Discover Alabama's Stunning Natural Wonders: A Professional Photographer's Road Trip Adventure
You've likely sung along to "Sweet Home Alabama," celebrating the state's famously blue skies. Yet, the song overlooks Alabama's majestic mountains, waterfalls, and caves. To showcase these hidden gems, we invited Kentucky-based travel influencer and expert photographer Tyler Glass (@tylerwayneglass) on a three-day exploration of northern Alabama.
With a global portfolio visible on his Instagram feed, Tyler has pivoted from international trips amid COVID-19 to spotlight overlooked Southern destinations. "The South is underrated," he notes. "A bit of effort reveals Instagram-worthy shots rivaling famous spots. This region brims with potential."
Alabama prioritizes visitor safety with robust pandemic measures. Learn more on the "Take It All In Responsibly" page.
Follow Tyler's journey through his captivating captures of Alabama's natural beauty.
Huntsville & Stephens Gap
Distance: 4.5 hours (285 miles) from Louisville
Tyler and his wife arrived in Huntsville for dinner at Cotton Row Restaurant, housed in a historic 1821 cotton exchange building. It offers modern American fare with French and Southern flair. Peanut-allergic, Tyler skipped the signature peanut butter and jelly phyllo dessert but raved about the crème brûlée: "Phenomenal—creamier than usual, thanks to real vanilla bean." They stayed at the luxurious Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville Hotel & Spa.
Next morning, a 30-minute drive led to Stephens Gap, a premier Southeast cave famed for its 143-foot pit and waterfall. Free entry requires a permit, plus helmets, headlamps, and sturdy shoes for wet terrain. "No extreme spelunking—family-friendly and safe," Tyler assures.
Two entrances: one for rappelling, one walkable. The pit view from the latter is among North America's most photographed wild cave scenes. Tyler waited five hours for perfect light rays, noting July-August offers optimal photographer's light—he plans a return.
Cathedral Caverns
Distance: 15 minutes (11 miles) from Huntsville
Nearby Cathedral Caverns in 493-acre Cathedral Caverns State Park (once Bat Cave) welcomes visitors since the 1950s. Its massive 126-foot-wide, 25-foot-high entrance leads to wonders like "Goliath," a 45-foot-tall, 243-foot-circumference stalagmite—one of the world's largest.
Tyler joined a 90-minute guided tour, hearing how the owner wowed his skeptical wife by illuminating a stunning room—recreated for his group.
"The vast room of spires delivered the ultimate wow," says Tyler, experienced in 10 U.S. caves. "It shattered my expectations—the best I've explored."
Lake Guntersville State Park
Distance: 41 minutes (29 miles) from Cathedral Caverns
At Lake Guntersville State Park on the Tennessee River, Tyler lodged at The Lodge amid 6,000 acres of woodlands. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, zipline, beach, prime fishing on Alabama's largest lake, horseback riding, rentals, a nature center, and 36 miles of trails. He deployed his drone for aerials.
Arriving at sunset, Tyler eyed the golf course. He'd return for hiking and biking. Foggy sunrise at the lake base yielded epic shots: "Silhouetted fishermen, misty forests—unforgettable."
DeSoto Falls & Little River Canyon National Preserve
Distance: 56 minutes (41 miles) from Guntersville
Waterfall day began at DeSoto Falls, a 104-foot cascade on Little River's west fork, named for explorer Hernando de Soto. Alabama's most-visited; peaks in winter/early spring.
Twelve miles south, Little River Canyon National Preserve atop Lookout Mountain boasts one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi (600 feet deep). Tyler viewed 45-foot Little River Falls, canyon starter.
Silver Lakes Golf Course
Distance: 50 minutes (41 miles) from Little River Canyon National Preserve
Inspired by Guntersville's course, Tyler played Silver Lakes Golf Course on the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Amid Appalachian foothills and Lee's Lake, its 36 holes weave through forests, wetlands, grasslands, and elevation shifts.
"Unreasonably beautiful, impeccably groomed," Tyler praises. "Forgiving design keeps bad days at bay."
Noccalula Falls & Hotel Finial
Distance: 16 minutes (23 miles) from Silver Lakes Golf Course
Noccalula Falls plunges 90 feet over Lookout Mountain (formerly Black Creek Falls), named for a Cherokee legend. The park features gardens, trails like 1.7-mile Black Creek Trail under the falls.
Dinner at Back Forty Beer Company in Gadsden highlighted the craft scene: Naked Pig pale ale, Truck Stop Honey brown, Freckle Belly IPA, plus seasonals. "20 taps; three best beers ever, plus life's finest chicken-cheese nachos," Tyler enthuses.
They stayed at hilltop Hotel Finial, a Queen Anne Victorian blending historic charm with modern luxury. "Photos didn't do it justice—stunning," Tyler says.
Pulpit Rock
Distance: 43 minutes (24.4 miles) from Hotel Finial
At Cheaha State Park, Alabama's highest point (2,799 acres), Tyler hiked 0.6 miles to Pulpit Rock for Talladega National Forest panoramas.
"Secluded trail to jagged cliff stacks with multi-angle views over endless mountains and trees," he describes.
Alabama excels for photographers: "Mountainous terrain offers perspective, ridges, drama. Ideal 3-4 day road trip with endless shot potential."
