Dismals Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dismals Canyon |
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Rainbow Falls at Dismals Canyon near Phil Campbell in Franklin County, Alabama.
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| Location | Franklin County, Alabama |
| Nearest city | Phil Campbell |
| Area | 85 acres (34 ha) |
| Designated: | May 1974 |
Dismals Canyon is a special place in Franklin County, Alabama. It's a deep, narrow valley called a gorge that was carved out of sandstone. You can find it close to the town of Phil Campbell. Because of its unique natural features, Dismals Canyon was named a National Natural Landmark in May 1974.
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Discover Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon is famous for its amazing natural beauty and unique living things. It's a cool, shaded place that feels like a hidden world.
A Home for Glowing Insects
One of the most exciting things about Dismals Canyon is the "dismalites." These are special insects that are a type of fly larva. They are related to glow-worms found in other parts of the world. Dismalites (their scientific name is Orfelia fultoni) create a bright blue-green light. They use this light to attract food and find mates. At night, they cover the canyon walls, making it look like a starry sky on the ground!
Exploring the Canyon's Beauty
The canyon is also home to two beautiful waterfalls. These are called Secret Falls and Rainbow Falls. As you explore, you'll also discover six natural bridges. These are amazing rock formations shaped by nature over many years.
Dismals Canyon is run as a nature preserve. It covers about 85-acre (34 ha) of land. There is a small fee to enter and explore this wonderful place. If you visit at night, you can take special tours to see the glowing dismalites up close. You can even stay overnight! The canyon offers places for traditional camping and cozy cabins.
A Glimpse into History
Dismals Canyon has a connection to the past. Long ago, Chickasaw Native Americans spent time in the canyon. This was before they had to make a long, difficult journey known as the Trail of Tears.
Dismals Canyon on Screen
This unique canyon has even been featured on TV! A part of the Discovery Channel documentary When Dinosaurs Roamed America was filmed here. The canyon was used to show what New Mexico might have looked like during the time of the dinosaurs. This was during the Late Cretaceous period.
