When you think about waterfalls, Alabama might not be the first place that comes to mind—but it should be. North Alabama is quietly home to some of the most stunning, diverse, and accessible waterfalls in the Southeastern U.S. From thunderous canyon falls to hidden forest cascades, this region is packed with natural treasures waiting to be explored.
I’ve personally wandered many of these trails—some found by accident, others carefully planned. Every hike felt like unwrapping a hidden gift, each waterfall a unique surprise. Whether you’re in it for the photos, the peacefulness, or the adventure, North Alabama’s waterfalls deliver the kind of awe that sticks with you long after you’ve dried off your boots.
What makes these waterfalls even more special is their accessibility. Many are located within short hikes or even steps from parking lots, while others require a little more effort—perfect for weekend warriors. And thanks to Alabama’s mild winters and wet springs, there’s a good chance of catching strong flows most of the year.
So, grab your hiking shoes, pack a picnic, and let’s dive into the best waterfalls North Alabama has to offer—some famous, others secret, all unforgettable.
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Map of Waterfalls in North Alabama
Exploring waterfalls in North Alabama is easier with a solid plan. The region spans across several counties and can be covered in a road trip loop with stops in places like Fort Payne, Bankhead National Forest, and Tuscumbia.
Travel Map
Best Routes for a Waterfall Road Trip
There are two popular driving loops:
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The Northern Loop (Fort Payne to Mentone to Scottsboro): Covers Little River Falls, DeSoto Falls, and High Falls.
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The Western Loop (Moulton to Bankhead to Tuscumbia): Features Kinlock Falls, Sougahoagdee Falls, and Coldwater Falls.
Pro tip: Plan to visit 2–3 waterfalls per day to enjoy hikes and avoid rushing.
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Top Must-See Waterfalls in North Alabama
These are the headliners—stunning, often visited, but still not overcrowded like major national parks.
Little River Falls
Located in Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne, Little River Falls offers one of the most powerful and dramatic waterfall views in the state. It’s easily accessible from the highway, with a boardwalk and overlook that makes it perfect for all ages.
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Best for: Easy access, photos, picnics
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Season Tip: Visit in spring after rains for a roaring display.
DeSoto Falls
Just minutes from Mentone, DeSoto Falls drops over 100 feet into a clear, deep pool. It’s part of DeSoto State Park, where you can hike, picnic, or even stay in cabins nearby. This one’s a must-see—trust me.
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Best for: Families, photographers, scenic drives
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Local Tip: Walk the trail behind the A.A. Miller Dam for the best angle.
Noccalula Falls
Situated in Gadsden, this 90-foot waterfall cascades into a lush ravine and even has a trail that leads behind the falls. It’s part of a public park that also features a petting zoo, gardens, and train rides—great for kids.
Unique Feature: You can walk behind the waterfall.
TripAdvisor Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – We are traveling north and saw this advertised somewhere at some point & I saved it to my favorites for future trips. Easy to find. Depending on which way you come in.. if you see water first park in the first parking lot by it, if coming from the other directions go past first parking area and park in next one past the pavilion. Walk there is paved, but you have a longer walk if you park closer to ticket area. If you plan on doing any of the other activities there besides the waterfall the one by the main building is best & where you get your tickets. Waterfall is free.”
High Falls
Located in Grove Oak, this waterfall isn’t the tallest, but it may be the most fun. The water rushes over a natural rock arch, creating a unique split-flow effect. There’s also a pedestrian bridge offering a dramatic top-down view.
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Ideal for: Instagram photos, short hikes
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Warning: Slippery rocks—use caution near the edge.
Kinlock Falls
Tucked deep in Bankhead National Forest, Kinlock Falls is a local favorite. A gentle 15-foot cascade spills over a flat rock bed, forming a natural slide into a clear swimming hole. Perfect for summer!
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Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, solitude
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Personal Pick: I’ve been multiple times—it’s a peaceful, almost spiritual spot.
Coldwater Falls
Located in Spring Park, Tuscumbia, this is the largest man-made stone waterfall in the U.S. It flows from over 2,000 tons of rock and channels over 4 million gallons of water per day. A beautiful and easy stop.
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Ideal for: Quick visits, families with strollers
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Bonus: Adjacent Spring Park has a carousel and great picnic spots.
Hidden Waterfalls Worth the Hunt
Not all waterfalls are easy to find—but that’s part of the adventure. North Alabama hides a number of secret cascades deep in the woods or tucked behind obscure trails. These hidden gems are worth the trek for anyone looking to escape the crowds and find something truly magical.
