The Perfect Fall Road Trip in Alabama!

Alabama comes alive when fall foliage makes its appearance—a wonderful time for a road trip. The state is full of beautiful scenery and attractions that you’ll only discover if you’re looking for them. This epic fall road trip in Alabama will let you experience some of the best things about the season and help you create a truly unforgettable event. 

Filter-Coffee Parlor, Birmingham, AL

Filter-Coffee Parlor is the place for all your coffee and tea needs. Enjoy a delicious cup of house-roasted coffee or exotic teas while sinking your teeth into a freshly baked treat. Plus, Filter-Coffee Parlor stands out for its commitment to the global community and sustainability. Come for the coffee, stay for the cause!

Ruffner Mountain, Birmingham, AL

Tucked away just outside the city lies Ruffner Mountain in all its rich fall splendor. This urban nature preserve is free to explore and features 14 miles of trails throughout the mountain. There are a couple scenic overlooks just a couple miles from the parking areas that will give you the perfect views of the area’s magnificent fall colors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rachel Callahan (@objectivityrach) on

Irondale Cafe, Irondale, AL

You might recognize this little eatery if you’ve seen the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes,” which provided its “15 minutes of fame.” Here you’ll find some of the tastiest and good-for-you southern cuisine around, using locally sourced produce and meats and providing you with plenty of options. Nestled right beside the train tracks in downtown Irondale, it’s a great place to fuel up while you warm up on your fall road trip, and might easily become your new favorite lunch spot.

It's good to be home

A post shared by McDavid Maddox (@mcdavidmaddox) on

Mize Mill Falls, Double Springs, AL

Hike to Mize Mill Falls, just off Cranal Road, east of the Sipsey River. You'll hear the waterfall's thunder long before you reach the trailhead. Once you've arrived across from the dirt road, take a steep downhill path for a fun adventure. There's even a rope and scramble down to the falls. Small children and dogs won't be able to join you unless they get a lift from a grownup. Finish the trek with a creek crossing to get back to the flat area in front of the falls.

Steele Orchard, Cullman, AL

From Welti Falls, head about 22 minutes northwest to Steele Orchard and enjoy an afternoon snack of fried apple pies, apple cakes, fresh cider, and other delectable farm-fresh treats. They also feature a gift shop so you can stock up on your favorites to keep you company on the rest of your trip.

Oxford Festival of Lights, Oxford, AL

November 23, 2023 at 5:00pm
Witness a winter wonderland like no other at Choccolocco Park! Enjoy the Festival of Lights, a spectacular drive-through light show with your loved ones from the comfort of your vehicle. After the show, explore Santa's Village with synthetic ice skating, photos with Santa, inflatables, food vendors, merchandise, hot apple cider, and gourmet fudge.

Tower Taproom, Montgomery, AL

The Tower Taproom is raising the bar on drinking experiences. With its 57 taps and unique self-pour system, patrons can enjoy a variety of craft beers, ciders, and wines. Discover new beverages quickly with the touch screen information about each drink, offering a description, alcohol content, and price-per-ounce. Enjoy a small taste or a whole pint of your favorite at the FIRST licensed self-pour taproom in the state.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Decatur, AL

Check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton, a cozy hotel situated right on the Tennessee River. You’ll arrive to a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie and clean, warm accommodations that will help you get your ZZZ’s as you prepare for another day of travel. The awesome riverfront views are a bonus.

Java Jaay’s Cafe, Decatur, AL

Check out of the Hilton and head south to Java Jaay’s Cafe, just a couple minutes from the hotel. They’ve got the best coffee in town (and perhaps the southeast), as well as tasty food to get your day started. It’s a comfy, cozy spot that screams fall weather—you’ll be glad you blew in for a visit.

