An urban scenic drive in Alabama with great views, historic sites, and significant landmarks, the 12-mile Black Warrior River Scenic Byway appeals to many interests in a short time. The byway creates a loop around a section of the river that flows between Tuscaloosa and Northport, so there's more to see and do in the surrounding area. It's also super easy to connect to the byway. Taking exits 71 or 73 from Interstate 59/20 will lead you to it, as will US Highways 43, 69 and 82.

While the byway runs along both sides of the Black Warrior River, it's more than a scenic drive with river views. You'll want to make frequent stops along the way to see historic markers, parks, and trails, plus remarkable ruins such as those of the Alabama State Capitol from 1826 to 1847.

In fact, the capitol ruins and Old Tavern Museum at Old Capitol Park are an excellent place to start your byway journey. The park is located at the intersection of University Boulevard and Nicks Kids Avenue.

From Capitol Park, turn left onto Nicks Kids Avenue and go north to Jack Warner Parkway, where you'll see the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, which opened in 2011. With seating for about 7,500 people, the venue is a hot spot for concerts and other big events. At the amphitheater, turn right onto Jack Warner for the southern part of the byway loop.

Driving east, you'll be moving almost parallel to the Tuscaloosa River Walk for pedestrians and cyclists. Soon you will come to Queen City Park, home to the Tuscaloosa Public Library as well as the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum. The museum is housed at the site of the historic Queen City Pool and Bathhouse complex, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Outside you can see ruins of the massive Olympic-sized pool and surrounding structures, a cherished place for generations of residents from 1943 to 1989. Inside the preserved bathhouse, exhibits show the importance of the river and transportation to the community's existence and economic prosperity. Don Buel Schuyler, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the bathhouse and pool, which were part of a Works Project Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression.

The byway extends further west to another popular park, The Park at Manderson Landing, home to the University of Alabama Rowing. For reference, the heart of the university campus is just to the south of you at this point. There is the option to continue westward into less-developed riverfront areas, but until there's more to see there, I recommend hopping on McFarland and crossing the river north not far beyond Manderson Landing.

There, you'll find the Randall Family Park & Trailhead, a new community park with a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that extends the city's multi-use trail system to the northern side of the river and city. The park also has a playground, pavilion, and whimsical public art, including "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs" by Birmingham Sculpture.

From the park, east to continue the north side of the loop, which will eventually lead you back to Lurleen B. Wallace Boulevard. There, a stop at Kentuck Art Center is a must-do. You can then stick around on the north side of the river and explore historic downtown Northport, or cruise back across the bridge to find yourself near the amphitheater once more. If you're up for a walk, you can do the short east loop of the Tuscaloosa River Walk.

The loop encircles the stadium property and also affords more riverfront views, including a closer look at the community's iconic Gulf, Mobile & Ohio railroad trestle originally constructed in 1898.

These are just a few of the recommended sights and stops along the Black Warrior Scenic Byway. Another nearby trail worth checking out on the north side of the byway is the Richard L. Platt Memorial Trail Levee Trail in Northport. Some of the state's most popular attractions are also within less than 15 miles, including Moundville Archaeological Park, Lake Lurleen State Park, and the Sipsey River Swamp.

Let us know if you've taken this scenic drive or how it goes if you give it a try soon. We'd love to hear all about your experience!