Whether you’re hoping to rent a boat and enjoy the lake, learn about Alabama history, or hit the trails for some hiking, North Alabama offers many destinations for a day trip from Huntsville. Check out these spots, all under two hours from Rocket City.
Step Back In Time
Did you know just 20 minutes away from Huntsville you can visit a town older than Alabama itself? Founded in 1818, Mooresville, Alabama is the oldest incorporated town in the state. Thanks to preservation efforts by locals, the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a walking tour with a guide who will share the town’s history as you visit various preserved buildings such as the Stagecouch Tavern which opened in 1821, the original post office from 1840, the Brick Church, established in 1849, and the Church of Christ from 1854. Fun fact: the town was used in the Disney movie Tom and Huck!
Day on the Lake
If you’re looking for a weekend on the water, look no further than Lake Guntersville State Park, just under an hour away from Huntsville. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, Lake Guntersville is Alabama’s largest lake. Enjoy a variety of activities such as beach access, boating, water sports, fishing, hiking and biking along nature trails, an 18-hole golf course, and more. Along with outdoor activities, there is a resort style inn and restaurant on site, providing convenient lodging and dining to guests, along with camping opportunities in the state park. Thanks to conservation efforts within the state, the bald eagle population in Alabama is continuing to increase – you may be lucky enough to spot a nest during your visit!
Music Lover’s Getaway
A great destination for music lovers is Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Plan a visit to FAME studios, where stars such as Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Etta James, and many more recorded hits. On the tour you can check out the studios as well as view photos and memorabilia from the ‘60s, when “Muscle Shoals Sound” was all the rage. Another must-see is the Wilson Dam and Wilson Lock, named after Woodrow Wilson. Built in 1918, the dam generates electricity for the region and can be viewed from hiking or biking trails in the area. Muscle Shoals is also home to world class fishing, boating, and golfing, great for a staycation in the warmer months.
Hiking Haven
For stunning hiking and waterfall views, consider a visit to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, just south of Muscle Shoals in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Sitting on 693 acres, the preserve was established to provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of native plants and animals along with educational and recreational opportunities for residents in the area. Operated by the Land Trust of North Alabama, visitors can enjoy more than 25 miles of hiking trails with scenic lookouts, waterfalls, and more. While the preserve is beautiful all year round, the fall months are especially stunning as the leaves change colors. Before you hit the road back home, be sure to make a stop at nearby Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller!
Historical Happenings
Just a little over an hour away in Bridgeport, Alabama sits a fascinating piece of history the whole family will enjoy. Russell Cave National Monument, a large cave discovered in the 1950s, contains more than 12,000 years of history preserved within its walls. Archaeologists recovered over 2 tons of artifacts dating back to the Pleistocene-Holocene transitional period around 14,000 – 12,000 BCE. Evidence suggests it was likely used as a permanent home for inhabitants during the Paleo-Indian and Archaic periods, and over time other groups sheltered there during colder months. While visitors are unable to go into the cave itself, the artifacts can be viewed in the Visitor Center museum, and you can hike the 1.2 mile surrounding area to see various views of Russell Cave. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic area on site!
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. Following Winthrop, she earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, she supports ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. She also contributes to the development of blogs and other content shared on the publications’ digital platforms. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and two dogs, Cooper and Rocky.
