Located 45 miles north of Birmingham, this region offers visitors a small-town atmosphere and a selection of attractions, including Ave Maria Grotto, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, and Clarkson Covered Bridge. The longest natural bridge east of the Rockies is also in this area. A wide variety of recreational opportunities are available as well as access to Smith Lake.
On this page:
What To See & Do
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum
Located on a Confederate battle site, this museum takes a look back into Alabama’s history.
Smith Lake Park
This park has campsites and cabins. It also provides pavilions, a playground, pool, fishing pier and boat launch.
Ave Maria Grotto
Visit this four-acre park and see 125 miniatures of places from all over the world built by Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk.
Bankhead National Forest
This forest features waterfalls and recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and more.
Natural Bridge of Alabama
The largest natural bridge east of the Rockies, this span of sandstone and rocks is 60 feet high and 148 feet long.
Dismals Canyon
Get the wilderness experience with romantic cabins, hiking, waterfalls and encounters with glow-in-the-dark creatures known as Dismalites.
Where To Stay
AnchorLight Bed and Breakfast
Spend the night in the top of a lighthouse at this unique bed and breakfast.
Smith Lake Retreat
Enjoy special memories at this serene lakefront rental, convenient to the marina and roomy enough for 10.
Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast
A gourmet breakfast, lake view and easy water access – this bed and breakfast has it all.
Grady’s Bed and Breakfast
Come create a memory at this quaint bed and breakfast on Smith Lake.
Where To Eat
All Steak
Considered the cornerstone of the Cullman community, this restaurant serves up some of the town’s best food.
Southern Hickory Barbecue
Known to serve some of the tastiest barbecue Cullman has to offer.