Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to reset the soul. Luckily, Alabama has endless options for a quiet weekend getaway, from the rolling hills in the north to the sandy shores in the south. If you love the outdoors, Cedar Bluff, a small town near Little River Canyon National Preserve, puts you right in front of some of the state’s most beautiful natural scenery. Let’s check it out:
Why Cedar Bluff Is Perfect for a Quiet Weekend
Nestled in Cherokee County, Cedar Bluff is home to fewer than 2,000 residents, which makes it one of the best small towns in Alabama. The town’s motto, “You can stop looking for the good life. We found it” gives you an idea of what’s in store: life at a slower pace, with (hopefully) plenty of time spent on the water in one of the best outdoorsy towns in America.
What To Do in Cedar Bluff and Nearby Little River Canyon National Preserve
Cedar Bluff sits on the northern shores of Weiss Lake and has earned the nickname “Crappie Capital of the World.” Boaters and anglers come from all over to this 30,200-acre lake, hoping to catch their limits of crappie and bass.
If you’d rather stay on land, the Little River Canyon National Preserve lies just north of Cedar Bluff. Its 15,288 acres offer plenty of hiking trails that really show off Northern Alabama’s beautiful landscape. The Little River flows through the preserve, so you can bank on many of those trails leading to some stunning waterfalls. Flowing from Lookout Mountain all the way to Lake Weiss, the Little River is believed to be the longest mountaintop river in the U.S.
Little-River-Canyon
The trails within the Little River Canyon National Preserve range in difficulty, which is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. One of my favorites is the Little River Canyon Trail. This 1.5-mile trail takes you to one of the preserve’s most visited areas, and you can catch views of canyon rims, sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls all in one short and sweet trail. After tackling this trail, you’ll understand why this area is called the Grand Canyon of the East!
Where To Eat and Stay in Cedar Bluff
Since Cedar Bluff sits right on the lake’s edge, a lakefront cabin feels like a no-brainer. This one-bedroom cabin sits right on the water and comes with a private pier and boat slip, so you can go from bed to boat in seconds. If you really want a quiet weekend getaway in Alabama, you can stay on your own private island at this four-bedroom home in Cedar Bluff. Only a boat can get you there, so you’ll need to BYOB for this unique stay.
No matter where you stay, be sure to swing by Jefferson’s for a meal. This waterfront restaurant in Cedar Bluff sits right on the lake and serves a wide range of American dishes with some seriously stunning lake views. If the weather cooperates, grabbing a seat outside is a no-brainer.
Whether you want to chase waterfalls, hit new hiking trails, or reel in some crappie, Cedar Bluff is one of those small towns near Little River Canyon National Preserve that’s perfect for a weekend getaway in Alabama. Share this article with someone you’d like to plan your next adventure with, and start mapping out your next getaway today.
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