Alternate U.S. Route 72 (US 72 Alt.) exists in Alabama on the south side of the Tennessee River between Muscle Shoals and Decatur, while US 72 follows on the north side of the river between Florence and Athens.
In Alabama, Alternate U.S. Route 72 (US 72 Alt.) is situated on the south side of the Tennessee River, stretching from Muscle Shoals to Decatur, while the primary US 72 route lies on the north side of the river, connecting Florence and Athens.