12 Birmingham-Area Waterfalls (Within an Hour of Town!)
Craving outdoor adventure, but short on time? You don’t have to travel far to be transported by one of nature's most mesmerizing sights. Check out these stunning waterfalls right in Birmingham’s backyard! Image: Facebook / Toby Norris
Alabama offers a variety of spectacular sites, but did you know there are several idyllic waterfalls near Birmingham? As with most waterfalls in the state, these beauties can be a trickle or a torrent depending on drought conditions, so make the most of a spring storm or an autumn downpour and head out to one of these beautiful waterfalls all within an hour’s drive from downtown.
Moss Rock Preserve Waterfalls
Location: Hoover
Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes
It’s hard to believe this stunning 349-acre nature preserve is only a 20-minute drive from Birmingham — and free to access! Moss Rock is known for its incredible boulder field and several lovely waterfalls along its 12-mile trail system.
For a quick hike around several cascades, look for the Waterfall Loop Trail. It will take you along a 1.5-mile, moderate circuit right by the water, starting at the well-known Hole in Rock landmark.
Another waterfall area worth chasing is High Falls, located on the far northeast side of the preserve. Accessible from the Simmons Middle School parking lot, follow the Orange Trail and signs to High Falls. Hurricane Branch feeds the waterfalls along the preserve, and the best time to enjoy the water is from November to April.
Mardis Mill Falls
Location: Blountsville
Commute from Birmingham: 55 minutes
Mardis Mill Falls is a gorgeous waterfall in a lush cove tucked just out of view from the country road that leads you to it. The picturesque falls are 16 feet tall and about 35 feet wide and make for a great day trip — whether you want to snap a few photos or go for a swim.
There are no signs or fanfare to help you reach Mardis Mill Falls, so you need a little insider knowledge to find this hidden gem. You’ll set your GPS for the falls on Mardis Mill Road and cross the narrow bridge over Graves Creek. You’ll see a tiny dirt pull-off parking area at the bend just after the bridge.
Follow the clearing away from the road until the Mardis Mill Falls appear in the distance. You’ll follow the trail down a moderate descent to the stunning view.
Nectar Falls
Location: Blount County
Commute from Birmingham: 45 minutes
Located just 10 minutes from Mardis Mill Falls, Nectar Falls is a lesser-known waterfall, but after a good rain, it’s an enchanting sight. The falls cascade down a roughly 40-foot limestone descent, with the full scale of the falls just out of view from the bottom.
You can dip your toes in the basin’s shallow pool, climb the rock face (carefully — it’s very slippery!) to see the top of the falls, or explore the creek downstream, where you can take a closer look at the remaining pillars from Nectar Bridge, a covered bridge built in 1932 that was once the seventh longest in the world.
The falls are just off Alabama Route 160 toward Hayden, and you’ll look for a little dirt parking lot just before the bridge over the Warrior River. The trail is a short — but very steep — descent to the basin.
When you’re done exploring Nectar Falls, plug Swann Covered Bridge into your GPS for a 10-minute excursion to Alabama’s longest surviving covered bridge. You can walk the bridge and enjoy the creek with access to splash, fish, or kayak.
Turkey Creek Falls
Location: Pinson
Commute from Birmingham: 30 minutes
Take a quick trip north to the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson and enjoy the stunning beauty and natural serenity of one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the region. Admission to the preserve is always free, and Turkey Creek Falls is easily accessible from the road. It can be explored along the preserve’s trail system.
Turkey Creek Falls is set against a beautiful backdrop of fall foliage every year. Once summer comes, the tumbling falls transform into a giant playground for folks to cool off, splash around, and (most popularly) inner tube down the waterfall-turned-slide.
Whether you’re looking for pristine serenity or a swimming hole with a bit of excitement, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is well worth the short drive.
Peavine Falls
Location: Oak Mountain State Park
Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes
After a heavy rainfall, make the short trip to Oak Mountain State Park to take in the majestic beauty of Peavine Falls. This rain-fed waterfall towers 65 feet above its basin, which requires a moderate scramble for the final descent after a mile-long, reasonably flat walk. But once you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted with an incredible view and a refreshing, shallow pool for cooling off.
Once in the park (which has a $5 admission fee per person), the trailhead for the falls can be found by following the signs to the top of a winding gravel road.
Be sure to pull over at the expansive overlook atop Oak Mountain (you’ll know it when you see it) before continuing to the Peavine Falls parking lot. Once you start down the gentle descent of the falls trail, you’ll hear the roar of the water when it’s really flowing.
Noccalula Falls
Location: Gadsden
Commute from Birmingham: 1 hour
The well-known Noccalula Falls barely makes our list, with a drive time right at an hour from downtown. But if you are looking for a gorgeous, easily accessible waterfall with a rich history, Noccalula is for you. Named in honor of a Native American folktale, the falls are simple to reach — it’s as easy as parking the car.
A park is also connected to the falls, which requires paid admission. However, it offers plenty of activities! Alternatively, you can enjoy the sights for free thanks to public access on the north side. There are several trails along the water to enjoy, and if you wish, you can descend to the bottom of the ravine and follow a trail that stretches behind the water.
Upper Caney Creek Falls
Location: Caney Creek Falls Trailhead, County Road 2, Double Springs
Commute 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.
DeSoto Falls
Location: 7104 Desoto Pkwy. NE, Fort Payne
Commute 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.
Little River Falls
Location: 472 Alabama Hwy. 35, Gaylesville
Commute 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.
Sipsey Wilderness Waterfalls
Location: Mt. Hope
Commute 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.
Cheaha Falls
Location: 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta 36258
Commute 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.
Dismals Canyon Falls
Location: 901 Hwy. 8, Phil Campbell
Commute 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).
Get out and explore, Birmingham!
**********
Looking for more Southern gems? Subscribe to our daily emails!
Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.