Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Dismals Canyon Conservatory

Top choice in Alabama


In many other states, Dismals would be a headlining tourist attraction. In North Alabama, it quietly persists as just an amazing place to visit. This sandstone gorge, tucked away in the deep woods, has been thoughtfully developed into an attraction that focuses on the quiet appreciation of the synthesis of stream, forests and gorge ecosystems. At night, local 'Dismalites' (glowworms – the larval stage of a local fly) pepper the sides of the canyon with blue-green constellations of bioluminescence.

The Canyon is closed during winter and is generally open from around 9am to 5pm during operating season. Note that Dismals is not wheelchair accessible, and you'll want to be reasonably in shape to explore the canyon area. Combo day and night tickets are available (adult/student/child $18/13/9). There's an onsite country store that sells food and souvenirs.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Alabama attractions

1. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

20.35 MILES

This nature preserve consists of several hundred acres of land carefully and lovingly managed for the public. On site, you'll find leaf-strewn ravines,…

2. Alabama Music Hall of Fame

27.04 MILES

Alabama has produced far more than its fair share of musicians: think WC Handy, Nat King Cole, Hank Williams, Wilson Pickett, Emmylou Harris and Lionel…

3. Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

28.63 MILES

This museum's permanent exhibition showcases the Martin Petroglyph, which is a must-see artifact for anyone interested in pre-Colombian history: a boulder…

4. Helen Keller Birthplace

28.67 MILES

Helen Keller – to this day perhaps the most beloved native of Alabama – was blind and deaf from the age of 19 months. With the aid of companion Anne…

5. Tishomingo State Park

29.65 MILES

This state park is named for the Chickasaw Chief Tishomingo. You may want to camp here, among the evocative, moss-covered sandstone cliffs and rock…