[1] Dismals Canyon is one of only a few places where insects called dismalites (Orfelia fultoni, a distant relative of Arachnocampa) can be found.

The larval forms of these flies emit a bright blue-green light to attract food and mates.

Dismals Canyon is operated commercially as part of an 85-acre (34 ha) nature preserve, and a fee is charged for entry.

Chickasaw Native Americans were held captive in the canyon for two weeks before embarking on a forced journey along the Trail of Tears.

[citation needed] The location was used to film a segment for the Discovery Channel documentary When Dinosaurs Roamed America.