There’s no shortage of beautiful scenery in Alabama, thanks to the more than 77,000 miles of rivers and streams running through the state. What better way to make the most of an afternoon of good weather than by making your way to one of these stunning Alabama waterfalls within easy driving distance of Birmingham?
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Upper Caney Creek Falls
Location: Caney Creek Falls Trailhead, County Road 2, Double SpringsDrive time from Birmingham: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Caney Creek Falls, located just outside the Sipsey Wilderness in Double Springs, is a must-visit Alabama waterfall. A three-mile hike will take you to this lush, secluded area at the head of Caney Creek. Moss-covered rocks and evergreen trees provide lovely sights along your journey and create a perfect backdrop for the falls. After a heavy rain, you may even be lucky enough to find two curtains of water pouring from the ledge above. Take a break upon your arrival and splash around in the swimming hole at the foot of the falls before hitting the trail for home.
PinAt Caney Creek you’ll find the perfect swimming hole in which to cool off and enjoy the mist of the waterfall. Just one Alabama waterfall of many to explore! Image by GRYGRGN via Flickr CC
Location: 7104 Desoto Pkwy. NE, Fort PayneDrive time from Birmingham: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Standing more than 100 feet above the beautiful gorge, DeSoto Falls is one of Alabama’s tallest and most-visited waterfalls. A short walk along the paved path will take you to the falls overlook, and a trip down a flight of stairs reveals a breathtaking view of the main waterfall. DeSoto State Park, located just a few miles down the road from the falls, contains several additional small waterfalls and offers an array of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, wildflower expeditions and much more. If you’re looking to spend an afternoon in the great outdoors, begin your journey with a visit to DeSoto Falls.
PinThe beautiful rock formations that surround DeSoto Falls add to the waterfall’s beauty. Image by Stanislav Vitebskiy via Flickr CC
Location: 472 Alabama Hwy. 35, GaylesvilleDrive time from Birmingham: 2 hours
This 45-foot waterfall is well worth the drive from Birmingham. Atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Little River Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in the state, making it the ideal destination for a simple, stress-free family trip. With water flowing year-round and an abundance of gorgeous scenery, this northeast Alabama gem marks the start of Little River Canyon and is part of the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the park’s shaded picnic tables, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the nearby Little River Canyon swimming hole, where you may enjoy the water and take in the view.
PinNo matter what time of year you visit, the waters at Little River Falls are sure to leave an impression. Image by Pookie_NY via Flickr CC
Location: Mt. HopeDrive time from Birmingham: 2 hours
Nicknamed the Land of 1,000 Waterfalls, the Sipsey Wilderness is oft-visited by Alabama’s hiking and camping buffs, and for good reason. In addition to an array of waterfalls you’ll find both along designated trails and off the beaten path, Sipsey’s 25,000 protected acres contain forested canyons, ravines and sandstone cliffs and formations. Kinlock Falls, Falls Creek Falls, Turkey Foot Falls and Feather Hawk Falls are among the dozens of waterfalls waiting to be discovered in the Sipsey Wilderness.
PinBee Branch Falls is among diverse array of beautiful waterfalls in the Sipsey Wilderness. Image by Michael Hicks via Flickr CC
Location: 1600 Noccalula Road, GadsdenDrive time from Birmingham: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Noccalula Falls in Gadsden has plenty to offer history lovers and outdoorsmen alike. The powerful, 90-foot waterfall is surrounded by Cherokee legend and even features a statue of the young Native American girl around whom the falls’ legend centers. Experienced hikers may head down the trails into the ravine for a chance to walk behind the falls and explore the nearby caves, where you’ll find historic carvings left behind by Civil War soldiers. Before you go, be sure to visit the charming pioneer village and park area, complete with a historic covered bridge and various other historical and fun sites.
PinThe waters of Black Creek drop 90 feet over the cliff face at Noccalula Falls. Image by Pookie_NY via Flickr CC
Location: 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta 36258Drive time from Birmingham: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Talladega National Forest is home to Mt. Cheaha, Alabama’s tallest mountain, and there you’ll find a lovely scene at Cheaha Falls. After flowing down the mountain in Cheaha Creek, 30 feet of water spills from rocks along Chinnabee Silent Trail. The falls are just a short, easy, three-quarter-mile hike from the trail’s parking area on Talladega Scenic Byway. Make the most of your trip and also pay a visit to Devil’s Den and High Falls, located nearby within Cheaha State Park.
PinCheaha Falls cascades down the highest mountain in Alabama! Image credit: alapark.com
Location: 901 Hwy. 8, Phil CampbellDrive time from Birmingham: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Franklin County, Dismals Canyon, a privately owned conservatory, offers visitors a chance to experience two waterfalls and some of the most unique terrain in the state. The cool, (sometimes 14 degrees below average temperatures!) 1.5-mile hike will take you on a tour through the canyon, past Rainbow Falls, Secret Falls and a true treasure trove of unique plants. An admission fee is required for entrance to the canyon, but rest assured this one-of-a-kind experience will be well worth the price ($10, adults; $6.75, under 12; senior discounts, group rates, overnight prices and tour packages also available).
PinLush greens and diverse plant life at Rainbow Falls in Dismals Canyon will make you think you’ve been transported to a different time and place. Image by Steve Driskell via Flickr CC
Location: 617 Preserve Way, HooverDrive time from Birmingham: 20 minutes
Short on time? You don’t have to travel very far to visit an Alabama waterfall. Right in Birmingham’s backyard, you’ll find 349 treasured acres at Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover. Walk the five-mile trail and you’ll come across many small waterfalls along the tumbling waters of Hurricane Branch. Be sure to visit after a heavy rain for the optimal waterfall experience.
PinThe babbling Moss Rock waterfalls create a soothing backdrop for a lovely hike. Image courtesy of Miles Hudson
Location: 200 Terrace Drive, PelhamDrive time from Birmingham: 30 minutes
A 65-foot, spring-fed waterfall at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham is ideal for hikers interested in a bit of a climb. Many of the park’s trails will lead you to Peavine Falls, but take the Peavine Falls Trail for the most direct route. With icy cold waters that are strongest after rainfall, Peavine Falls also provides a lovely spot in which to cool off after this challenging hike.
PinPeavine Falls is named for the way the water twists and turns—like the tendrils of a pea vine! Image courtesy of Maria Morales Payne
Before the warmer weather slips away, go for a hike to one of these Alabama waterfalls and you’ll instantly know that life is pretty darn good! After a long trek through nature, enjoy a refreshing shower under the falls or an invigorating dip in a cool swimming hole!
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