We loved hiking in this nature preserve. It is definitely off the beaten path (literally a drive…read moredown a gravel road). There are beautiful wooded trails and a pretty overlook. Our hike was a loop that took us through a waterfall, woods and an overlook. The hours are limited: weekend hours only and it closes at 5 pm. It is part of a land trust. I recommend this preserve for hikers, nature lovers and those that love exploring trails off the beaten path.

Such a lovely private preserve! Clean, well managed, clear signage & maps. We went when there was a…read moredrought, but would love to go back k when we can see the waterfalls.

Nestled along the back roads of Tishomingo County, this park feels like a second home. With hiking…read moretrails for every level of experience, there's truly something for everyone. The campground offers over 60 sites, plus six cozy cabins. Three of these are rustic stone cabins with two rooms each, while the other three are smaller, single-room cabins. Cabin Six has been beautifully updated with new floors, furniture, appliances, and a modern bathroom. For larger groups, the park also has three group camp cabins--each with 20 bunk beds and spacious bathrooms that include showers, toilets, and sinks. The park is full of history and adventure. Visitors can explore the Pioneer Cabin and its nearby waterfall, or cross the famous swinging bridge--a suspension bridge that stretches 25 feet over Bear Creek. On the other side, you'll find two trails perfect for bouldering, rock climbing, or simply wandering through the forest. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, squirrels, raccoons, and plenty of other critters calling the park home. There are three scenic pavilions for picnics or gatherings. Pavilion One has restrooms nearby, Pavilion Two overlooks Haines Lake, and Pavilion Three also offers a beautiful view of the water. The dining hall is available for weddings, reunions, meetings, and other special events. Fishing enthusiasts will love the three fishing spots: Haines Lake, a quiet pond behind the Pioneer Cabin, and Bear Creek beneath the swinging bridge. For families, the park includes two playgrounds, a sports field, and plenty of picnic tables with cast-iron grills scattered throughout. Outdoor fun continues with three disc golf courses designed for different skill levels. And when it's time to clean up, the campground features two bathhouses that are always kept tidy by the hardworking park staff. Tishomingo State Park is more than just a destination--it's a place where history, nature, and community come together.

Beautiful park. Stayed in cabin 6. Updated and well kept. Doesn't feel like Mississippi at all here.read more

Stayed here for one night camping in hammocks. We actually got an tv spot because we were on the…read moreHarleys and it was a good place to park and also the bathhouse. Extremely clean park and the facilities were excellent. Will stay again if in the area.

First thing, They really need to offer sewer for campers…read more Second, bathrooms and bath house need much updating. Majority of the time the commodes were completely clogged. They have a great pool potentially. It's just empty sitting there. Went to the nature center, supposed to open at 10:00 but nobody there. The playground area needs so much help!! Overgrown weeds, needs mulch. This campground has potential but needs some major updating!!

The flora, fauna, and typography of this canyon are not very different from any other hiking area I…read morehave hiked in Alabama. It's very similar to Bankhead National Forest. The size of the sheer bluffs (and many of the rocks) at Dismals is fairly unique, though. We visited this past weekend and I thought the whole experience was okay. It's not a National Park, or a National Forest, Dismals is a "National Natural Landmark" that is privately owned. The cost in my humble opinion to hike (without a guide) the Dismals *and* take the night tour with a guide is expensive! It was approximately $28.00 per adult. The trail is around 1.5 miles - at least the trail we explored in the daytime before taking the night tour. The creek running through the base was deep enough that there needed to be ways to cross it that were navigable, preferably with handrails. In photos, I've seen concrete blocks, which would have been okay (note, not handrails) but there were no concrete block crossing at areas we needed/wanted to get across the water. There were random pieces of wood, even fallen trees and my husband, who is both a "daredevil" and in great shape, managed to traverse the waters to see the other side, but he did land in the water (on his feet) and absolutely soaked his shoes and socks. The three of us opted to backtrack and not deal with the water. To me, this is very poor planning on the part of the Dismals owners. The trail map we got from the "General Store" had landmarks which were just "cute" names for the features, like "The Pulpit" and "Witches Den" - to me, they were fairly unremarkable "landmarks." Fast forward to the night tour which was scheduled for 9:00 PM. We were told to arrive at 8:30 and if everyone was early, we could start early. I did not note the time we started, however, it was about a 45 minute hike. Parts of this hike were in total, 100 percent darkness to ensure we had the utmost opportunity to view the "Dismalites." That's fine, except, I'm not a fan of walking in uneven/unfamiliar terrain in the pitch dark, with my husband dragging me forward in a group of 13 people counting the guide. This was unnerving and I moved at a snail's pace, and held up those who were stuck behind me. Also, I was hanging onto the rail with one hand and couldn't physically rubberneck around to try to catch a view of a glowworm. I think I saw a total of twelve glow worms. After exiting the night tour trails, we saw firefly larvae that glowed in the shallow water at the entrance to the trail. To me, this was the highlight of the glowing visuals. Another con is the numerous wooden staircases at the Dismals trail's entrance/exit. There is absolutely no way these are constructed to code! These stairs are so narrow in depth that my size 8 ladies shoes, (which is an average women's shoe size) hung off the edge about 2 inches, forcing me to "duck walk" down the stairs. Even if they are built to code, the stair treads are completely worn off, providing absolutely no traction whatsoever. The guide told us due to the "drought" the Dismalite glowworms were not out in abundance. If you keep your expectations low, and really enjoy a sandstone gorge/canyon, and are not risk averse, you will have a nice time here. Our tour guide did a good job providing information that was geared towards the audience which included age ranges from children to senior citizens. I can't comment on the "General Store" food options because we didn't eat anything there, or the campsites (note, the on-site cabins are closed and unavailable). The sole restroom which is a little walk from the General Store and is clean with a barely working hand dryer and no paper towels. The parking lot is ridiculously small with each space being beyond small. The owners of the Dismals need to invest in their property to make it worthwhile, easy to traverse, and safe for their visitors.

