Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
3 reasons to get to know the Alabama Black Belt now + where to begin
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Looking for an easy getaway that will fill your heart, mind and imagination without draining your wallet, gas tank or PTO? We have an incredible one that’s right under your nose, or more specifically, located in the swath of counties just west and south of Birmingham.
There you’ll discover the Alabama Black Belt, a 23-county region named for its rich soil and known for even richer experiences. Think wide-open spaces, dense woodlands, vast waters, delicious food, inspiring craft and profound history.
Read on for more details and three big reasons to plan a visit.
Who’s part of the Alabama Black Belt?
The map above shows the courthouse location for each of the 23 counties in the Alabama Black Belt Region.
Now you know where we’re talking about, here’s a look at what you’ll find there that’s unlike anywhere else.
1. Connection over crowds
The large, mostly rural Alabama Black Belt region has generations of people who know the land and love to share their expertise.
Here’s where to meet your expert guides:
🐦⬛ Birders: Already blessed with 430 bird species and half of the state’s eight official birding trails, the Black Belt got even better for birders in 2019, when Christopher Joe opened Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours, LLC on his family’s 200-acre Black Angus cattle farm in Newbern. Here are details on all Black Belt birding opportunities, and don’t miss the 2025 Black Belt Birding Festival Aug. 1-3.
🎣 Anglers: The Black Belt region has four rivers and dozens of lakes, including Lake Eufaula, the Bass Fishing Capital of the World. Here’s your guide to public fishing + expert guides.
🦃 Hunters: Connect with knowledgeable lodges, outfitters + landowners or explore public hunting lands. Beginners can get one-on-one training with the state’s Adult Mentored Hunt (AMH) Program.
2. High adventure close to home
While there are plenty of peaceful waters to put in a canoe or kayak (hello, Kayak Eufaula at Lakepoint State Park!), you can also amp up your adrenaline with the world’s longest urban whitewater rafting experience.
Located on the far eastern reaches of the Alabama Black Belt in Phenix City, Whitewater Express’ Chattahoochee Whitewater Park has Class III-V rapids at high water, earning it a spot in USA Today’s Top 12 man-made adventures in the world.
Want to learn fly fishing? You can do that through Whitewater Express, too. Check out these and other adventure sports in the Alabama Black Belt.
3. Unmatched craft, food, history + culture
“Unmatched” isn’t hyperbole here. Here’s proof:
- Gee’s Bend Quilters may be the only quilting circle we know of that landed a global sportswear giant (Adidas) to sponsor their annual festival. (Airing of the Quilts is Oct. 4, by the way.)
- Legendary local foods like Conecuh Sausage and Toomer’s Lemonade highlight the nine Flavors of the Black Belt Trail guides.
- World-famous folks with Black Belt ties include Hank Williams, Lionel Richie, Harper Lee, Truman Capote and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Where to stay in the Alabama Black Belt
Ready to go? From Birmingham, you can hop in the car on a Friday, drive an hour (or four) and connect to Alabama in ways you may not have imagined before. Don’t let the summer get away from you without taking at least one easy road trip to this fascinating part of our state.
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