Franklin County: History, Festivals and Nature

In Franklin County, things to see and do range from factory history and local festivals to canyons, waterways and horseback riding trails. In Red Bay, a guided factory tour combines insights into manufacturing with stops highlighting the town’s history; elsewhere, outdoor experiences take center stage. When planning your trip, consider whether you would like to devote most of your time to cultural events, outdoor activities or both.

Local History and Festivals

Tiffin Motorhomes’ guided factory tours in Red Bay start at the visitor center by the main entrance. At the Red Bay Museum, a reconstruction depicts the lobby of the Red Bay Hotel; historic business premises are also on display. So, in addition to manufacturing, the town’s history focuses on former public and commercial spaces.

Held each September, the annual Red Bay Founder’s Fest celebrates the town’s history. The program includes arts and crafts, a classic car and vehicle show, and tours of the Red Bay Museum. A contest for the best fried pies is also part of the festival. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the exact date and program in advance.

Other historic landmarks are in Russellville: The Roxy Theatre has been a fixture in the downtown area since 1949 and today serves as a venue for concerts, performances and talent shows. Hurley Cemetery, which is open to the public, is the burial place of Major William Russell, the founder of Russellville. The Alabama Iron Works Cedar Creek Furnace was built in 1815 and was the first blast furnace in Alabama. Its date places it in the context of the state’s early industrial history.

Events also reflect local traditions, though their histories are described in different ways: The Franklin County Watermelon Festival began in 1981. The Downtown Hoedown in Phil Campbell grew out of the Phil Campbell Convention and became an annual event. In Hodges, the Spirit of Hodges Festival is held every year in early October; its program includes arts and crafts, food vendors and live music. Check the specific festival dates and program details before making plans.

Canyons, Water and Trails

Dismals Canyon is a natural sandstone canyon designated a National Natural Landmark. It is about six miles west of Phil Campbell on Highway 8. A 1.5-mile hiking trail follows Dismals Branch and passes waterfalls and boulders. The trail’s length and route make hiking a clear focus of a visit; its Landmark designation also reflects the canyon’s distinctive character.

Water and fishing are the main attractions at Cedar Creek Reservoir. At full pool, the reservoir covers 4,200 acres. There are five public access points, and there is also a campground at the Slickrock site. The reservoir is particularly known for black bass, including largemouth and spotted bass, as well as crappie. This offers a different focus from hiking through a canyon: you can consider the water, access points and fishing when planning your visit.

At the Bear Creek Education Center on Overton Farm in Hodges, Alabama, about 400 acres are accessible with limited barriers, and access points to Bear Creek surround the site. The center offers outdoor nature-based learning experiences. Since operating details may change, it is advisable to check current visitor information in advance.

Overton Farm also brings together history and outdoor activities. It is among the earliest surviving examples of the pioneer era in northwest Alabama and is a living history museum and event center with programs for visitors. Activities on offer include hiking and horseback riding. The Hodges Equestrian Park focuses on a 50-mile network of trails through forests and canyons, with waterfalls and natural rock bridges. Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park offers guided rides through Rock Bridge Canyon. These options differ in whether you would like to use the trails on your own or take a guided ride.

There are additional options for nature and recreation: Cypress Cove Farm in Red Bay is the Franklin County location on the North Alabama Birding Trail. Vina Park has sports facilities, a walking trail, a picnic pavilion and restrooms. Camping is available at Bear Creek Lakes in Franklin County.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Russellville, Calhoun County, Macon, Coffee County, Geneva County, Escambia County, Marshall County, Greene County.

For the overview of the wider region: Alabama.