In Northwest Alabama you will find a very unique place called Dismals Canyon. What drew me in to Dismals Canyon was the interesting bugs, called dismalites that live there. These bugs are bioluminescent and glow after night fall, lighting up the canyon! These dismalites are close to the glowworms found in Australia and New Zealand but not quite the same!
Dismals Canyon is a privately owned conservatory and was named a National Nature Landmark in 1975. The National Nature Landmark Program is ran by the National Park Service and encourages the conservations of places with outstanding biological and geological resources. Dismals Canyon was named a National Nature Landmark due to it’s rugged character. This primeval forest has remained untouched from disasters and man.
What is there to do?
Dismals Canyon offers a lot of sites to see within the canyon. All of the sites can be seen by hiking into the canyon on their trails. Some of these sites include:
- Seeing the Dismalites glow in the canyon
- Rainbow Falls
- Grotto – house sized boulders
- Pulpit Rock – offers views of the canyon
- The Kitchen – where cooking and tribal rituals were held
- Temple Cave
- Champion Tree
- Weeping Bluff
- Secret Falls
- Dance Hall
- Fat Man’s Misery
- Witches Cavern
All of these sites listed above are rich in history and have some amazing stories behind them!
The main attraction to Dismals Canyon is the canyon itself at night time! This is when you can see all the dismalites glowing! The Dismals Canyon offers guided tours throughout the year after dark so you can see them. The best times to visit is in the spring or in the fall.
The hike through the canyon is about 1.5 miles. Now if you go, you’ll want to do this hike during the day and during the night. Make sure to bring some hiking gear and appropriate clothing since the weather can be unpredictable.
When staying at Dismals Canyon, there are a few options. You can always camp at the campground or you can stay in the cabins. Campsites are extremely limited so you need to make a reservation. Also, there is no RV access so you must be prepared to tent camp and hike to your spot. The camping sites are located within the canyon and are in private spots so you will not be on top of other campers.
If camping is not your style, you can always stay in their cabins. There are only two cabins so make sure you reserve one!
Dismal Canyon also offers a couple other unique features. They have a country store with rustic charm, a soda fountain, and a spa! This get away is great for a family or a large group of people!
This is definitely another place to add to my bucket list! Let me know if you have ever been!