There are many beautiful places to explore in North Alabama and you can find many along the Tennessee-Alabama state line. Next time you’re traveling through North Alabama, make sure to stop in Elkmont to get your fix of an old town with lots of rich history.

Keep reading to see why you should make a stop in Elkmont this summer.

1. Elkmont has many historic buildings

When driving through Elkmont, you may not think there is much to look at but their town is full of old and historic buildings and homes. Elkmont was incorporated in 1873, but the history of the town dates back to the Civil War times. Driving through Elkmont you can see a small, yet historic downtown with many historic homes surrounding the area.

Elkmont is full of history. (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

2. Elkmont has a very rich Civil War history

Although Elkmont was not incorporated as a town until 1873, their history dates back to the Civil War times when a very historic battle took place here. The Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle took place in Elkmont in 1864. The Union soldiers moved into the area in attempt to destroy an important railroad trestle in Elkmont.

Today, hundreds of yards of trenches that were dug outside of the fort remain. The site was added to The National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s.

3. Richard Martin Rails to Trails

The Rails to Trails nature trail is over 10 miles long and stretches from the Tennessee line to Athens, AL. The heart of the trail is located in Elkmont. This trail is the site of what once was a very important railroad corridor but the railroad was removed around the 1980’s when the tracks were abandoned.

Today, the site of the old railroad tracks is a nature trail. While the history still remains, you can now see the beautiful landscaping that once surrounded the railroad.

4. Delicious Southern dishes

Elkmont, AL may not be the best place to go in search of lots of restaurant options but, where they lack in numbers, they make up for in quality. One of the best places to grab a bite in Elkmont is the Ole Gin House BBQ. This restaurant has a menu full of all of the classic southern dishes you could ever want. Here are a few of our favorite items from their menu:

Pulled pork loaded baked potato
BBQ chicken sandwich
Hushpuppies
Fried Catfish
Gravy & biscuits

There are plenty of hidden gems in this small town in North Alabama. Whether you love southern food, history, or walking trails, Elkmont has you covered. Make sure to add this quaint little town to your list of Alabama towns to visit this summer.