2025's Most Underrated Towns In Alabama

In the far-flung corners of every state exist settlements that few people ever hear about, let alone visit. Yet just because they are off the beaten path does not mean they should be skipped. In fact, the opposite is true—especially in Alabama. Given that few Alabama cities are well-known, the state is stuffed with overlooked communities begging to be discovered in 2025. From a seafood haven in the north to a blueberry hub in the south, these Alabama locales should be chewed on ASAP.

Rogersville

Be jolly in Rogersville, an underrated piece of paradise in northwestern Alabama. Straddling the scenic Tennessee River, this 1,300ish-person town is known, aside from being a speed trap, as the gateway to Joe Wheeler State Park. Hiking, biking, and/or boating the 2,550-acre resort park is certainly advisable, but tourists should not neglect Rogersville proper. Lining its streets are an array of highly rated shops and eateries ranging from Collectors' World Alabama to Julia’s Grill Mexican Restaurant to Fat Cat's Seafood Restaurant. Though far from the sea, Rogersville is a seafood hub. It even offers Maine-style lobster rolls courtesy of the Taste of Maine Lobster Shack & Food Truck. You might be tempted to speed into town for one of those rolls, but stick to the limit and help change Rogersville's reputation.

Brewton

Once a revered small town in not just Alabama but the entire US, Brewton has fallen off the radar lately. But do not mistake falling off the radar for falling off in quality. Brewton's second life as a hidden gem has preserved the charm of businesses like Camp 31 BBQ, David's Catfish House, and Drexell & Honeybee's Donations Only Restaurant. True to its name, the last of those feeds the hungry on a donations system. Another Brewton attraction that feeds the hungry is the Alabama Blueberry Festival, which serves everything from blueberry ice cream to blueberry cobbler to blueberries themselves. You can walk off your blueberry belly in the nearby Conecuh National Forest or the Blackwater River State Forest right across the border in Florida's Panhandle.

Springville

Springville is an underrated city that might not be underrated for much longer. Since 2000, Springville's population has roughly doubled. Now about 5,000 people are intimately acquainted with the city's virtues, which include delectable restaurants, quaint shops, vintage architecture, and unique festivals. Become number 5,001 by visiting, as soon as possible, the Main Street Italian Bistro, the Springville Antique Mall, the wider Springville Historic District, and the Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival. If you wait a year, you might be number 7,001. Birminghamians are overfilling their bedroom community.

Wedowee

A hidden gem town that is in little danger of mass discovery, Wedowee's population has stayed around 800 for several decades. Sure, it is a gateway to Flat Rock Park on Lake Wedowee, which annually attracts thousands of tourists, but few plant roots in town. You can be an exception. Wedowee's in-town wonders include the Hacienda San Antonio Mexican Restaurant, Miss Amber's Cafe, Nelson's Wings & Things, and the Lake Wedowee Winery and Brewery. Relocate before Memorial Day Weekend to see all those attractions plus the Frog Level Music Festival, which is a "Southern & classic rock extravaganza" seasoned with food, crafts, vintage cars, kids' activities, and a 5K run. Wedowee waiting for?

Evergreen

Located north of Brewton and thus near the Conecuh National Forest, Evergreen is no misnomer. Verdant foliage flanks this super-small city, keeping it secretive and strange in the best of ways. Evergreen and wider Conecuh County have two official designations: "Bigfoot Capital of Alabama," which was unanimously passed by city council in 2017, and "Collard Green Capital of Alabama," which was recognized by state legislature in 1998. Celebrate the former by searching for Squatches in the surrounding wilderness and get a taste of the latter by attending the Evergreen Collard Green Festival that runs in March. Since 2025's edition has passed, visit first in October for the Conecuh County Sausage Festival, whose food offerings are arguably better than the Collard Green Festival's. That is one sausage fest you do not want to miss.

Ashland

Get high in Ashland, Alabama's highest-elevated county seat. Thankfully, if you visit, you only have to share oxygen with 1,984 residents per the 2020 Census. O2 thus conserved, you can penetrate the neighboring Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park to reach the highest point in Alabama: Cheaha Mountain. It stands 2,407 feet above sea level. After your breathtaking hike, rest and refuel back in Ashland at The Coffee Bean, Blue & White Restaurant, and/or the Clay County Courthouse, which is considered the highest-elevated AL government building of its kind.

Montevallo

You might think it impossible for a college town to fly under the radar, but Montevallo fits that description—for better and for worse. For better, flying under the radar protects the charm that makes a college town desirable in the first place. For worse, it prevents others from brightening their lives with said charm. Besides the University of Montevallo, a stunning liberal arts college whose enrollment equals more than one-third of Montevallo's population, the town's gems include tree carvings at Orr Park and sweet treats at C's Cake & Coffee House. Maore gems can be found on the outskirts, especially in the 3,700ish-acre Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. Get there fast because even though the Montevallo area is underrated, it is growing.

Dadeville

Another gateway to a much more famous preserve, Dadeville neighbors Lake Martin, a 40,000ish-acre reservoir awash with activities and amenities. One does not need to leave Lake Martin's banks for hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, sightseeing, shopping, dining, and even sleeping. But one should branch out just to explore Dadeville. Filling this small city are picturesque buildings like the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, scrumptious eateries like The Camellia Cafe, and eclectic shops like Ellaby Boutique. If willing to branch out a little more, head north to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, which protects the final battleground of the Creek War.

Much of Alabama is underrated, but some towns are so underrated that they rarely get mentioned in lists like these. Yet locals and wise tourists know the virtues of Rogersville, Brewton, Springville, Wedowee, Evergreen, Ashland, Montevallo, and Dadeville. We hope you can discover what they have discovered in Alabama's far-flung destinations. Everything from lobster rolls to unique festivals to outdoor activities to general fun and adventure await.