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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

There’s No Cave In The World Like This One Hiding In Alabama

Russell Cave in Alabama is a must-visit prehistoric cave with free admission.

Published Oct 11, 2016

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Alabama is home to a countless number of caves. As a matter of fact, it has one of the highest densities of caves in the entire United States. Some were even formed as many as 300 million years ago. Of all the caves here in Alabama, Russell Cave is one you should definitely add to your bucket list.

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flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Russell Cave is located in Jackson County, near the town of Bridgeport. It has a mapped length of 7.2 miles, making it Alabama's third longest mapped cave.

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npplan.com/Steve Markos

According to archaeological records, Russell Cave was occupied for more than 10,000 years. It's also one of the most prehistoric caves in the Southeast. Many artifacts have been discovered inside of Russell Cave, including the remains of mammals, reptiles, birds and humans. Spear and arrow points, charcoal and fragments of pottery have also been discovered.

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tripadvisor/Jason M

In 1961, Russell Cave was named a National Monument. And in 1966, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Russell Cave receives visitors not only from the United States, but from all over the world.

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flickr/Megg

For thousands of years, Native Americans used Russell Cave to escape the north winds during the winter months. The surrounding area provided them with the food, tools and wood they needed for survival.

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flickr/Steve Markos

There's no denying that Russell Cave will bring out the explorer in you with its two hiking trails: the Nature Trail and Hiking Trail. Both of these trails are loop trails that offer a great hike through beautiful wildflowers and the surrounding forest.

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flickr/Steve Markos

Although Russell Cave has become a popular tourist attraction over the years, it continues to be studied so we can have a better understanding of Alabama's prehistoric culture. This prehistoric cave is a great place to check out if you love history.

Have you ever visited this prehistoric cave? If so, what did you think? If cave exploration interests you, here's one of our previous articles you might enjoy: Going Into These 12 Amazing Caves In Alabama Is Like Entering Another World.

Address:

Russell Cave National Monument

3729 County Rd 98

Bridgeport, AL 35740

*Admission to Russell Cave National Monument is FREE!

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For additional information, click here.

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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:

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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.

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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/

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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/

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