Madison County Nature Trail

Head northeast about 30 minutes to Huntsville, Alabama, where you’ll find the scenic Madison County Nature Trail. This amazing park is bursting with rich color in the fall, and will make for beautiful photos to line your Instagram account. The park is free to enter and open year-round, but fall is arguably the best time to visit. The nature trail takes you around Sky Lake over bridges and past the state’s oldest and largest Champion Winged Elm Tree. There’s also a majestic covered bridge, one of the last of its kind in Alabama, that is pure postcard perfection.

This text was created by the author with the assistance of GPT-3, a large-scale language generation model developed by OpenAI. The author reviewed, edited, and revised the draft language to their satisfaction and is fully responsible for the content of this publication.

Share your favorites!
Alabama Search
Best Things To Do Near You
Best Things To Do Near You
Mar
28

Student Art Contest

9:00 AM
Homewood Library, Homewood, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Film: Love Lies Bleeding

2:30 PM
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Birmingham, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Film - Kiki's Delivery Service

5:00 PM
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Birmingham, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Oak Mountain State Fair

5:30 PM
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Pelham, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Film: Love Lies Bleeding

5:30 PM
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Birmingham, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Film - Kiki's Delivery Service

7:15 PM
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Birmingham, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Film: Love Lies Bleeding

7:45 PM
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Birmingham, AL
Learn More
Mar
28

Sampha

8:00 PM
Saturn - Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Learn More
Show More
Best Places To Go Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
1919 9th Street, Calera, AL
Preserving for future generationsFrom humble beginnings as a chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society (NRHS) the Heart of Dixie Railroad... Read More
3727 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL
Mission:Founded in 1995, the American Village serves the Nation as an educational institution whose mission is to strengthen and renew the foundati... Read More
7305 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL
Alabaster is the second city in the nation to host a Beneful Dream Dog Park. The $500,000 dog park opened on July 12, 2012. DIY Network star Jason ... Read More
50 Lester Street, Columbiana, AL
The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington collection focuses on art and artifacts from the colonial period through 1865.  The collectio... Read More
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Amphitheatre Road, Pelham, AL
Carl weave through the elaborately decorated track, viewing traditional scenes depicted through Christmas lights, such as Santa and his sleigh, wor... Read More
12632 Confederate Parkway, Mc Calla, AL
About Us : Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park depicts Alabama life in the mid-19th century with a cotton gin, working gristmill, pioneer f... Read More
713 Mabry Street, Selma, AL
Sturdivant Hall is considered one of the finest Greek Revival neoclassical antebellum mansions in the Southeast; designed by General Robert E. Lee&... Read More
109 Union Street, Selma, AL
The Vaughan-Smitherman Museum is a historic museum in Selma, Alabama. It features a wide array of displays chronicling the city’s local histo... Read More
1012 Dunnavant Valley Road, Birmingham, AL
Fun for every age! Fast go karts, miniature golf, mini bowling, laser tag, laser maze, huge arcade, prize center, indoor playground, water wars, ca... Read More
6 Mercedes Dr, Vance, AL
About Us:- Today, the MBUSI plant has buildings with more than 4 million square feet located on 1,000 acres. Besides Body, Paint, and Assembly sho... Read More
4599 Splash Adventure Parkway, Bessemer, AL
About Us: Alabama's greatest water adventure! Create water fun your way, whether it's relaxing by the wave pool and enjoying the lazy river or ampi... Read More
500 Old Town Rd, Birmingham, AL
Chuck E. Cheese's features games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment that children of all ages will love. We also provide great food for the fa... Read More
125 West Main Street, Prattville, AL
PDU is Prattville Downtown Unlimited, a group of business people and individuals who work together in conjunction with the City of Prattville, Prat... Read More
2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL
Zoo Mission : “Inspiring Passion for the Natural World…through emphasizing Conservation, Education, Scientific Study and Recreation ... Read More
1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL
About Us: Vulcan, Birmingham Alabama’s colossal statue is the world’s largest cast iron statue and considered one of the most memorabl... Read More
Show More
Select a Alabama town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you