We live in a social media world, and we have learned to look at our surroundings through the lens of social media. It's like we've all become mini photographers looking for the best setting to create the best-looking post on our social accounts. Check out our list of the most Instagrammable places - one from each of the 16 counties we represent - in north Alabama that were chosen by our followers.
Horton Mill Covered Bridge
"Built in 1934, the 220-foot bridge is a Town Lattice truss construction over two spans. The Horton Mill Covered Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 29, 1970, the first covered bridge in the southeastern United States to be added. At 70 feet, it is the highest covered bridge above any U.S. waterway. It was reopened on March 11, 2013 after being closed in 2007 due to vandalism. The bridge is currently open to motor vehicle traffic. However, there is only one lane and the posted speed limit is 5 MPH." (source: Wikipedia) Blount County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @therobertposey
Little River Falls
One of the deepest gorges in the East, Little River Canyon National Preserve, which is part of the National Park System, contains spectacular scenery, breathtaking waterfalls, and a number of rare plants and animals. One of the most majestic parts of Little River Canyon is Little River Falls. The formation of Little River Canyon begins at Little Falls with this breathtaking 45-foot waterfall. Cherokee and DeKalb counties - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @twin_trail_tales
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
Cane Creek Canyon is a privately-owned 700-acre nature preserve that has 18 miles of hiking trails, several waterfalls, and a breathtaking overlook. It's home to Lacefield Falls, which is on our North Alabama Waterfall Trail. Colbert County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @journeysteps_photography
Smith Lake
Smith Lake is always a beautiful place to get that Instagram shot. Cullman County - photo by @thelakesidelife_smithlake
DeSoto Falls
Oh, you will be so glad you drove out in the middle of nowhere to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous and massive waterfall! DeSoto Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls, and when you visit you'll see why. - DeKalb County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @journeysteps_photography
Noccalula Falls Park
Noccalula Falls Park's main attraction is the gorgeous 90-foot waterfall with a statue of Princess Noccalula overlooking the canyon. The park also features nature trails, botanical garden, pioneer village, and petting zoo. Another favorite attraction at Noccalula Falls Park is their C.P. Huntington Train. The train operates daily and takes visitors on a scenic one mile ride in and around the park. Unlimited train rides included in park admission. Etowah County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @jetyancey
Dismals Canyon
When you hike down into Dismals Canyon, you'll feel like you've gone to another world. There's a trail through the canyon that makes a giant loop. You'll hike across streams, see waterfalls - including Rainbow Falls that's on our North Alabama Waterfall Trail - walk through tight places, and see such beauty not seen anywhere else. You can also take a guided night hike and see glowworms, also known as the Dismalites. Franklin County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @nomadic_leprechaun
Stephens Gap Cave
Stephen's Gap Cave is one of the most popular caves in north Alabama, and when you see it it's no wonder why! The 143-foot cave is a popular spot for pictures like the one below when the light comes in just right, which is anywhere from 10am-2pm. The cave is open to the public, but you do have to apply for a permit in order to hike or rappel in the cave. Jackson County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @adventuringlight
Old Railroad Bridge
You can see some awesome views on the Old Railroad Bridge, which is located on the Tennessee River close to the TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation. Lauderdale County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @mary.posey
Oakville Indian Mound Park
The Oakville Indian Mounds and Museum feature the largest 2,000-year-old Woodland Indian Mound in Alabama. The 8,000 square foot, 122-acre park also has an early settler cemetery, Black Warriors Path, 20-acre fishing pond, walking paths, a Cherokee Council House, gift shop, and picnic shelters. Lawrence County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @cotees_chronicles
Richard Martin Trail - Rails to Trails
The Richard Martin Trail is part of Limestone County's Rails to Trails and is a 10-mile trail that will take you from Athens, Alabama to Veto, Tennessee. It's perfect for hiking, biking, bird watching, and it's even accessible for wheelchairs. Limestone County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @ensaneoutdoors
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an out-of-this-world adventure! It opened its doors in 1970 and serves as the official visitors center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and it is home to the world-famous Space Camp. The Center is home to many permanent and traveling exhibits that educate visitors about all the wonders of space. Madison County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @ensaneoutdoors
Lake Guntersville State Park
Lake Guntersville State Park is one of Alabama's most beautiful state parks! Located on Lake Guntersville, the park offers amazing fishing opportunities, a campground on the lake, a lodge, cabins, cottages, zip line, wildlife, and so much more. You can also catch some breathtaking sunsets on Lake Guntersville, too. Marshall County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @therobertposey
Buttahatchee River
The Buttahatchee River is a tributary of the Tombigbee River that runs through Hamilton and crisscrosses Highway 278 several times. Marion County - photo by @warren_customs_llc
Cook Museum of Natural Science
The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a new 60,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in downtown Decatur that serves the people of North Alabama and the Southeast as a legitimate educational destination as well as a premier tourism attraction. The Museum is an interactive immersion into North American Biomes, from deserts to oceans, to arctic tundra to hardwood forests. Each exhibit is a part of a narrative explaining how the natural world works. Key features of the new Museum include educational programs, live animals & aquariums, mounted wildlife from across North America, collections of rocks minerals, fossils, shells & coral, native plant landscaping, café with outdoor patio, three classrooms, theater, and museum store. Morgan County - photo by Visit North Alabama Social Media Manager Melea Hames
Bankhead National Forest
Bankhead National Forest is one of Alabama's four national forests. It's a beautiful forest that's located in Lawrence and Winston counties, and it's a paradise for waterfall hunters. Kinlock Falls and Turkey Foot Falls are on our North Alabama Waterfall Trail, but there are many, many other named and unnamed falls that you'll find on a hike through the forest. There are four recreation areas that provide camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities. Winston County - photo by North Alabama Ambassador @weatherman_sam
