Cahawba: A Alabama Ghost Town with Southern Charm and Beautiful Places

Cahawba, Alabama, was once one of the most important cities in the state, and today it’s one of the least visited. However, those that choose to visit Cahawba are guaranteed to enjoy themselves, as the city has plenty of Southern charm and beautiful places like Cahawba City Park to see. Here are some other attractions in Cahawba you might want to consider seeing while you’re there.

Where is Cahawba?

Old Cahawba near Orrville, AL (site of Alabama's First State Capital) -  RuralSWAlabama

Cahawba is a small town located in Dallas County, Alabama. The town was once the state capital of Alabama, but it is now a ghost town. Despite being abandoned, Cahawba still has a lot to offer. The town is full of art and architecture, and there are many beautiful places to explore.

Cahawba is a popular destination for photographers and history buffs alike. If you’re looking for a place to explore the natural beauty of Alabama, Cahawba is the perfect place for you. Explore the Cahaba River or visit natural rock formations such as Bluff Mountain. To learn more about this unique part of Alabama’s history, stop by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts where they have an extensive collection on Cahawba.
Make sure to get out of your car and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. There are many spots for hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing around Cahawba too! If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, try walking through the woods at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

What makes Cahawba special?

Cahaba, Alabama | Real Time Pain Relief

Cahawba is a charming ghost town in Alabama that is full of beautiful places and interesting architecture. It’s a great destination for anyone who loves history or wants to explore a new place. Plus, the southern hospitality is sure to make you feel right at home. For a small fee, visitors can take guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm-5pm. The tour includes visiting different buildings like the schoolhouse, post office, old churches and cemeteries which have become part of Cahawba’s charm. Visitors can even see the last remaining house built by slave labor.
The entire city is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it has been so well preserved since being abandoned in 1937 after losing its riverboat trade and railroad connection to Selma. Today, people come to Cahawba because they want an experience that’s unique and memorable; not just another tourist attraction.
It may be hard to believe that this sleepy little Alabama town was once bustling with over 6,000 residents – all before modern day technology existed!

Hiking in Cahawba

Old Cahawba Archaeological Park - Orrville - Alabama.Travel

Cahawba is a great place to hike, with plenty of trails that wind through the forests and offer views of the river. The hiking here is peaceful and relaxing, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are also plenty of places to stop and take pictures, so be sure to bring your camera along.
My favorite trail at Cahawba is the Bear Creek Trail because you can enjoy sweeping views of both Cahawba River and L’Anguille River from up high. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the state to Muscle Shoals on one side and Tuscumbia on the other side. I recommend taking this hike early in the morning before it gets too hot or in the evening when the colors have faded into sunset colors.
The North Loop Trail has amazing overlooks as well as wildlife sightings such as deer and wild turkey- if you’re lucky! There are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching here too- Cahawba is home to many different species of birds including many woodpeckers and robins.

Full Moon Hike

Full Moon Hike | Earth Out Loud

If you find yourself in Cahawba on a full moon, take a hike on one of the trails that lead through the woods. The experience is otherworldly and something you’ll never forget. You’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty, with the moon providing the perfect amount of light.
The peace and quiet will allow you to reflect on your life and what’s important to you. Cahawba has such a peaceful atmosphere because it’s not overcrowded like many other places. We don’t have traffic or tall buildings here- we’re just two miles from downtown Selma, but feel like we’re so much farther away from civilization than that. We offer horseback riding, canoeing, fishing and more- all right in our backyard!
If you want to slow down for a while, Cahawba is the place for you. Come visit us and see why this town was voted one of the most beautiful towns in America.

The Ruins are Amazing

Cahaba | History, Alabama, & Park | Britannica

The Cahawba Ruins are amazing. They are a great place to explore and learn about the history of Cahawba. The ruins are also a great place to take pictures. The Cahawba Museum is also a great place to learn about the history of Cahawba. The museum has many artifacts that tell the story of Cahawba. There are maps, photographs, documents, period clothing, and even a working organ from the 1800s.

Many people come from all over to visit this small town. There’s not much more you can do in Cahawba after visiting these two places but it’s still worth checking out if you’re ever in this area!
If you’re looking for something a little bit different than just stopping off for gas or food then stop by and check out Cahawba’s downtown.
However, there are some old buildings and houses on Market Street that make for some good photo opportunities. Cahawba also has an ice cream shop called Hootie-Hoo which is known around Alabama as one of the best ice cream shops around.

Old Cemetery

Old Cahawba (Cahaba) - Alabama

The Old Cahawba Cemetery is one of the most beautiful places in Cahawba. It is full of old, moss-covered headstones and has a feeling of peace and serenity. The cemetery is also a great place to learn about the history of Cahawba, as many of the headstones date back to the early 1800s. The Blue Springs area is another must see.
It’s easy to get lost along its trails, but there are some truly amazing sites like a natural bridge called Eagle Rock Bridge and the waterfall that flows into it.
The museum at Huntsville State Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore our past and have a glimpse into what life was like during Reconstruction in Alabama after the Civil War. However, if you’re looking for something more peaceful and less busy, I recommend you visit the Pioneer Memorial Library.
There is plenty of space for reading and relaxing on the grounds and inside you can find historic photographs on display that tell the story of those who came before us.

Beauty of Nature and Decay

Nature strikes back in "The Beauty of Decay" photographic series

Cahawba is a beautiful place because it is a ghost town. The southern charm of the town is evident in the architecture and the way the town is laid out. The decay of the town is also evident in the abandoned buildings and overgrown vegetation. However, despite the decay, there are still many beautiful places to see in Cahawba.
One such place is the cotton gin where you can see how cotton was processed back when the town was active. Another interesting site to visit is the Old Cahawba Church which has an old cemetery that dates back before 1850, as well as one for African Americans who were enslaved by slave owners who came from Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy the large oak trees on church grounds, or explore near downtown Cahawba on their own.
Visitors should be mindful of hazards and take care not to break anything on these historic grounds. There are so many other great locations in Cahawba worth exploring including homes and schools. It is easy to get lost in the history at this little town, but if you keep your head up and look around at the beauty of nature and the decay, it will make your trip more enjoyable.

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