Rainsville is a city in northeastern Alabama, located on Sand Mountain in DeKalb County. It sits about 30 miles southwest of Fort Payne and 65 miles southeast of Huntsville. The city is known for its agricultural heritage, nearby Appalachian landscapes, local parks, and its location along the elevated plateau between the Tennessee Valley and the Georgia border.
Location Map of Rainsville, DeKalb County, Alabama
About Map: The map shows the location of Rainsville in DeKalb County, in the U.S. state of Alabama.
Rainsville Map, Alabama
About Rainsville Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Rainsville in DeKalb County, Alabama. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Rainsville Located?
Rainsville is a city located in DeKalb County, Alabama, the United States. It lies on Sand Mountain in northeastern Alabama, about 30 miles southwest of Fort Payne and roughly 65 miles southeast of Huntsville. Scottsboro is around 25 miles northwest, while Fort Payne is about 30 miles northeast. Rainsville is positioned near 34.494° North latitude and 85.848° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,505 residents. The city covers about 19.02 square miles, or 49.26 square kilometers. Rainsville was incorporated in 1958 and grew from an agricultural community in the Sand Mountain region. Farming has long been important to the local economy, with poultry, cattle, hay, and other agricultural activities shaping the surrounding countryside. The city's location on the plateau gives it broad views toward the Appalachian foothills and Tennessee Valley. Nearby attractions include DeKalb County's natural areas and the waterfalls, canyons, and forests of Little River Canyon National Preserve. A unique fact about Rainsville is its location on Sand Mountain, a distinctive elevated plateau that stretches across parts of northeastern Alabama and into Georgia. The city also serves as a regional center for shopping, education, healthcare, and agriculture. US-11 and Alabama highways provide road connections to Fort Payne, Scottsboro, Gadsden, and other communities across northeastern Alabama.
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Rainsville City Facts
| City | Rainsville |
| State | Alabama |
| County | DeKalb County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Sand Mountain and Northeastern Alabama |
| Incorporated | 1958 |
| Founded | 1800s |
| Total Area | 19.02 sq mi (49.26 sq km) |
| Land Area | 18.98 sq mi (49.16 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 sq km) |
| Elevation | 1,150 ft (351 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,600 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,505 |
| Population Density | 290 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 35986 |
| Area Code | 256 |
| Major Highways | US-11, AL-35, AL-75, and AL-227 |
| Public Transit | DeKalb County public transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Little River Canyon National Preserve, Sand Mountain, DeKalb County parks, and nearby Appalachian landscapes |
| Official Website | https://www.rainsvillealabama.gov/ |
Distance from Rainsville, AL to Nearby Cities
- Fyffe, AL – 8 miles (13 km)
- Crossville, AL – 12 miles (19 km)
- Fort Payne, AL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Scottsboro, AL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Boaz, AL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Albertville, AL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Centre, AL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Gadsden, AL – 40 miles (64 km)
- Guntersville, AL – 40 miles (64 km)
- Mentone, AL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Rome, GA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Chattanooga, TN – 70 miles (113 km)
- Huntsville, AL – 65 miles (105 km)
- Anniston, AL – 65 miles (105 km)
- Birmingham, AL – 115 miles (185 km)
- Atlanta, GA – 120 miles (193 km)
- Decatur, AL – 85 miles (137 km)
- Montgomery, AL – 200 miles (322 km)
Top Attractions in Rainsville
- Little River Canyon National Preserve – A nearby national preserve protecting a deep canyon, waterfalls, forests, overlooks, and hiking trails on Lookout Mountain.
- Sand Mountain – The elevated plateau surrounding Rainsville provides distinctive scenery, agricultural land, forests, and views across northeastern Alabama.
- DeSoto State Park – A nearby mountain park with waterfalls, streams, hiking trails, cabins, camping, and scenic overlooks.
- DeKalb County Public Fishing Lake – A local outdoor destination offering fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
- Little River Falls – A popular waterfall near the entrance to Little River Canyon National Preserve, especially scenic after periods of rain.
- DeKalb County Agricultural Center – A regional facility supporting agricultural events, livestock activities, fairs, and community programs.
- Downtown Rainsville – The city's central area includes local businesses, civic facilities, restaurants, and community gathering places.
- Fort Payne Cabin Historic Site – A nearby historic area offering insight into the settlement and early history of northeastern Alabama.
Airports Near Rainsville, AL
- Isbell Field Airport (4A9) – 10 miles
- Fort Payne Airport (FOP) – 30 miles
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV) – 70 miles
- Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) – 70 miles
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – 115 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Rainsville city website and local government records.
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