Winston County, Administrative division in northwestern Alabama, United States.
Winston County is an administrative division in northwestern Alabama that spans varied terrain with forests, hills, and waterways in the Appalachian Mountain foothills. The William B. Bankhead National Forest covers much of the land and shapes how the landscape appears throughout the region.
The county changed its name from Hancock to Winston in 1858 to honor John A. Winston, the first Alabama-born governor of the state. This renaming marked a shift in local identity and self-perception.
Residents opposed Confederate secession during the Civil War, meeting at Looney's Tavern to discuss their independence. This stance shaped the local identity and remains part of how people understand the region's past.
Visiting centers on hiking trails, camping spots, and outdoor activities in the William B. Bankhead National Forest spread across the county. Visitors should prepare for hilly terrain and forest paths if planning outdoor recreation.
Four sites in the county are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Houston Jail and Winston County Courthouse. These buildings offer glimpses into local history and architecture that visitors often overlook.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Lewis Smith Lake
33.9 km
Sipsey Wilderness
20.8 km
William B. Bankhead National Forest
17.4 km
Bankhead House
35.7 kmNatural Bridge Park
23 km
Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge
35.9 kmHouston Jail
10.8 km
Boshell's Mill
33.5 km
First United Methodist Church
36.3 km
Jasper Downtown Historic District
36.4 km
Winston County Courthouse
2.5 km
Natural Bridge Park
23 km
Crane Hill Masonic Lodge
31 km
Clarkson Covered Bridge
36 kmFeldman's Department Store
24.6 kmBrushy Creek Lake
18.9 kmTiger Field
16.7 kmGoat Bluff
29.3 kmBlue Cut
8.2 kmBanking Grounds
37.6 kmMovies 4
34.3 kmDeer Run Golf Course
31.4 kmMusgrove Country Club
28 kmOld Car
15.3 kmHA Alexander Park Splash Pad
37 kmCaney Creek Falls
12 kmMill Falls
33.7 kmFactory Falls
37.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes