Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Scottsboro, Alabama

Summary of Key Attractions in Scottsboro, Alabama

1. Stephens Gap
2. Scottsboro Boys Museum
3. Unclaimed Baggage Center
4. Neversink Pit
5. Jackson County Park
6. Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
7. Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center
8. Rock Zoo
9. Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain
10. Pisgah Gorge Falls
11. Caldwell Park
12. The Docks Restaurant
13. Zipline the Screaming Eagle
14. Lake Guntersville State Park
15. Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center

Scottsboro, Alabama, was originally inhabited by the Cherokee Indians before it experienced development along the Tennessee River. This area served as an abundant source of water and sustenance, with locals utilizing the river for shipping freight to larger urban centers.

For many years, the flourishing river trade remained the primary economic driver for the city, particularly due to its low-lying riverside terrain, which was unsuitable for railroad construction.

The region is also a significant location for the Scottsboro Boys Trail, an essential episode in Civil Rights history.

The city’s rich historical legacy can still be explored today through its architecture, parks, heritage centers, and along the creek banks.

As a resident of Alabama with a passion for travel, I can assure you that Scottsboro warrants a visit. There are numerous explorative opportunities and outdoor activities suitable for everyone. Should you find yourself traveling through Alabama, include a stop in Scottsboro in your itinerary. Here are some of the top attractions to consider:

1. Stephens Gap

Jackson County features numerous limestone caves, with Stephens Gap being particularly enticing for avid spelunkers since its discovery in the 1950s.

Spelunking offers the opportunity for cave exploration, where adventurers navigate wet underground chambers and dark corridors to uncover magnificent subterranean grottoes.

Stephens Gap possesses two entrances: one accessible from a vertical route and another via a footpath.

The path leading to the vertical entrance is steep and may consist of uneven rocky terrain, which can be hazardous following rainfall; therefore, appropriate footwear is advised. Engaging a knowledgeable local guide is also recommended if possible.

2. Scottsboro Boys Museum

For those exploring locations significant to the Civil Rights Movement during their journey in Alabama, the Scottsboro Boys Trail is likely a topic of discussion.

On March 25, 1931, a group of nine African American men was removed from the railways in Scottsboro while seeking employment. Local deputy officers intervened, encouraging two white women to accuse these individuals of grave offenses.

The ensuing weeks and months witnessed a surge of significant events, beginning with the charges and subsequent convictions of these young men, with some facing the death penalty. This instigated an international outcry lasting several years until their eventual release and pardon.

The museum provides profound insights into how an all-white jury, influenced by media sensationalism, convicted the nine young men. Visitors can engage with documents, exhibits, and photographs related to the trial.

If you are in or passing through Scottsboro and have an interest in the Civil Rights Movement, this museum is an essential visit.

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center

Have you ever pondered the fate of unclaimed baggage from airline journeys? The answer lies at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, the only establishment in the United States that specializes in the purchase and sale of unclaimed baggage from airlines.

The center receives thousands of new items daily, ensuring a constantly changing inventory.

This popular establishment has evolved into one of Alabama’s premier tourist and shopping destinations, making it a noteworthy stop for unique souvenirs or distinct gifts for family and friends.

4. Neversink Pit

Neversink Pit, located near Fackler, stands as one of the most photographed sinkholes globally.

Measuring 40 feet across at its opening, it plunges an astounding 162 feet below.

Visitors can admire this natural wonder from above, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, or, for the more adventurous, obtain a permit to explore the pit’s depths as a qualified climber.

Regardless of your vantage point, Neversink Pit is breathtakingly beautiful, warranting the presence of a camera.

5. Jackson County Park

Jackson County Park, situated on the periphery of Scottsboro, offers a beautiful lakeside environment conducive to reestablishing a connection with nature.

Visitors can opt for waterside cabin rentals, where they can indulge in activities such as hiking, boating, picnicking, or dining at a small yet welcoming barbecue restaurant.

The park is a favorite among anglers in search of their catch of the day, while children often relish swimming in the refreshing waters during the warm summer season.

Whether visiting for a single day or planning an extended stay, Jackson County Park has something enjoyable for guests of all ages.

6. Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Sauta Cave was historically utilized by the Cherokee Indians for mining gunpowder; this practice continued through the American Civil War, establishing it as a prominent saltpeter mining location in the area.

While entry into the caves is no longer permitted, visitors can traverse the park’s picturesque woodland trails and capture images of diverse flora and fauna.

For those visiting Scottsboro during the summer months, the Sauta Cave offers a unique bat emergence phenomenon.

From June to August, approximately 400,000 bats emerge from the cave in search of food, a spectacle that can be observed from a designated viewing platform.

For wildlife enthusiasts, this is an unforgettable experience.

7. Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center

The Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center serves as both a cultural and historical museum, showcasing the area’s customs, history, traditions, and artistry.

Your exploration begins 12,000 years ago with the region’s first Native American inhabitants.

Visitors can view artifacts from this era as well as examine advancements through time, from pioneering days to the industrial age and present.

Among the primary exhibits are the “Sagetown” pioneer village, “The Little Courthouse,” and the Antebellum-style “Brown-Proctor House,” making this a prime location for understanding Scottsboro’s intricate history.

8. Rock Zoo

Tucked away along a scenic backroad near Fackler, Alabama, lies the unique Rock Zoo.

Indeed, it is an exhibit featuring animals artistically carved from stone. This attraction began in the 1970s when local resident Leonard Dawson noticed a boulder resembling a rooster; he decided to paint it and place it by the roadside for others to enjoy.

His family continues this artistic tradition, and now numerous painted rock animals, such as elephants, chickens, cows, and even a giraffe, line the road.

If you seek a distinctive experience beyond museums and state parks during your Alabama visit, the Rock Zoo is worth a drive.

9. Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain

Originally established in 1869, Payne’s has embraced a nostalgic 1950s aesthetic with its black and white checkered flooring, retro red and chrome seating, and a classic soda fountain, immersing patrons in a bygone era.

Enjoy delicious sandwiches, slaw dogs, refreshing sodas, and delectable desserts while pondering life in Scottsboro during this vibrant period.

10. Pisgah Gorge Falls

If you seek the ideal photo opportunity in Alabama, Pisgah Gorge Falls may be the perfect destination.

This breathtaking 100-foot waterfall is enveloped by stunning natural scenery and woodland pathways, enabling visitors to experience this natural marvel in relative solitude.

This hidden treasure justifies the short walk, where guests might easily spend an hour or two relaxing by the falls or enjoying a picnic.

The trail from the parking area spans less than a mile, though the uneven grounds necessitate sturdy footwear, making it a rewarding experience to discover the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.

11. Caldwell Park

Located near Downtown Scottsboro, this scenic recreational area provides opportunities for relaxation and leisure activities for everyone.

Visitors can stroll along the woodland paths, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or allow children to play in the designated playground.

Annual events such as Art Sunday are hosted throughout the year, showcasing local crafts and artwork to large crowds.

12. The Docks Restaurant

Situated along the picturesque Tennessee River, The Docks Seafood and Steakhouse at Goose Pond Colony Resort can be accessed by water or by a 6.5-mile drive from Scottsboro.

This relaxed yet upscale dining destination, enveloped by pine trees and beautiful woodlands, presents an ideal setting for an intimate dinner for two, a family celebration, or a gathering with friends.

The restaurant’s signature offering is its delectable shrimp and grits, made from fresh Gulf shrimp, complemented by Andouille sausage and local stone-ground grits.

During summer months, you can dine on the outdoor deck while enjoying stunning sunsets with a glass of wine, making it a fitting finale for your stay, leaving you with lasting memories of delightful cuisine and stunning river vistas.

13. Zipline the Screaming Eagle

A brief drive from Scottsboro, situated along the shores of Lake Guntersville, you can experience an exhilarating adventure at the Screaming Eagle Zipline Adventure.

As the instructor secures you onto the zipline, you can simply unwind and immerse yourself in the stunning woodland and lake views as you soar 250 feet above the ground across trees and suspension bridges. For many, this provides an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

The zipline adventure is tailored for children aged eight and older, and group tours can be arranged for team-building activities or a fun family day out.

14. Lake Guntersville State Park

Following the exhilarating zipline experience, consider staying to explore Lake Guntersville State Park.

Located in the Tennessee Valley and overlooking the reservoir, the park features over 36 miles of biking and hiking trails, nature centers, fishing areas, a beach, and an 18-hole golf course.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will find joy in the opportunity to spot bald eagles, and there are regular educational sessions to learn more about these majestic birds.

If interested in an overnight stay, visitors can reserve accommodations at the resort lodge, or opt for modern campgrounds and cabins near the lake.

15. Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center

The Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center occupies a hillside position adjacent to the public library, overlooking the city’s theater.

Residing within the historic Guntersville Armory building, constructed in 1936 for Company E, 167th Infantry Division, this museum features an intriguing collection.

Highlights include a 12-foot fishing boat that once navigated the river, archival photographs, and exhibits showcasing aspects of life in Alabama during the 1800s.

The collection also includes stunning watercolor paintings by local artists and fascinating Native American artifacts dating back to the Paleo-Indian period.

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