Sougahoagdee Falls
Pronounced Sog-uh-hog-dee, this 30-foot tall waterfall in Bankhead National Forest is a dream for photographers. The 4-mile roundtrip hike is moderate and follows a scenic creek lined with mossy boulders and quiet forest.
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Best Time to Visit: Late winter or spring for full flow
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Trailhead: Brushy Lake Recreation Area
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Local Tip: The trail can be muddy—wear waterproof boots.
Mize Mill Falls
Located near Sipsey Wilderness, this two-tiered waterfall is perfect for a day hike. It’s about a mile off the Sipsey River Trail and offers a peaceful place to rest, snack, or meditate.
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Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Best for: Waterfall lovers looking to escape the crowds
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Fun Fact: Few people know it’s part of a larger waterfall system in the area.
Rainbow Falls (Dismals Canyon)
Within Dismals Canyon in Phil Campbell, Rainbow Falls is surrounded by an otherworldly canyon. The fall itself is small but beautifully framed by lush ferns and towering rock walls. Night tours to see glowing “dismalites” add a surreal bonus.
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Accessibility: Entry fee required
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TripAdvisor Review: ★★★★☆ – “Magical, especially with the glowing insects at night.”
Eagle Creek Falls
A lesser-known cascade near Double Springs, this waterfall requires some local knowledge to find. It’s typically accessed via off-the-map forest trails or with the help of a local guide. The reward? A peaceful, untouched waterfall few have ever seen.
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Warning: Not well-marked—use GPS and local trail apps
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Pro Tip: Visit with a friend; this is remote country
Caney Creek Falls
This is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Alabama. The curtain-like falls drop into a clear pool perfect for wading. Located near Double Springs, it’s an easy 1.5-mile hike and ideal for families or first-time waterfall chasers.
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Best for: Swimming, family hikes, drone photography
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Trailhead Parking: Limited—arrive early
Waterfalls Near Cullman, AL
Cullman County offers several underrated waterfalls that are great for short day trips or peaceful nature breaks. While not as large as the giants in DeKalb or Bankhead, these local gems are full of charm and easier to access.
Welti Falls
One of the prettiest small falls in North Alabama, Welti Falls features a stone dam waterfall on a rural road. It’s an easy walk from the parking area and a peaceful spot for quiet reflection or photography.
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Accessibility: Easy
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Best Season: After rainfall in spring
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Local Tip: Pair with a visit to nearby Clarkson Covered Bridge
Hurricane Creek Park Falls
This rugged canyon near Cullman hides a seasonal waterfall that flows strongest after a rainstorm. The surrounding trails are lined with limestone cliffs and offer excellent rock formations and birdwatching.
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Great for: Hikers, geology lovers
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Bonus: Picnic areas and clean restrooms available
Clarkson Covered Bridge Area
While the main draw is the historic covered bridge, a small scenic waterfall can be found just upstream. The setting is picturesque—great for photos, kids, and quick stops.
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Good For: Families and history lovers
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Photo Tip: Visit in early morning light for the best shots
Best Hiking Trails with Waterfalls
Waterfall hikes in North Alabama range from easy walks to all-day wilderness treks. The region’s geology—rich in limestone bluffs, creeks, and sandstone cliffs—makes it ideal for both casual and hardcore hikers.
Sipsey Wilderness Trails
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” Sipsey Wilderness is a rugged area in Bankhead National Forest. It’s home to Sougahoagdee Falls, Mize Mill Falls, and dozens of unnamed cascades.
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Must-Try Trails: Sipsey River Trail, Randolph Trail, Borden Creek Trail
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Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
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Best Time: Fall and early spring
Walls of Jericho
Located near the Alabama-Tennessee line, this challenging 7-mile hike leads to a bowl-shaped canyon with multiple waterfalls. It’s often called “The Grand Canyon of Alabama.”
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Trail Length: 7 miles roundtrip
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Trail Type: Out and back
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Be Prepared: The return hike is uphill and strenuous
Bankhead National Forest Loops
Bankhead offers dozens of short to moderate waterfall loops, many unmarked but shared on local hiking forums and apps. These include trails to Kinlock, Eagle Creek, and Fall Creek Falls.
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Pro Tip: Always download offline trail maps—cell service is unreliable
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Gear Tip: Waterproof boots and hiking poles recommended
Seasonal Tips for Waterfall Hikes
Waterfalls in North Alabama are highly seasonal. Timing your trip right can mean the difference between a raging waterfall and a trickle over rocks.
