throughout the park.
Moulton Area
Take a hike in Bankhead National Forest to see the beauty up close and visit the Oakville Indian Mound and Museum and take a walk around the pond at the center of the park.
Decatur Area
Take a walk or a bike ride on the Point Mallard Park walking and biking trails to see the pretty fall color along the Tennessee River, and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is certainly beautiful when it's glowing with yellow and orange leaves.
Athens Area
Take a walk through the quaint, historic town of Mooresville, or hike along the Richard Martin Rails to Trails Walking Trail to see the fall color near the Athens area.
Huntsville Area
Burritt on the Mountain, Land Trust of North Alabama and Monte Sano State Park are amazing places to see fall color in the Huntsville area. At Burritt on the Mountain, take in the majestic view of Huntsville from atop Monte Sano Mountain. The Land Trust has many trails for leaf peeping, and Monte Sano Mountain is a favorite for people who want to camp or hike or both in the fall.
Guntersville Area
Buck’s Pocket, Cathedral Caverns and Lake Guntersville state parks are gorgeous year-round, but they are exceptionally pretty during the fall.
Scottsboro Area
Russell Cave National Monument and the Walls of Jericho are both places to see gorgeous fall color in the Scottsboro area.
For more information on things to see and do in North Alabama, visit www.northalabama.org or follow the region on social media @visitnorthal.
To view the North Alabama Fall Color Trail, click here.
Weird, Wacky & WIld South is written by travel writer Cheré Dastugue Coen whose favorite time of year is—you guessed it—when temperatures drop and those nasty hurricanes fade away (we hope). She loves autumn's colors, sweaters and cool weather. This is Cheré on a river trail along the Tennessee River outside Florence, Ala.
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