CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
2024 SEASON OPENING - Temporarily closed to the public
“There are three places on this planet that both of my kids like: grandma’s house, Disney World, and Dismals Canyon. The Sleeping Water campsite is probably the best individual site in the state, the staff is awesome, the general store is fantastic, the food at the soda fountain is delicious (try the slugburger!) and you won’t see anything like the Dismalites anywhere else in the region.”
~ Brad Barnett
National Natural Landmark
Dismals Canyon - located in Northwest Alabama - is an 85 acre (34 ha) Nature Conservatory privately owned and operated. It is not a State Park or National Park. However, it was designated a "National Natural Landmark" in 1975 by the National Natural Landmarks Program. NNLs are administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Note: This is a Natural Terrain Trail with limited bridges & many fallen trees!
Cozy Cabins
Now taking Cabin reservations for the 2023 Season! (205) 993-4559
Dismals Canyon offers two cozy cabins; "Bringing Up The Moon" and "Bringing Down The Sun". Constructed inside and out of Western Red Cedar, with vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, hardwood floors, stainless steel / limestone countertops. Available by reservation March through November.
Dismalites (glowworms)
Past twilight the canyon lights up with tiny bioluminescent creatures we call Dismalites. These "glowworms" require a select habitat to survive and are unique to only a few places on Earth. They are “close cousins” of the rare glowworms found in Australia and New Zealand.
Guided Night Tours allow visitors to see these unique insects.
Take a Hike!
Take a couple of hours to hike the canyon floor and experience this beautiful sunken forest. Explore the strange and beautiful labyrinth of caverns and grottos. A 1.5 mile hiking trail on the canyon floor follows Dismals Branch through sky-reaching boulders, past thundering waterfalls, into a secret world of mossy-green and pearl-gray filled with ferns and giant trees.
Rustic Luxury
Rest & relax in one of our two cozy cabins; "Bringing Up The Moon" and "Bringing Down The Sun". The details of hospitality are unsurpassed - comfy throws, Tiffany lamps, books, and magazines. Everything is furnished from rocking chairs to freshly ironed sheets.
Nightlife
Past twilight the canyon lights up with tiny bioluminescent creatures we call Dismalites.
“Although the creatures known locally as Dismalites are “close cousins” of rare glowworms found in Australia and New Zealand, they are actually fly larvae”
— Auburn University entomologist Gary Mullen
Guided Night Tours allow visitors to see these unique insects.
Soda Fountain
Old-fashion milk shakes, malts, & sundaes • Ice cream & ice cream sodas • Sandwiches • Slug Burgers & more.
The Soda Fountain is conveniently located in the Country Store, on your way out of (or into) the canyon.
Massage Offerings
Available to cabin guests, day guests & campers - Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Pregnancy massage, Mini Facial, Brown Sugar Body Scrub, Couples Massage, Couples Deep Tissue and more.
Country Store
Shop at the Old Country Store in an atmosphere as old as the dust between the floorboards. Find glistening jars of candy, Indian wares, gifts, postcards, and a Soda Fountain & Grill.
Upon your arrival to Dismals Canyon, go to the Country Store to: Register for access to the Canyon Floor, Register for Guided Night Tours, Check-in/check-out for Camping and Cabins.
May the Forest Be With You!
