One remarkable discovery in Blount County lies underground: at Rickwood Caverns State Park, the cave features water-formed formations that are 260 million years old. The guided cave tours are about one mile long. Above ground, the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail is 1.25 miles long. The two routes offer different ways to explore the park: one guided tour through a cave, the other a hiking trail through the landscape.
For an overnight stay in the park, there are 13 campsites with water and electricity hookups, as well as five basic tent sites. Since the number of available sites can change, check current availability before making plans.
River Landscapes, Paddling Routes and a Scenic Drive
The Locust Fork River runs past steep sandstone cliffs, forests and riverbanks with rapids. The self-guided Locust Fork Scenic Car Drive offers an overview of the area’s varied landscapes and attractions: it follows winding roads along the river and connects covered bridges, river access points, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and parks. While the drive brings together several features of the region, Taylor Riverside Park offers a specific point of access to the water.
Taylor Riverside Park is a public access point to the Locust Fork River at the Highway 26 river crossing. The access project was completed in 2024, and the park has a ramp for kayaks and canoes. From Bruce Phillips River Park, paddlers can travel a safe, calm six-mile route to Taylor Riverside Park. This means the named river access points can also be connected by a specific paddling route.
The recurring Locust Fork Whitewater Classic offers a different river experience. Participants navigate a slalom course with about 25 gates on Class II and III rapids. The race takes place in spring; the specific event dates vary. Check the current schedule if you’d like to plan your visit around it. Away from the river, Mardis Mill Waterfall is on Graves Creek near Blountsville. Palisades Park adds another distinctive feature, with notable rock outcrops and wooded hiking trails.
Historic Sites and Local Experiences
At Blountsville Historical Park, a preserved village with restored log cabins and historic buildings is the main historical attraction; the park is also home to the Freeman Cabin Museum. The Blount County Memorial Museum preserves and shares history and also honors military veterans. Swann Bridge offers another connection to the region’s built heritage: dating to 1933, it spans 324 feet across the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River.
The Covered Bridge Festival also puts Blount County’s covered bridges in the spotlight. Held every October, it celebrates these structures. Since the specific event dates vary, it’s worth checking the schedule before planning your trip. That way, you can pair the bridges’ historic significance with a suitable visit date.
Seasonal and water-based experiences offer another way to see the region. Allman Farms & Orchards offers seasonal produce, orchards and family-friendly farm experiences. Spring Valley Beach has 11 water slides and a swimming pool covering about two acres. The two attractions offer different experiences: seasonal produce and farm activities at one, slides and swimming at the other. Together with the cave, hiking trails, river access points and historic sites, they offer a range of ways to combine outdoor, cultural and recreational interests.
Explore more destinations: Blountsville, Clarke County, Barbour County, Shelby County, Walker, Conecuh County, Fayette County, Talladega.
For the broader travel overview: Alabama.
