Dismals Canyon near Phil Campbell, Alabama

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I took the opportunity to visit Dismals Canyon near Phil Campbell, AL. I have family in Huntsville, so it was just a short drive away. I had seen pictures taken at Dismals Canyon and was intrigued by the beauty of what I had seen, so I figured I would check it out for myself.

My son and I set out to Dismals Canyon on Black Friday. While everyone else was dealing with lines of shoppers, we figured we would go for a walk in the woods. But, I was not prepared for what I would find once I was there.

My son and I arrived at Dismals Canyon and we did not see anything spectacular on the way there. Actually, the scenery was just about as mundane as any other drive on the highway.

My expectations were dropping as we arrived to a small parking lot and I thought, “Is this it?”

But, once we started to descend into the canyon, the landscape was transformed. It was as if we had been transported to another world. You are greeted by a waterfall and a stream that makes its way through the canyon. There are trees growing out of rocks and ferns hanging on the stone walls of grottos. This canyon is quite spectacular actually, almost as if it had been made as a movie set for Lord of the Rings or something similar. you definitely forget that you are in Northern Alabama.

My son and I walked around the canyon floor awestruck by the simple beauty that surrounded us. The leaves were still turning and colors of green, red, yellows and browns were painted above and below us. There are rocks that have broken apart that must be 3 stories tall and they are leaning on each other to form grottos that are just spectacular.

Of course, the one area that gave us a good laugh was an area on the trail called “Fat Man’s Misery.” Well, I proved why it is so aptly named. I thought I was going to get stuck trying to squeeze through there on the way out.

After a great day of exploring and shooting in the canyon, we left very grateful that we had chosen to visit.

I would highly recommend visiting Dismals Canyon if you are going to be in the area. It is certainly worth your time. I am looking forward to going back and taking the night tour to see the dismalites.