My first visit to Dismals Canyon

I’m ashamed to admit I’ve worked in Franklin County more than two years and had never been to Dismals Canyon before last week.

It’s a short drive out to the Dismals from Russellville, even though it feels a little far. My GPS couldn’t quite figure out how to get me into the park. “You will need to park your car and continue with walking directions,” Siri warned. But I pulled through the main gate and into the parking lot.

Let me tell you, the covered deck adjacent to the country store alone was something to see. It would have been a great place to lounge and read for a few hours. But I was tagging along with the new class of Junior Leaders, and we were there to hike – not lounge.

A Dismals biologist led us into the canyon, where beauty surrounded us immediately. The sound of rushing water from the falls was literally music to my ears. I grew up not far from Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee, and to me a waterfall is the height of natural beauty.

We hiked a ways in, our guide pointing out unique features and rock formations for our admiration. It was a perfect morning for a hike and a great spot for the new Junior Leaders to get to know one another. For me, it brought back so many happy memories of hiking, from Fall Creek Falls in Pikeville, Tenn., to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains, to Chewacla State Park in Auburn and the Smith Mountain Fire Tower trail in Tallapoosa County. There’s not much like being out in God’s beautiful creation.

We were there early in the day, and I sadly had to cut my visit short to keep pace with the rest of the day’s commitments. But I want to go back soon. I want to eat lunch at the soda fountain in the general store. I want to spend more time winding my way alongside the Dismals Branch stream through the canyon. I especially want to return at the height of the Dismalites season and see the unique glowworms – I’ve heard they are a sight to behold.

I can’t say enough about not overlooking the treasures that are right in our own backyard. I bet I’m not the only person in this county who’s never made the time to go explore this beautiful, privately-owned natural conservatory. Did you know it is designated a National Natural Landmark?

It would make a great summer daytrip – a little stay-cation right here in Franklin County.