6 Darling Small Towns In Alabama
Affectionately called "Sweet Home Alabama," the beauty of this southern state is truly unmatched, especially in the autumn months. With mild weather and vibrant foliage attracting visitors by the thousands, September marks the beginning of change, when the once-crowded lakes give way to peaceful shores and forests beckon hikers to enjoy the colors of the season. As we bid farewell to the passionate heat of an Alabama summer, these 6 darling towns and their spirited cultures, landscapes, and locals are excited to celebrate this season of change with all who pass through.
Fort Payne
As summer gives way to autumn in the upcoming months, Fort Payne emerges as the perfect town to embrace the changing seasons. With cooler temperatures and the promise of fall’s vibrant hues, this charming northeastern Alabama town offers a delightful escape. DeSoto State Park, a beloved local spot, beckons visitors with fall foliage starting in late September. This is when visitors can expect to see the first bouts of orange maples, red dogwoods, and radiant golden hickory trees transforming from their usual green.
With over 30 miles of hiking trails across 3,502 acres, this Lookout Mountain park is undoubtedly one of Alabama’s best places to see the leaves change. But perhaps even greater is the nearby Little River Canyon National Preserve. Described as having “the best fall foliage trail in Alabama,” the park boasts some truly spectacular vistas from the famed 1.4-mile Little River Canyon path. Visitors can also drive the 11-mile scenic trail for breathtaking overlooks or lace up their best hiking shoes to take on the park’s landmarks. The Little Falls Trail is a crowd-favorite, guiding visitors to the magnificent 45-foot-deep Little River Falls.
Tuscumbia
For a more laid-back waterfall view, picturesqueTuscumbia is home to a charming alternative. Visitors can ditch the hiking shoes for a visit to Spring Park, a tranquil green space known for its famous attraction: the largest man-made natural stone waterfall in the world. The cascade, also called Coldwater Falls, is a 42-foot tall, 80-foot wide showstopper. Whether standing atop the limestone boulders surrounding the falls or picnicking near its waters for the ultimate backdrop, this man-made wonder is well worth the visit.
As for those who prefer a more active outdoor adventure, the nearby Tennessee River and 700-acre Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve boast their own gorgeous scenes. Rentals with Singing River Kayaking allow for hours of fun on the water, while hiking enthusiasts can bask in the reserve’s 15 miles of trails, whose forests will brighten with the colors of fall in the upcoming months.
Guntersville
Nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River, Lake Guntersville State Park is one of the state's top-visited destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Sharing its name with the park and the town it resides in, Lake Guntersville may be popular, but its vast size means there is plenty of space to go around. Covering more than 65,000 acres, the reservoir is the largest in all of Alabama, and one of the prettiest in the country.
Along with world-class fishing, lakefront trails, and tons of water recreation, the state park is home to an 18-hole championship golf course, a beach complex, a Screaming Eagle Zipline, and a nature center. In addition to educational displays about the area’s local flora and fauna, the center offers countless nature programs like guided nature hikes and Eagle Awareness weekends to inform about the park’s thriving bald eagle population.
Dauphin Island
If you love sunsets and beaches but hate the sweltering heat of summertime, you may just want to make your way to Dauphin Island in the upcoming months. As early as September, temperatures begin to fall to an average of 78°F, while October falls to a comfortable 71°F. With this mellow autumn weather, the Dauphin Island Public Beach is less crowded and lovely for beach strolls (feel free to bring your four-legged friends to this pet-friendly shore) and sunsets can be enjoyed earlier.
With sparser crowds, the upcoming months are also a great time to take advantage of this barrier island’s other attractions. The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a great activity for the whole family, along with the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Voted "America's Birdiest City” 3 years in a row thanks to this Dauphin Island attraction, the sanctuary boasts 164 acres with miles of gorgeous walking trails across forests and Gulf shores. The 1,000-foot boardwalk is the cherry-on-top, granting incredible views of the area’s birds and nesting areas.
Eufaula
Making our way to southeastern Alabama, Eufaula is another memorable town whose setting along the Chattahoochee River makes for gorgeous scenes as the seasons change. River views and wildlife spotting can be enjoyed at places like the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, an expansive 11,000-acre haven. Home to nearly 300 species of birds and a range of other wildlife, the refuge is heaven-on-earth for animals and animal lovers alike.
Elsewhere in Eufaula, Lakepoint State Park is an even more popular local attraction, especially when the leaves change. Nested on the banks of 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula, this “Bass Capital of the World” has a marina, 4 hiking trails, and cabins for those looking to enjoy Eufaula’s tranquil surroundings a bit longer. Keep in mind, if you have your eyes set on a trip to this cozy town, the 2-day EufaulaFest is a great event to mark your calendars for. Taking place October 12th and 13th, 2024, this vibrant art festival promises vendors, food, and endless fun for the whole family.
Oxford
Finally, for those craving a fusion of artistic and natural beauty, give the darling town of Oxford a try. Whether enjoying a Broadway show at the Oxford Performing Arts Center or exploring world-class exhibits at the Martin-Lett Gallery of Art, the town's artistic atmosphere is an exciting escape from the stresses of everyday life. Adding to the fun, this charming town will host its annual Oxfordfest arts and crafts festival on the first Saturday of October 2024, inviting people of all ages to “Embrace the Spirit of Oxford.”
When it comes to natural beauty, this Alabama town is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, making it the perfect base for outdoor adventures. Just a short drive from town lies Cheaha State Park, Alabama’s oldest state park, situated at the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain range. This legendary region is renowned for its hikes and vistas, so make sure to pack your comfiest shoes. Whether you take the scenic 1-mile Lake Trail or the more challenging 1.4-mile Mountain Laurel Trail, each path rewards you with a truly picture-perfect scene.
Final Thoughts
Though we are still a few weeks away from the vibrant colors of fall, the beauty of these towns is well worth the wait. With that being said, foliage is just the beginning of what these towns have to offer. DeSoto State Park, while stunning in autumn, shines in every season—as do the other parks and preserves on this list. Paired with southern hospitality and exciting indoor attractions, like Dauphin Island’s Alabama Aquarium and Oxford’s world-class theater, there is truly something for everyone in these darling Alabama towns, no matter the season.
