Top 5 Day-Trips Near North Alabama
Huntsville is an amazing place with so much to offer, but sometimes it’s fun to get out of town to check out a new area. We have compiled a list of 5 day-trip ideas, where you can set off in the morning and be back by bedtime. No hotel night stay necessary!
Cathedral Caverns State Park – 40 minutes from Huntsville
Only a 40 minute drive from Huntsville, the Cathedral Caverns State Park is an amazing place to visit. In addition to a cave tour, you can mine for gems, which is fun for any age. Buy a bucket of mining dirt to sift through running water to look for the gemstones. Outside of the caves, there are marked hiking trails available to explore the outdoors. The Alabama State Park’s website says, reservations are not required but are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets. Check out this website for more information.
Guntersville & Guntersville State Park – 1 hr from Huntsville
Nestled into the banks of the Tennessee River is Lake Guntersville State Park. You can choose from a resort style retreat or rough it in the good ole outdoors to enjoy the park’s 6,000 acres of woodlands. The Alabama State Park website says, there’s an “18-hole championship golf course, the Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, an outdoor nature center, fishing in Alabama’s largest lake, 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, weekly guided hikes, and a day-use area.” You can’t beat getting out onto the lake and enjoying the water and sunshine. Why not get a group to split a boat rental? Click here for information about a rental option.
Explore the Rich History of Birmingham – 1.5 hrs from Huntsville
Birmingham is less than 2 hours south of Huntsville. If you’re a history buff, you won’t be able to get enough of it in this city. Hop around town to visit Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Civil Rights District or the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. A beautiful view of downtown Birmingham can be seen from Vulcan Park & Museum. At the park, you’ll find the largest cast-iron statue in the world and a historical timeline of the city of Birmingham in the Vulcan Center. The Magic City has its own botanical garden, hiking trails, parks, and a zoo! Check out a more extensive list on TripAdvisor.
More than Just Music in Nashville – 2 hrs from Huntsville
Less than 2 hours due north of Huntsville is Nashville, TN, aka “Music City.” While you may come to explore the music scene, the city has a lot more to offer! If it’s your first visit, yes, we recommend checking out the Grand Ole Opry and Broadway, the heartbeat of downtown Nashville. They’re staples to visit. Next on your list of places to check out could be the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Concerts, summer camps, and eclipse parties are held throughout the year. The observatory sits on top of one of the largest hilltops in Nashville, so you’ll be able to have a clear view of the beautiful night sky. For more ideas to enjoy the Nashville scene, check out this article.
Raccoon Mountain Overlook & Chattanooga Choo-Choo – 2 hrs from Huntsville
Hiking tops most lists when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors in the Tennessee Valley. But if you’ve exhausted your list of local trails, how about traveling further up the Appalachian? Head out on about a two hour drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hike or bike up to the beautiful overlook of the city and the Tennessee River called Signal Point on top of Signal Mountain. When you come back down from your nature adventure, head into the city. Stop off at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo. It’s a historic downtown inn that was once the terminal station for the Southern Railway line built in 1908. Inside the building, you’ll find old rail cars used for bars, overnight stays or just hang out spots. You can also enjoy a chill coffee spot or a place to eat within walking distance. Check out this article for more things to do in Chattanooga on your day trip.
Exploring is so easy to do with amazing cities and experiences surrounding our own wonderful city of Huntsville.
