Jackson County, Alabama

Jackson County, AL, sits right on the edge of Guntersville Lake along the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills, which means it offers incredible outdoor recreation experiences in many forms. Its storied history and charming small towns only enhance the experience, as a visit to the county can feel like a relaxing step back in time.

Visit Jackson County!

Historic Attractions

Jackson County’s most famous and unique attraction blends history with nature, as Russell Cave National Monument bears priceless evidence of human activity in the area for more than 10,000 years.

Featuring a couple hiking paths up to the iconic mouth of the cave, visitors can tread the very rocks and dirt that their ancestors did when they decided to start calling the area home in prehistoric times.

Though the cave itself is no longer open to the public for the sake of its protection (though a boardwalk can take you right up to its edge), the cultural center offers more than enough ways to connect with its stunning history. With an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and a clear walkthrough of the Southeastern United States’ four distinct prehistoric time periods, the Russell Cave Museum is not to be missed in a visit to Jackson County.

Sticking with museums, the Scottsboro Jackson County Heritage Center also offers a look at the Native American history of the area, and its other exhibits cover everything from the county’s founding up through modern times. Civil War enthusiasts will find plenty to see, as Jackson County was highly desirable to both sides for its river and railroad connections. These exhibits call the 1881-built Brown-Proctor House home, and on the premises visitors can also check out the Sagetown Pioneer Village, which includes several wood cabins, a tiny brick courthouse from 1868, and a historic schoolhouse. The heritage center also includes a library and archives for local history and art.

The Scottsboro Boys Museum showcases a more somber side of American history. It memorializes the infamous Scottsboro Trials, in which a group of young African American men were caught in a long, unjust legal trial that went on to become an internationally recognized symbol of racism in the U.S. during the 20th century. The trial’s timeline consists of years of unfair jury selections, mistrials, and significant evidence being ignored which should've exonerated the falsely accused defendants. It created contentious and dramatic discussions around the nation and beyond, and it ultimately became a key step in federal progress towards integrated juries, as previously only white people were able to serve. It was also a key piece of inspiration for Harper Lee’s iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Today’s Attractions

Jackson County is proud of its reputation as a welcoming, quaint Southern getaway, and its charming attractions back up its enjoyable atmosphere.

The famous Unclaimed Baggage Center is always a memorable stop for visitors, especially since it’s the only retailer of its kind in the world. Whenever a traveler leaves their luggage at an airport baggage claim and never returns for it, its contents goes to Unclaimed Baggage and they sell off desirable items at extreme discounts. In operation since 1970, the store has always offered an interesting look into American culture, and its short annual report is a fun read. The “Most Fascinating Finds” list includes live snakes, a voodoo box, prop body parts from the movie Saw, and many more oddities.

Scottsboro, Jackson County’s largest city, has a historic downtown district with plenty of fun opportunities to shop, eat, and enjoy a chat with the locals. Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain is a popular gathering place with a memorable atmosphere. Home to one of the nation’s oldest soda fountains, Payne’s has maintained its character and decor from the 1950s. W.H. Payne originally opened Payne’s Drug in 1869, and the family name has served the community for more than 150 years since.

Jackson County has tremendous outdoor amenities, mostly centered around Guntersville Lake on the Tennessee River. Jackson County Park on the water’s edge offers everything needed for respite from a RiverLine journey, including cabins, a marina, a playground, and a covered fishing dock. Incredible fishing opportunities can be found all over the county, and bass, catfish, and bluegill are among its most popular catches. Lake Guntersville is known well among the fishing community as one of America’s best lakes for filling your bag with hogs day-after-day in the right conditions.

The restaurant on site, KC’s BBQ, offers classic Southern fare with a slightly larger menu than the typical meat-and-three. Given its big portions and plenty of side options, KC’s is best on an empty stomach.

For a short hike with a breathtaking view, nearby Weathington Park is a popular place for photo-ops and gorgeous sunsets. A much more challenging hike can be found a few miles away on the Alabama-Tennessee border at The Walls of Jericho, which is known for its biodiversity and incredible waterfall.

It’s not the only waterfall in Jackson County, as another can be seen at Stephens Gap. Famous for its breathtaking 143-foot descent, this cave offers a thrilling spot for spelunkers and photographers to make the most of their abilities. If you need a simpler way to witness this marvel, a ¾-mile-long hike can get you up to a short walk-in passage 50 feet above the floor of the cave.

Buck’s Pocket State Park nearby is a great place for camping, with tons of options for primitive sites or all the hookups you may need. For enthusiasts of offroad vehicles, there is an impressive trail on site dedicated to ensuring that guests can get their treads as dirty as they desire before heading off.

People who prefer to stay in a more curated location may want to check out Goose Pond Colony Resort, which has just about everything a family, couple, or individual may need for an outdoor-centric getaway. Campsites, riverside cottages, a full marina, a swimming pool, beach area, and two 18-hole golf courses make up just some of the offerings on this huge property.

It is no wonder why the land on which Jackson County sits was settled more than 10,000 years ago given its proximity to the breathtaking Appalachians and the bountiful Tennessee River. Whether it’s history, spelunking, shopping, or old-school malts that lead someone to Jackson County, it surely offers a worthwhile stop on the Tennessee RiverLine.