The fertile valleys, rolling hillsides, and pristine lakes of North Alabama have provided golf course architects with an amazing pallette from which to create their designs. Added to the excitement of the region are all of the Trails, such as the Bass Fishing Trail, the Barbecue Trail and the Craft Beer Trail.

The three Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail sites in the region are truly unique. In the northwest corner, the cities of Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia form the area collectively known as “The Shoals.” The Shoals is best known as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World” since many of the top songs of the 60s and 70s were recorded here. Also in the Shoals area, Cypress Lakes in Muscle Shoals is another fun test of golf. The facility features a beautiful championship course with new Mini Verde greens. And just down the road is one of the four Alabama State Park golf courses at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville. It offers an 18-hole course, designed by Alabama’s own Earl Stone.

Farther east in Decatur, Point Mallard Park lies hidden among North Alabama’s densely wooded pines and has camping, hiking trails, biking trails and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Hampton Cove in Huntsville is one of the other RTJ Golf Trail sites in the most northern part of the state. Two totally different experiences await at Hampton Cove with the Highlands and the River courses.

Northeast of Huntsville is one of the more popular settings for golf at Goose Pond Colony in Scottsboro. Located on the banks of Lake Guntersville, this laid-back resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses, cozy lakeside cottages, a lodge, restaurant, campground, and full-service marina.

Guntersville, just a bit south of Scottsboro, and the locale of several championship golf courses, is situated perfectly to be a home base for a golf vacation to the northeast corner of Alabama. Eighteen masterfully crafted holes covering just under 6,900 yards and offering awe-inspiring beauty, with a choice of difficulty ranging from moderate to pretty darn tough, are what you’ll find at Gunter’s Landing. Eagle’s Nest Golf Club overlooks beautiful Lake Guntersville and is located at the state park.

The region is also home to Limestone Springs, located in the small town of Oneonta, just 45 minutes northeast of Birmingham. The Jerry Pate-designed course is listed in Alabama’s top ten by Golfweek. Located between Anniston and Gadsden, lies the third RTJ Golf Trail location in North Alabama. Silver Lakes is made up of three really tough 9-hole courses, suitably named Mindbreaker, Backbreaker and Heartbreaker. A nice complement to a round at Silver Lakes is either Cider Ridge in Oxford, situated at the base of the state’s tallest mountain, Mt. Cheaha, or Twin Bridges, located along the Coosa River in Gadsden, named a “Best New Course” by Golf Digest upon opening.

The northernmost destinations of Alabama have much to boast about in the way of golf. Scenic beauty paired with the topographical challenges play a distinct role in the golf experiences in the region. Golf travelers will find just the right course for their skill level, budget and playing style in the beautiful Alabama mountains.