Parents Beware Before Approving School Field Trips Here…read more I want to share my recent experience as a concerned parent. Our children's school scheduled a field trip to Dismals Canyon and collected payment for the students. Parents were originally told that we could attend for a $20 fee -- but at the very last minute, the site informed the school that parents would no longer be allowed to go. When I contacted the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (who were kind and helpful), they reached out to Dismals Canyon for clarification. The canyon's staff claimed the decision was due to parking limitations, parents distracting the kids from learning, and tight spaces. However, this change was communicated only after money had already been collected and plans were finalized. Parents deserve transparency, especially when it involves children's safety at a location with cliffs, caves, and water features. I strongly urge other parents and schools to ask clear written confirmation of parent policies before sending children on field trips here. Families should not be excluded or misled after payments and plans have been made.

Great place to picnic, swim, fish, kayak, hike, and mountain bike. Most mountain bike trails are…read moreacross the road from the river near ranger station.

Under new ownership and they have done an amazing job! Store is well stocked, outside sitting area…read moreis nicely done with the creak meandering past. The paths are well marked and clear. Past the Natural Bridge is rooty, so take care with those not sure footed. I highly recommend the visit and will return. Hosts were very informative as well, so ask questions

This was a last-minute stop based on a sign I saw along the side of the road, and it was absolutely…read moreworth it! I had some difficulty finding it, as there is a town called "Natural Bridge." Google directed me there, and not to the park, itself, which caused some confusion. Coming in from the I-10, take highway 13 North to road 278. Turning RIGHT takes you to the town. Turning LEFT takes you to the bridge. There are some signs, but they are worn, and obscured by vegetation. Arriving at the park, one is immediately greeted with picturesque views, and a trickling creek. The trees are majestic, and the parking ample. It's important to remember that this is rural Alabama, and not some big city. The admission is inexpensive, and the trails are simple. The people that run the gift shop are country folk, and are very kind. Mind your manners (and your children). Stay on the trails, walk carefully, and do what the sign says - "Take only pictures .....leave only footsteps. With that said, this place was amazing. The bridge is absolutely breathtaking, as is the rock formation called "Indian Head." Many inscriptions - some over 100 years old - are carved into the surrounding sandstone. There is dripping water under the bridge, so watch your step! The trail is primitive and there are roots sticking out here and there - be careful! Shoes with traction are a MUST here for safety reasons! Enough said - go enjoy this natural wonder for yourself!

Secluded wildlife area with great, easy trails that include river views, bridges, creeks, and…read morewildlife. A great place to hunt (be mindful and wear orange during November - January)

USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR THE RIGHT ADDRESS. The one listed in the closest I could find. Search Sipsey…read moreRiver Trail. We found this one day googling "best day hikes in Alabama". Every blog and site that we found made it sound like a dream.. They they couldn't have been more true! This is such a beautiful hiking/camping spot! We went on a raining day in early December and it was still AMAZING. We only hiked around for an hour or so but it was so beautiful and there is so much to see. This trail cost $3 a car. It's also pet friendly! I have been told that people swim in the beautiful river in the summer. I'm in awe of the beauty of Bankhead National Forest. I can't wait to explore more of it!

Its a swamp and a boardwalk not much other to say. When we went it was dry but it still was nice,…read moreboardwalk looks relatively new.

A great small hiking trail that is a part of the Joe Wheeler State Park system and the Alabama…read moreBirding Trail. It's the largest Black Tupelo swamp in Alabama and home to many bird varieties. Not much going on in winter from what I saw, but it's a cool place to visit if you're near the Wheeler Park. We did saw a palliated wood pecker on one of the many dead trees in the swamp. It's an easy walk along a boardwalk that dead ends at a creek. Really cool trees! See the website for directions. They lead us straight to it.

This bridge is a hidden gem. It is in really good shape for being so old. My daughter and I went…read morehere to take her senior pictures. It was the perfect spot. There are also some small cabins and a waterfall that make great photo opportunities. I want to go back and do some walking around. It's definitely a place to visit.

A beautiful park. Showing some of the history of the area. Great place for a picnic. Nice and…read moreshaded. It's Free. The bridge construction is very interesting. You can walk across it. There is also a Dog Trot Cabin and Grist Mill.