Alabama

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

Escape To Moss Rock Preserve For A Beautiful Alabama Nature Scene

Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover, Alabama, offers beautiful natural scenery, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities.

Published Feb 26, 2021

Written by 

Jennifer Young

There's no denying that Alabama is filled with lots of beautiful natural scenery. One place in particular where you'll find this and so much more is Moss Rock Preserve. For information about Moss Rock Preserve, including why it's the perfect place to escape to whenever you wish to be surrounded by nature, take a look below.

Moss Rock Preserve is located in Hoover, Alabama. It's one of the Yellowhammer State's most scenic outdoor attractions.

alt
google/Srinidhi Raghavendra

Covering approximately 350 acres, this beautiful preserve is a great spot for anyone who enjoys being surrounded by nature.

advertisement
alt
tripadvisor/ThisIsSerious

If you're a hiking enthusiast, you're in luck because there are around 12 miles of trails meandering through the preserve. While exploring these trails, you'll encounter a variety of things such as footbridges,...

alt
google/Bill Tiemann

...beautiful waterfalls, and...

alt
google/Will Denton

...an array of colorful wildflowers, some of which are quite rare.

alt
google/David R.

A popular feature of Alabama's Moss Rock Preserve is its Boulder Field. This is a group of boulders of all shapes and sizes. Some are even large enough for rock climbing.

alt
google/iamTHATGUY uknow

The next time you're wanting to escape to a place where you'll be surrounded by lots of beautiful natural scenery, consider a visit to Moss Rock Preserve. You'll love it!

advertisement
alt
google/Jonathan Edwards

For additional information about Alabama's Moss Rock Preserve, you can view its webpage here.

Have you ever explored Alabama's Moss Rock Preserve? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below.

Another place in Alabama that's filled with lots of beautiful natural scenery is Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. For photos and information about this preserve, be sure to take a look at the following article: 10 Insanely Beautiful Photos Of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve In Alabama That Will Make You Want To Visit.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

There’s A Group Of Cliffs In Alabama That Looks Just Like England’s White Cliffs Of Dover, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

The White Cliffs of Epes in Alabama, made from Selma chalk and resembling the White Cliffs of Dover, are a must-see natural wonder.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Alabama is home to many natural wonders, both natural and man-made. But what you may not realize is that our state's claims to fame include several spots that resemble other natural wonders around the state, country, and even the world. One look-alike natural wonder in Alabama that's a definite must-see is the White Cliffs of Epes in the town of Epes. This unique geological wonder in Alabama is a special spot that towers above the rest of the landscape and has a unique, ancient makeup. Check it out:

advertisement

Alabama's White Cliffs of Epes stretch along the banks of the Tombigbee River in the tiny town of Epes.

A metal bridge spans a river, with white cliffs and lush greenery under a cloudy sky.
The Rampant Lion Photography/GoogleReviews

Made from layers of Selma chalk, this group of cliffs is around one mile long.

As the years have passed, this natural wonder has become more and more exposed due to the rushing waters of the Tombigbee River.

A river flows beneath two bridges, surrounded by white cliffs and green trees under a clear sky.
Sam Smith/GoogleReviews

What makes the White Cliffs of Epes unique is the fact that they resemble the White Cliffs of Dover in England (pictured). In fact, the cliffs at both sites were deposited around the same time, which is estimated to be around 70 million years ago.

Cliffs rise above calm waters under a cloudy sky, with a lighthouse visible in the distance at sunset.
Gabriel Mello/Getty

The White Cliffs of Epes currently stand more than 80 feet above the river water, so you can't miss it!

A scenic view of a river with white cliffs and a metal bridge under a clear blue sky, reflecting in the water.
Billy Barnes/GoogleReviews

The next time you're passing through the tiny town of Epes, consider going to see the White Cliffs. Whether you admire it from above, or enjoy the view from a boat below the cliffs, after seeing it for the very first time, you'll understand why it's considered to be one of Alabama's most incredible natural wonders.

