Fall has arrived in Alabama, and while the weather is still enjoyable, there’s nothing better to do than get outside and experience the beautiful, magical waterfalls of North Alabama. With the changing leaves and crisp air, there’s never been a better backdrop for your Instagram-worthy photo-ops.
The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association has lined up 14 waterfalls to visit for a day trip or weekend experience!
- Bethel Spring Falls
Bethel Spring Nature Preserve on Keel Mountain offers hikers two miles of free trails to explore as well as one of Madison County’s largest waterfalls. The waterfall is impressive enough above ground but continues its descent into a cave below, flows downhill underground, and exits through a spring at the base of the mountain. All the trails create a 1.3-mile loop leading to and from the waterfall. This hike is difficult due to change in elevation and some slippery and/or rocky areas.
- Coldwater Falls at Springs Park
The man-made Coldwater Falls was constructed with over 2,000 tons of sandstone and today sees more than 4.3 million gallons of water flow each day.
- DeSoto State Park
Offers a lodge, cabins, motel, full service restaurant, campground, primitive camping, nature center, hiking and biking trails, Olympic-size pool, canoeing, boating, and fishing areas. Located atop Lookout Mountain near Little River Canyon National Preserve and near DeSoto Falls day use area.
- Grace’s High Falls
Located within the 14,000 acres of Little River Canyon National Preserve is Grace’s High Falls. Though only seasonal, this waterfall is one of Alabama’s highest waterfalls. At 133 feet high, the waterfall features a view you can’t find anywhere else. When rainfall is high, a significant amount of smaller creeks and waterfalls can be seen while exploring the area.
- High Falls
The park at High Falls features a natural bridge at the bottom of falls, along with a walking bridge that crosses over the waterfall.
- Kinlock Falls
Located along Hubbard Creek in the Bankhead National Forest, Kinlock Falls offers a magnificent view and an area that people come to swim.
- Lacefield Falls
Wild streams, box canyons, waterfalls, rock shelters and sandstone bluffs encompass the 700 acres where you’ll find Lacefield Falls.
- Little River Falls
Located at the north end of America’s deepest and most extensive canyon systems east of the Mississippi, Little River Falls is surrounded by 14,000 acres of beauty.
- Mardis Mill Falls
Mardi Mills — aka Graves Creek Falls — is located on Grave’s Creek (hence that nickname) which feeds into The Black Warrior River.
- Noccalula Falls Park
Nestled among the trees in the park is a pioneer village, a group of rustic, hand-hewn log buildings representing a display of pioneer living conditions, included in the village are a country store, grist mill, covered bridge, pioneer home, smoke house, blacksmith shop and more. Other park attractions include a War Memorial and Museum, botanical gardens, hiking trails, sightseeing train, playground, carpet golf, picnic pavilions, Wedding Chapel and honeymoon cabins, and meeting facilities.
- Pisgah Gorge Falls
At a total of 600 feet spread out over 1.5 miles, Pisgah Gorge Falls includes two large waterfalls that are each close to 100 feet tall.
- Rainbow Falls at Dismals Canyon
In the areas surrounding Rainbow Falls, you’ll find pristine wilderness, romantic cabins, secluded campsites, hiking, swimming, canoeing, wildflowers, a country store and more.
- Turkey Foot Falls
Rich in Native American and pioneer history, Turkey Foot Falls is just a 30-minute walk from the Sipsey River Picnic Grounds and Rec Area.
- Wilson Dam
Boasts one of the highest, single-lift locks in the world. Construction on the dam began during World War I, TVA was created in 1933. The lock is accessible to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the year.
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