We've got the perfect road trip for you, and it's all about cascades. Alabama’s unique landscape makes for ideal conditions for both beautiful falls and the cultivation of grapes, especially in the northern part of the state. The foothills of the Appalachian Mountains provide nearly perfect conditions to grow grapes, primarily Muscadine. And once you get into the rugged terrain of the northern half of the state, you can expect to see some of the most magical waterfalls in Alabama. This multi-day road trip in Alabama will take you to some of the best wineries and waterfalls in Alabama, and since we always want to encourage safe driving, we’ve mapped out a few Best Westerns in Alabama where you can rest your head in between destinations.

1. Perdido Vineyards

Our first stop is Perdido Vineyards, a beautiful 50-acre muscadine grape vineyard in southern Alabama. It's one of the few vineyards that can be found south of the Birmingham area, but worth the extra effort, we promise. Tastings are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead of time so you can sample some of their incredible wines and gourmet vinegar made from local Alabama fruits and of course, muscadine grapes. Here’s a fun fact for you, although the vineyard was founded in 1972, it holds the unique honor of being Alabama’s first farm winery established after Prohibition. The more you know!

If you want to pace yourself, consider calling it a night at either the Best Western Brewton Inn or the Best Western in Greenville, both conveniently located along the route!

2. Cat-n-Bird Winery

Since Cat-n-Bird Winery doesn’t have a vineyard onsite, they’re able to import grapes from all over the world, so expect an international flavor to these unique blends. They offer roughly 12 varietals at a time, ranging from Chilean Malbec to California Moscato, truly something for every palette. During your tasting, you can pick six wines to try with the option to add cheese boards that pair perfectly with these wines. You can even turn your favorite wine into a slushy. Yum!

3. Morgan Creek Vineyards

As we continue our journey up the state, our next stop brings us to Morgan Creek Vineyards. Locally owned and operated, Morgan Creek wines are a staple in most major grocery stores in Alabama, and learning about the wine-making process will just make them taste that much better. Morgan Creek specializes in muscadine and fruit wines and offers complimentary tours and tastings just about every day of the week, but be sure to check their website before heading over so you can plan your visit.

After a long day of sipping and sightseeing, consider renting a room at the Best Western Plus Oak Mountain Inn, Best Western Carlton Suites, or the Best Western Plus Birmingham Inn & Suites, all three are conveniently located along the route. You'll need your rest because the next day starts off with a scenic hike to a majestic waterfall!

4. Devil’s Den Falls

Hope you’re ready for our first waterfall on this road trip, because it’s one of the best! You’ll find Devil’s Den Falls nestled in the Talladega National Forest, part of Cheaha State Park. A popular spot for a summertime splash, the waterfall is found along the Chinnabee Silent Trail, which starts off easy before becoming slightly more challenging as you get closer to the falls. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy the refreshing waters from the 10-foot waterfall for a picture-perfect outing before heading on to the next adventure!

5. Noccalula Falls

Formerly known as Black Creek Falls, Noccalula Falls is an impressive 90-foot waterfall that might just be one of Alabama’s most-visited waterfalls. It’s often called Alabama’s Niagara Falls, and if you’ve ever seen that famous waterfall in person, you’ll see the resemblance. You can either view the falls from above, or you can take the 3-mile trail down into the gorge for a close-up view. This is one of the few waterfalls in Alabama where you can walk behind the falls, and we’d highly recommend it! Just be sure to wear the proper footwear, since it can get pretty slippery.

After exploring so many waterfalls in one day, you can stay the night at the Best Western Plus Gadsden Hotel & Suites. It’s a great location to stop for the night, but if you want to travel a little bit further, the Best Western Fairwinds Inn, is a little bit further west, but it will set you up strong for the final leg of the road trip.

6. Jules J Berta Vineyard

Perched high in the sky at an elevation of 1,110 feet on Sand Mountain, Jules J Berta Vineyard cracked the code to growing grapes in Alabama. Using their elevation to their advantage, along with a unique sandy soil, the 28-acre farm is able to create ideal growing conditions for their grapes, making them the first producers of vitis vinifera wine grapes in Alabama including cabernet, chardonnay, and even merlot. During your visit, you’ll get to taste some of their wines, pair them with delicate cheeses, or even a slice of pizza.

7. Mardis Mill Falls

When it comes to Alabama’s hidden waterfalls, Mardis Mill Falls might just top the list. Also known as Grave’s Creek Falls by the locals, this impressive waterfall spans 35 feet across with a drop of about 15 feet. The pools at the bottom are perfect for splashing around and since there are many shallow areas, it’s a great spot for kids, too.

8. DeSoto Falls

Saving the best for last, the iconic DeSoto Falls. Nestled within DeSoto State Park, this tiered waterfall clocks in at over 100 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Alabama. It’s one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Alabama, and worthy of a visit for sure. The best part about this waterfall is that it doesn’t require any strenuous hiking (unless you want to). You can view the upper waterfall from a paved path right by the parking lot, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the steps down to the overlook.

Are you planning on taking this epic road trip in Alabama to some of the best wineries and waterfalls in the state? Don't forget to book your room ahead of time at these Best Western Hotels in Alabama, so you can be sure a comfortable bed awaits you after a long day of cascades!