Boardwalks in North Alabama that are perfect for kids and families

A boardwalk winds through the trees over a swampy area at Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk.

If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy some sunshine, these boardwalk hikes may be just what you need! These are especially great for littles that may still be in strollers, those new walkers, or those with limited mobility. Read below to find your next perfect adventure.

Desoto State Park – Talmadge Butler Boardwalk

Nestled between Mentone and Fort Payne, AL, Desoto State Park is located about 1.5 hours away from Huntsville. Desoto State Park has an amazing stroller friendly 1000 ft Boardwalk that will take you through the trees, past a gazebo, and ends at Azalea Cascades. Parking for this boardwalk is located next to the boardwalk. The parking spaces are a bit narrow and it can get busy during the weekends. While you are here, there are also several other waterfalls to visit including Lost Falls, Indian Falls, and Laurel Falls; these are not accessible via the boardwalk. Desoto Falls, which is also easily accessible, is located down the road from Desoto State Park. This waterfall is 107’ tall making it one of the tallest above ground waterfalls in the state.

Things to Know Before You Go:
Location: 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States (map)

Communication Phone Number: 1-800-ALAPARK

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Hours: Trails are open Dusk to Dawn

Cost: Free

Parking is available onsite and is free.

Bathrooms – Bathrooms are available on-site

Strollers/Wheelchair Accessibility:

The boardwalk is both Stroller and wheelchair accessible

Other: Little River Canyon and Desoto Falls are both nearby

Joe Wheeler National Preserve – Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk is located right off of I-565 near Huntsville International Airport. This ‘there and back’ walk is about 1 mile roundtrip. Half of the walk is on a gravel trail and the other half is on a boardwalk. This short walk could be done with a heavy-duty stroller, such as a BOB, but is not recommended for lighter strollers that cannot handle gravel. Joe Wheeler Wildlife Refuge has miles of trails and is well known for being a great place to see different species of birds and other animals. Nearby is Rainbow Mountain which has incredible trails for children, a playground for young kids and toddlers, and the famous “balanced rock”.

Things to Know Before You Go:
Location: Al Hwy 20, Madison, AL 35756, United States (map)

Communication Phone Number: (256) 350-6639

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Hours: Trails are open Dusk to Dawn

Cost: Free

Parking is available onsite and is free.

Bathrooms – Bathrooms are not available at this location

Strollers/Wheelchair Accessibility:

There is a gravel path to access the boardwalk. Therefore the boardwalk is only accessible by a heavy duty stroller and is not wheelchair accessible

Other: Stop by Rainbow Mountain for some more family fun!

Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument is in the far northeast corner of Alabama near the town of Bridgeport. From Huntsville, the drive is just over 1 hour. The boardwalk here is a around 900 ft, is stroller friendly, and will take you on a stroll through the woods to a large cave opening. You can walk along the boardwalk into the mouth of the cave. Russell Cave has a long rich history and was used by several different Native American tribes as a winter shelter for thousands of years. Russell Cave National Monument offers an informational video for visitors to enjoy and learn about the history and importance of the cave, artifacts found in and around the cave, and the several miles of hiking trails in the area. Cathedral Caverns is on the way to Russell Cave and is one of the most accessible caves in the United States. It is one of the few caverns in the United States that is wheelchair accessible.

Things to Know Before You Go:
Location: 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, United States (map)

Communication Phone Number: (256) 495-2672

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Hours: Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Cost: Free

Parking is available onsite and is free.

Bathrooms – Bathrooms are available behind the building

Strollers/Wheelchair Accessibility:

The boardwalk is both Stroller and wheelchair accessible

Other: Stop Cathedral Caverns on the way!

Little River Falls

Little River Falls is located an hour and a half away from Huntsville in Little River Canyon just east of Fort Payne, AL. Little River Falls offers a 100 ft boardwalk to a view of the waterfall. This is one of the best accessible waterfalls in the entire state. This location also has a sidewalk that goes over the bridge above the falls for visitors to get a better view of the canyon. If you are sure footed and want to hike a bit, you can hike down to Martha’s Falls/Hippie Hole, a famous swimming hole and summer favorite in Alabama. Nearby you can drive the rim of the canyon which offers a giant “mushroom rock” feature and absolutely breathtaking views of the canyon.