Dismals Canyon: Alabama’s Hidden Glowworm Paradise

When most people hear the name “Dismals Canyon,” they assume they’re headed for a gloomy destination. Dismals Canyon—which is located in Phil Campbell, Alabama—is a joyful locale that is home to a rare natural light show. The larvae of thousands of tiny bioluminescent insects known as dismalites proliferate in a cave and emit soft blue light that resembles the pulsing of distant stars. Visitors can tour Dismals Canyon after dark to enjoy one of nature’s most stunning light displays.

The best time to view Alabama’s beloved “glowworm cave” is in late April–May, and again from late September–October. Dismals Canyon is also gorgeous when the sun is shining. Visitors can explore moss-covered rocks, towering trees, and even a few gushing waterfalls. Travelers can follow a hiking trail that loops around Dismals Canyon, shop at a cozy Country Store, and enjoy a sweet treat from a retro Soda Fountain.

If you’re interested in viewing Dismals Canyon’s signature glowworms, you can make a reservation for a guided night tour. Night tours last approximately 45 minutes. Tour participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring flashlights—which can be outfitted with red filters to better see the luminous dismalites. Per Dismals Canyon’s website, rowdy children and anyone who is disruptive or easily bored is encouraged to skip the night tour.

Nature lovers can also travel to nearby Natural Bridge Park, which is home to a sandstone bridge that is nearly 60 feet high and 150 feet long. Located in Winston County—which is a 30-minute drive from Dismals Canyon—visitors can picnic, drink water from an artesian well, and admire a distinctive rock formation that looks like the profile of a stern man.

Dismals Canyon’s rustic cabins—which are generally available to rent—are closed for the foreseeable future due to major damage sustained during an ice storm. Thankfully, there are some lovely places to stay that are fairly close to Dismals Canyon, including the Flying Carpet Moroccan Treehouse in Cullman, Alabama. Located roughly one hour away from Dismals Canyon, the Flying Carpet Moroccan Treehouse is a lavishly decorated “treehouse” that will make you feel as though you have boarded a magic carpet and landed in Casablanca. Visitors can relax in a plush king-size bed, soak in a stylized tub with a swan-shaped spout, and enjoy a panoramic view of a dense forest from a serene patio.

If viewing shimmering bioluminescence is on your bucket list, a trip to Dismals Canyon is an absolute must.