8 Most Scenic Small Towns In Alabama For Nature Lovers

You want a town with charming cafés and inviting restaurants, but you also want scenery that stops you in your tracks. Thankfully, Alabama delivers. With over 132,000 miles of rivers and some of the most biodiverse forests in the nation, Alabama is a natural paradise for those who love rivers, lakes, and forested trails. In places like Mentone, where DeSoto Falls plunges over 100 feet into a rocky gorge, or Magnolia Springs, where mail is still delivered by boat along a scenic river, nature and small-town charm blend effortlessly. Here are the eight most scenic small towns in Alabama for nature lovers.

Mentone

Mentone is a neat, small town that boasts one of the most awesome backdrops in the state: the austere grandeur of Lookout Mountain. The towering landmark, reaching a height of nearly 2,400 feet above sea level, gives the whole area a tint of countryside charm and ambiance. DeSoto State Park, just a hair out of town, often draws nature lovers from every nook of the state. The expansive park, named for the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, is home to the tallest waterfall in Alabama: the 104-foot DeSoto Falls. Beyond the falls, the park spans over 3,500 acres, with a campground so you can spend the night amongst the friendly deer that roam the woods. There is also Brow Park, which provides a panoramic view of the valley below, and DeSoto Falls Trailhead, whose trails lead to the base of the gorgeous waterfall.

Guntersville

The landscape around Guntersville is easily among the most beautiful in “the Heart of Dixie.” Lake Guntersville, Alabama’s largest lake, spans a stunning 69,000 acres and stretches over 75 miles along the Tennessee River, offering a spectacular backdrop for every season. It’s not just big, it’s mesmerizing, especially when mist rises off the water at sunrise or when flocks of migratory birds glide across the lake in winter. The Lake Guntersville State Park, an outdoor wonderland with forested ridges and valleys, offers everything from eagle watching in January to ziplining and horseback riding in the warmer months.

Speaking of color, you’ll want to visit Guntersville in autumn when the whole landscape morphs into a canvas of fiery reds, yellows, and golds. There’s something else that Guntersville offers: the scenic drives along the lake. If you don’t have a car, you can still enjoy walking along the Sunset Drive Trail, a beautiful, paved trail around the lake’s shoreline.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne is associated with the singing band “Alabama,” the group that changed everything about country music. They strung 21 straight number-one singles, a record that will hardly be equaled in any genre. Alabama’s lead singer, Randy Owen, is still fond of Fort Payne and likens it to a Hallmark movie. He is not alone. Fort Payne is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Southern Living ranks it among the South’s most underrated destinations. It provides access to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, which features heart-gripping overlooks into the deepest and most extensive canyon east of the Mississippi River.

Beyond the preserve, one can also drive over to DeSoto State Park, which is known for its famed waterfall. Last but not least for nature lovers is the Little River Falls, a 45-foot water wonder that doubles up as the preserve’s most prominent feature. The secret is to start with a filling burger at Vintage 1889, a long-running establishment that boasts one of the town’s largest beer selections.

Jasper

It is not talked about like diamonds, but Jasper — the gemstone — is known for its earthy beauty and varied patterns. Although Jasper, the town, is not named for the mineral, its unspoilt beauty is hard to downplay. You will enjoy floating on Walker County Lake, a peaceful blue-space gem that is also surrounded by scenic trails to explore. There is also Lewis Smith Lake nearby, a pristine wonder that is bordered by beautiful sandy beaches and a neat lineup of upscale waterfront resorts. Alternatively, grab a thin-crusted pizza at the Pie Factory, a cherished name that occasionally presents live music on weekends. There is also the chance to stretch your muscles at The Eagle Disc Golf Course, a neat, wooded course with lots of trees for shade.

Fairhope

If Fairhope’s oak-lined streets will not blow you away, wait until you stroll down to the pier because you will be instantly smitten. The whole stretch is beautiful and breezy and provides one of the most magical sunsets in the world. Birdwatchers will love spotting pelicans and herons perched near the water’s edge, while those looking for a relaxing moment can simply take in the breeze off Mobile Bay.

Dragonfly Food Bar, loved for their killer tacos, has a nice patio outside where you can enjoy meals with a view. There is Bohemian Park, which has a swimming hole with cool, clear waters, and Rock Creek Golf Club, a swoon-worthy space with firm but well-maintained greens. Nearby, visitors can stroll the Eastern Shore Trail, which runs along the bay and provides peaceful views the whole way through.

Oneonta

Oneonta is a small, quaint town that looks and feels like the last vestige of America. You think it is difficult to pronounce the name? No problem. A large mural greets newcomers with the words, “Welcome to Oneonta. A great place, no matter how you pronounce it!” Oneonta is in Blount County, “the Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama.” It hosts the Covered Bridge Festival, a fun-filled carnival that lights up the town every second Saturday in October. There are also self-guided tours of covered bridges, like the Easley Covered Bridge. This historic landmark is the oldest and shortest of three historic covered bridges still existing in the area.

For some natural exploration, Palisades Park, with its awe-inspiring overlooks, features some of the most beautiful views in the South. You can order some delicious prime ribs at Mio Sogno, one of the best Italian restaurants in the state.

Magnolia Springs

One reason people love Lucerne, Switzerland, is how the Reuss River flows through its medieval Old Town, bathing it in a mist of rustic charm and beauty. Magnolia Springs presents a similar show. Magnolia River runs through the town and makes the whole area feel like a hidden botanical sanctuary. Those interested in heading out onto the water can stop by Bemis Bay Community Dock, a great place for kayaking and fishing.

If you want to explore the land, check out Gulf State Park, which is considered to be the area’s defining attraction. Craving some perfectly cooked ribeye? A quick dash to Jesses will do the trick. Spend the night at the Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway Campground, especially if you want to occasionally enjoy the moon’s soft and soothing smile, expressed through its scintillating glow.

Bayou La Batre

Bayou La Batre may be the “Seafood Capital of Alabama,” but the views around are even more delicious. It is a quaint fishing village surrounded by picturesque estuaries, tidal creeks, and salt marshes that draw both photographers and nature lovers. More importantly, Bayou La Batre reclines along a natural bayou, and the winding waterways create a scene that any painter will want to put on canvas. Boats bob along Portersville Bay as shorebirds glide overhead, making it feel like time has slowed down.

Animal lovers are also in luck thanks to the nearby Grand Bay Savanna Wildlife Management Area. It hosts coastal marshes, forests, and other biomes, providing a habitat for rare species like the yellow rail, a small marsh bird. You can even cross the water to Coffee Island and sip peaceful views of the Mississippi Sound while watching the shrimp boats return for the evening.

The Takeaway

There are times when all you need is a swanky restaurant, a rooftop bar, or an Indie bookstore. Other times, what will calm you down is a dreamy escape into a nice, rustic location where nature steals the show. Think of a shimmering lake where a sunset hits the water and the iridescent glow is reflected on every stone and brick. Think of quiet forest trails, sun-dappled ridges, and pine-speckled forests. Fortunately, Alabama is dotted with towns that fit many of these descriptions. It is Southern charm with a wild side.