Best Time to Visit
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Spring (March to May): Best flow after winter rains; trails lush and green
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Fall (October to November): Stunning foliage + decent flow after autumn storms
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Winter (January to February): Strong flow, no bugs, and fewer crowds
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Summer (June to August): Lower flow, but best for swimming
What to Pack for a Waterfall Day
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Water-resistant hiking boots
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Extra socks and quick-dry clothes
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Trail snacks + hydration pack
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Trash bag (Leave No Trace)
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Portable charger + offline map app
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Small first-aid kit
Safety Tips for Slippery Trails
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Watch for moss-covered rocks and roots
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Stay on marked trails
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Avoid swimming near high flow or after heavy rain
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Bring a buddy—many trails are remote
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Check weather forecasts before heading out
Trip Advisor Reviews & Visitor Insights
Here’s what real travelers are saying about North Alabama’s top waterfalls.
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Reviews of DeSoto Falls
★★★★★ “Great stairway down to the mid area of the falls. As you turn around you see the beautiful art work on the facing of the stairs! A must see. Great spot for swimming in the summer and an easier area to visit if you’re elderly. Cost $4 honor system! Look for the drop box!–Susan B-TripAdvisor
★★★★★ “Enjoyed both the top of the falls and the hike at the bottom. The top is very clean with picnic tables. We paid $4 for our vehicle. Later that day we hiked the bottom trail. Free parking there. The hike is easy to follow. It took us 25 minutes each way. There are beautiful rock formations to see. We lucked out by having perfect fall weather. We got good exercise and enjoyed the scenery.”
Travel Itinerary & Road Trip Guide (PDF Download)
Planning a waterfall-focused road trip in North Alabama? Here’s how to make the most of your adventure. This section includes sample itineraries, a downloadable PDF guide, and a ready-to-use Google Maps route.
2-Day Waterfall Itinerary
Day 1:
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Start at Little River Falls
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Stop at DeSoto Falls for lunch
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Drive to High Falls for sunset photos
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Overnight stay in Fort Payne or Mentone
Day 2:
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Morning at Kinlock Falls
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Midday hike to Sougahoagdee Falls
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Wrap up with Coldwater Falls at Spring Park in Tuscumbia
This loop combines easy access points and moderate hikes with great photo spots and rest areas.
Family-Friendly Version
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Visit Noccalula Falls (paved trail & park)
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Explore DeSoto State Park’s boardwalks
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Spend the afternoon at Caney Creek Falls (short, shady hike)
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Optional splash time at Kinlock Falls
Great for kids, older visitors, or anyone looking for low-effort beauty.
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Google Maps Driving Route
We’ve created a pre-made Google Maps itinerary with exact coordinates, estimated drive times, and rest stops.
👉 Open the Google Maps Route (Make sure to open on mobile for GPS integration)
Pro Tip: Download the route offline in case of poor reception in the forested areas.
FAQs
Q1: Are North Alabama waterfalls open year-round?
A: Yes, but spring and late fall offer the best water flow. Some trails may close after heavy rain or snow.
Q2: Which waterfall is best for swimming?
A: Kinlock Falls and Caney Creek Falls are the most popular for safe, clear swimming.
Q3: Can I bring pets on the hikes?
A: Most trails are dog-friendly, but leashes are required. Be cautious near slick rocks and deep pools.
Q4: Are there camping spots near the waterfalls?
A: Yes! DeSoto State Park, Bankhead National Forest, and Cheaha State Park all offer camping close to major waterfalls.
Q5: How do I find lesser-known waterfalls not on Google Maps?
A: Use hiking apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or ask locals in towns like Moulton and Mentone. Some gems are shared only by word-of-mouth or local forums.
Conclusion: Rediscover Nature in North Alabama
North Alabama is more than just rolling hills and quaint towns—it’s a living, breathing outdoor playground brimming with waterfall adventures. From the dramatic plunge of Little River Falls to the serene beauty of Caney Creek, these natural wonders offer both peace and thrill.
I’ve hiked many of these trails myself, sometimes with friends, sometimes solo, and every time left with a story worth sharing. There’s something grounding about hearing nothing but rushing water and birdsong.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or mapping a bucket-list road trip, these waterfalls provide the perfect excuse to explore the wilder side of Alabama. Just remember to respect the land, pack out what you pack in, and—most importantly—bring a sense of wonder.
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