Img 2450.Jpg — Noccalula Falls in Gadsden (Audrey Kent / Bama Buzz)

Trust a local to tell you about Alabama’s hidden gems. Our state is the subject of yet another WorldAtlas list featuring picturesque small towns that locals love.

Read on to learn about the eight featured towns and decide for yourself if they are worth the hype.

Eufaula

Eufaula is a WorldAtlas favorite, thanks in part to the picturesque Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, which resides on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

On the banks of Lake Eufaula, visitors and locals enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Lakepoint Resort State Park. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, and bird-watching. Other wildlife encounters may include sightings of American alligators.
WorldAtlas

Eufaula is also the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World” — be sure to stop downtown to say hello to Manny, the 12-foot bass statue, and his marble predecessor, Leroy Brown.

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Wetumpka

Located in the Montgomery metro area, Wetumpka was once one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Today, it is known for its outdoor attractions like the Coosa River and wildlife habitats.

Go on a nature-filled adventure in Wetumpka, Alabama. Located in the central part of Alabama, Wetumpka is the county seat of Elmore County. Wetumpka rests at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The small town was established in 1717 when the French constructed Fort Toulouse, a crucial trading post. In Wetumpka, visitors can explore an impact crater, whitewater rapids, and birding.
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Dauphin Island

05677B9A 4Fae 4Ede A8A9 De0344Cab591 — “Dauphin Island Pier” by faungg’s photos is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Alabama’s beloved barrier island is another regular on travel lists. For birders around the world, Dauphin Island is a must-visit destination due to its bird sanctuaries.

Experience sea life at the Alabama Aquarium, an educational venue that showcases habitats of coastal Alabama. The aquarium educates guests about the marine world in Mobile Bay, which is the fourth-largest estuary system in the US.
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Gadsden

Alabama — Noccalula Falls in Gadsden. (The Bama Buzz)

Gadsden, a.k.a. the “City of Champions,” has several must-see destinations for visitors, but the most beautiful is probably Noccalula Falls. The 500-acre park and campground offers low admission costs — and the opportunity to get in a round of mini golf.

Noccalula Falls Park features a gorgeous, over 90-foot high waterfall that cascades over into the Black Creek ravine. Throughout the park, guests can find walking trails that offer stunning views of rocks and gardens along the way. The park also houses a petting zoo and Pioneer Village.
WorldAtlas

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Tuskegee

Not only is Tuskegee known for its impact on American history and culture — which can be explored at the Tuskegee History Center — but it also is home to the Tuskegee National Forest. The forest is home to gorgeous flora and a great place for hiking, canoeing and mountain biking.

Founded in 1833, Tuskegee’s previous name was a variation of Taskigi, which was a nearby Creek Indian village. Tuskegee offers a diverse mix of activities, including significant historical sites, outdoor adventures, and local theater productions.
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Fort Payne

Desoto State Park + Little River Canyon — Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama (The Bama Buzz)

While in this historic Alabama town, check out the Fort Payne Depot Museum. It was previously a train station up until 1970, but today, it has railroad memorabilia, artifacts and pieces of local history on display.

In Big Wills Valley, between Lookout and Sand Mountains, is Fort Payne, Alabama, a vacation spot rich in history, stunning scenery, and one-of-a-kind antiques. Fort Payne rests in northeast Alabama, southeast of Huntsville, and is the county seat of DeKalb County. The area was known as Wills Town in the 1770s and was renamed Fort Payne for Captain John Payne in 1837.
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Tuscumbia

A695Fc11 A897 407F 9767 785628A1A095 1 105 C E1715355781240 — Downtown Tuscumbia, AL (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

The hometown of Helen Keller has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike. Take a visit to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to learn more about inductees like Big Mama Thornton, Odetta, Chuck Leavell, Martha Reeves, Rick Hall and more.

Discover spectacular scenery, the birthplace of Helen Keller, and an incredibly unique dining spot in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Situated in the Muscle Shoals area on the Tennessee River, Tuscumbia is west of Huntsville and is the county seat of Colbert County. Tuscumbia is located in the northwestern part of the state and was founded in 1817.
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Childersburg

70E59847 65C5 47F7 Acaa 65342E438Ad9 E1722008925762 — “Histoic Childersburg Railroad Underpass” by J. Stephen Conn is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Experience Alabama like never before in Childersburg’s Majestic Caverns, one of the state’s most unique spots to visit. The spot has unique attractions, live entertainment, craft artisan demonstrations and more on top of the famous Big Cave.

Located in the north-central part of the state, Childersburg sits in southwest Talladega County. The small town’s story began in 1836 when settlers arrived in the area. In 1868, a sawmill was built, and thus a timber-producing industry emerged. Some of the best things to do and see in Childersburg include historic caverns, a charming grist mill, and a Victorian museum.
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