The South is full of famous destinations like the boisterous city of New Orleans and the Great Smoky Mountains. But some truly amazing places are little known to those who live outside the area. These secluded beaches, scenic rivers, and quaint towns are all hidden gems that reveal a different side of the South. Here are a handful of underrated destinations in your favorite Southern states.
Alabama – Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon doesn’t even look like it belongs in Alabama. It feels like something you’d find in the Pacific Northwest instead of the deep south. The stunning natural area is full of moss-covered cliffs, waterfalls, giant boulders, and towering trees. After dark, the canyon is even more magical thanks to tiny glowing creatures called dismalites, which are only found in a few spots in the world. It’s a must-see place for nature lovers.
Arkansas – Boxley Valley
Most Arkansas tourists head straight to Hot Springs or Bentonville, but Boxley Valley offers the quiet beauty of the Ozarks. Visitors come for the gently rolling meadows, historic barns, clear streams, and limestone bluffs. Large elk herds can be spotted grazing in the valley, especially during the fall rut. Sunrise here is gorgeous!
Florida – Cedar Key
Florida has no shortage of beach towns, but Cedar Key is truly unique. The small town feels like it is from another era entirely. The laid-back coastal town features colorful homes, fresh seafood restaurants, and art galleries. There are no huge resorts or crowded bars. Instead, the attractions are kayaking, sunsets, and small-town charm.
Georgia – Providence Canyon
Referred to as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon is worth a visit. Unlike the much larger landform, Province Canyon wasn’t formed by a river over millions of years. It actually resulted from poor farming practices back in the 1800s. The farming methods led to major erosion. The canyon walls are quite colorful and go down 150 feet deep to create a truly unique landscape. The hiking trails are the most enjoyable aspect.
Kentucky – Hidden Arches of Red River Gorge
While Red River Gorge is growing in popularity, many still do not know about this spot. And visitors almost never venture past its most well-known trails. Taking the lesser-traveled paths will lead to dozens of natural arches. Because they are deep in the Daniel Boone National Forest, they are not commonly visited. This is a place for solitude, with scenic overlooks, sandstone cliffs, and forest paths. It’s one of Kentucky’s best hidden gems.
Louisiana – Lake Martin
Just outside Breaux Bridge is one of Louisiana’s prettiest wetlands. Lake Martin is habitat for alligators, turtles, egrets, herons, ibises, and countless other species. Visitors can kayak under massive cypress trees complete with Spanish moss. Guided swamp tours can offer an even closer look at the scenery. Lake Martin offers some of Louisiana’s most beautiful wetland scenery.
Mississippi – Windsor Ruins
Deep in rural Mississippi you can find one of the largest antebellum mansions ever built in the state. After a fire destroyed the home in 1890, the only things still standing are its towering columns, making the remains quite haunting. Walking around the property feels like you’ve been transported to another century. It’s one of the South’s most photogenic historical sites.
South Carolina – Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
Unlike popular beach destinations, Botany Bay is mostly untouched. On the way to the shoreline, visitors walk under giant live oaks. The beach itself is famous for its sun-bleached fallen trees. In fact, it is called the “Boneyard Beach.” Shells, driftwood, and crashing waves set the mood and create a stunning coastal landscape. It feels wild compared to crowded resort beaches.