A serene river flows between lush green banks under a partly cloudy sky, with rocky cliffs on one side.
Sam Smith/GoogleReviews

Keep in mind that there is a nominal admission fee to visit this natural area, but the views are absolutely worth it! These cliffs form an incredible backdrop for your year-round adventures.

advertisement

Have you ever seen Alabama's White Cliffs of Epes up close and in person? If so, do you have any tips on how to make the most of a visit here? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

As if you needed any more reason to road trip around Alabama, we've rounded up some of our favorite natural wonders. And if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to add to the mix, hop in a boat and explore the Orange Islands!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/lookalike-attraction-outing-al/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The One Place In Alabama That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Dismals Canyon in Alabama offers enchanting landscapes reminiscent of Tolkien's Middle Earth, featuring unique glow worms and stunning natural beauty.

Updated Jun 4, 2024

Written by 

Jennifer Young

When most people think of Alabama, they don't often picture the dramatic, heavenly vistas found in J.R.R Tolkien's Rivendell or the peaceful, rolling landscapes of The Shire. If you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy (books versus movies is a whole different debate), you're about to become a fan of one of the most beautiful and magical places in The Cotton State: Dismals Canyon. Dismals Canyon in Alabama is reminiscent of Tolkien's "Middle Earth," and it'll give you an up-close look at Alabama's enchanting side. One thing is for sure: as one of the most beautiful places in the entire state, you'll want to bring your camera with you as you embark on this spectacular outdoor adventure!

advertisement

Dismals Canyon, located in Northwest Alabama in Phil Campbell, is a beautiful 85-acre natural conservatory that attracts both locals and visitors. In 1975, it became a National Natural Landmark.

Sign for Dismals Canyon, featuring flags and surrounded by a stone wall and greenery.
Mayur Patel/GoogleReviews

Alabama doesn't get nearly enough credit for its natural wonders, but this place is magical in every sense of the word.

A serene forest scene with moss-covered rocks, trees, and a small stream flowing through a peaceful pathway.
Barbara Olsen Smith/GoogleReviews

One of the most unique characteristics of Dismals Canyon in Alabama is that it's one of the few places where insects called dismalites (glow worms) can be found in Alabama - or in the world, for that matter.

alt
Emma M/TripAdvisor

From moss-covered boulders to beautiful, cascading waterfalls, Dismals Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Alabama, and you'll definitely want to visit if you haven't already.

A serene forest scene featuring a small stream flowing between moss-covered rocks, leading to a waterfall in the background.
Dismals Canyon/Facebook

There's no denying that Dismals Canyon looks like something from another world, and not from Franklin County, Alabama.

A serene waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and a sandy riverbank.
BamaGal83/TripAdvisor

The trails that meander through Dismals Canyon will lead you to some unforgettable places.

Lush green forest with moss-covered boulders and tall trees under bright sunlight.
Dianne/GoogleReviews

The caves are so huge that they'll make you feel absolutely miniscule.

advertisement
A wooden staircase winds through a narrow, moss-covered canyon with sunlight filtering through the trees above.
Will Martin/GoogleReviews

Dismals Canyon has several bridges, both natural and man-made, that'll help lead you through the area.

A wooden bridge spans a rocky creek, surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks in a serene forest setting.
TXtravler/GoogleReviews

Nothing compares to the natural beauty of Dismals Canyon, in our opinion!

Lush green forest with rocky terrain and a small stream, surrounded by ferns and trees. A wooden bridge is visible in the distance.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Don't forget to add this fascinating natural wonder to your bucket list. After all, everyone should have the chance to experience Alabama's own "Middle Earth!"

Two hikers explore a lush, green forest with a waterfall cascading down a mossy rock face.
Dismals Canyon/Facebook

For more information about trails, hours, facilities, and guidelines, be sure to visit the Dismals Canyon website.

Have you ever experienced Dismals Canyon in Alabama? Tell us about your best memories, tips, and sights!

Our state is filled with many magical places, and this scenic area is just one of many. Be sure to read more about Alabama's hidden gems, or take a road trip to some of our favorites. In fact, why not take a few road trips, while you're at it? (You'll want to enjoy the FULL breadth of Alabama's scenery, after all.)

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/scenic-byways-al/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Illinois’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 13
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Louisiana is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Nov 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Northern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Southern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 13
alt