• Type:
  • Loop

  • Difficulty:
  • Easy

  • Scenery Ranking:
  • 5/5

  • Accessibility:
  • Easily Accessible

  • Trail Maintenance:
  • Well Maintained

  • Facilities:
  • Camping
  • Country Store
  • Restrooms

Dismals Canyon Hiking Trail

Intro:

The Dismals Canyon hiking trail, located in Phil Campbell, Alabama, is a 1.5 mile loop that takes you into a natural oasis of large trees, scenic waterfalls, and high boulders as you hike through the canyon. Dismals Canyon has been untouched for hundreds of years, which is why you will see the large trees. One of the key attractions here is the dismalites, which are glow worms that only live in a few select places in the entire world. These dismalites will emit a bright glow during the night in certain parts of the canyon.

NOTE: There is an entry fee to hike in the canyon. You pay at the country store. For more information on fees please go to their website at www.dismalscanyon.com

Trail Head:

The trail head is located at the country store

Difficulty:

The trails are relatively easy. There are a few steep hills, but nothing too bad.

Hiking the Trail:

The hike is pretty straight forward. First, you must stop by the country store to pay the entry fee. They will give you a free trail map and give you suggestions on hiking the canyon. As you start you will make your way out of the country store, by the swimming area, and then down into the canyon. From here you will hike to certain points. Phantom Falls is neat because it sounds like a waterfall in that area, however it is an echo of Rainbow Falls down the stream. Secret Falls is another area of interest. You will also be given a guide describing all the points of interest. Dismals Canyon is also home to an Alabama State Champion Tree, an Eastern/Canadian Hemlock. Dismals Canyon is one of two hiking locations listed here on the NAH site that is home to a state champion tree (Joe Wheeler State Park is the other). For more biological/geological information about Dismals Canyon go to www.dismalscanyon.com/thecanyon/.

Scenery:

At Dismals Canyon you will see large trees, scenic waterfalls, and large boulders. Something to keep in mind here is that this area has been untouched for several hundred years with the exception of clearing for the trails. On the night hikes you can see the dismalites glowing.

Trail Maintenance:

The trails are very well maintained

Facilities:

Dismals Canyon has incredible facilities. The country store has several souvenirs for sale (T-Shirts, etc). There is also a sandwhich and soda shop in the country store. Dismals also has restrooms. You can also camp at Dismals Canyons. Go to www.dismalscanyon.com for info on their cabins and camping.