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What can visitors do at Alabama's waterfalls?
- Wave goodbye to summer with a visit to one of the spectacular and scenic waterfalls in Alabama, where you can spend the day hiking, biking, picnicking or dipping your toes and swimming in the refreshing waters.
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Why is Alabama known as the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls?
- Aptly named the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls, Alabama is home to more than 77,000 miles of rivers and streams that wind their way through its pristine state parks and wilderness.
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What type of experience can visitors expect when visiting Alabama's waterfalls?
- Whether you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, are looking for an epic adventure, or simply want to soak up the last glorious days of summer, there is a beautiful curtain of falling water near you.
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What should visitors bring when exploring Alabama's waterfalls?
- So, pack that picnic lunch and head out to some of these sensational scenic spots.
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Alabama
- March to May – Spring rains fuel powerful cascades like DeSoto and Noccalula Falls.
- April & May – Pleasant temps and blooming wildflowers make for perfect waterfall hikes.
- June to August – Great for swimming and shaded trails, though some falls may slow in dry spells.
- September to November – Fall colors enhance views and trails are less crowded.
- December to February – Quieter months with occasional icy views and peaceful hikes.
Unique Waterfalls
⮕ Caney Creek Falls
Hike mossy trails or relax by the falls on a peaceful spring trip.
© Courtesy of RIck - Fotolia.com
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What are Caney Creek Falls and Upper Caney Creek Falls?
- Caney Creek Falls and Upper Caney Creek Falls are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Alabama.
- They are located just outside the Sipsey Wilderness in Double Springs.
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What is the surrounding environment like?
- The falls are surrounded by moss-covered rocks and evergreen trees in a lush, secluded area at the head of Caney Creek.
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How can visitors reach Caney Creek Falls?
- The falls are accessible via an easy 3-mile hike through dense woodlands and verdant undergrowth.
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What happens to the falls after heavy rain?
- After heavy rains, the falls produce two curtains of water that pour from the ledge into the swimming hole below.
- The swimming hole is ideal for kids and dogs to splash around in.
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Are there any safety concerns?
- Visitors should be cautious on the approach to the falls, as it is steep.
- The walk out of the canyon is at an incline, so hikers should be prepared for a workout.
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Where is Caney Creek Falls located?
- The falls are a 1.5-hour drive from Birmingham.
- They can be accessed at the Caney Creek Falls Trailhead on County Road 2 in Double Springs.
Caney Creek Falls Trail, Double Springs, AL 35553
⮕ Cheaha Falls, Alabama
Explore mountain paths or enjoy cascading pools—perfect for an exciting weekend adventure.
© Courtesy of ChuckS - Fotolia.com
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What is Cheaha Falls?
- Cheaha Falls is a breathtaking 30-foot waterfall that spills from rocks along the Chinnabee Silent Trail in the Talladega National Forest.
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Where is Cheaha Falls located?
- The falls are set along Cheaha Creek, which begins in the Talladega National Forest, home to Mount Cheaha, Alabama’s tallest mountain.
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How can visitors reach Cheaha Falls?
- A comfortable three-quarter-mile hike from the trail’s parking area on Talladega Scenic Byway leads to the falls.
- Alternatively, visitors can take a 1-mile hike from the Turnipseed Hunting Camp on Alabama Highway 281.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Cheaha Falls?
- Visitors can soak up the beautiful scenery, take a dip in the water, or camp overnight.
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Are there camping facilities near the falls?
- A trail shelter is available near the falls on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Alternatively, visitors can pitch a tent for a more immersive outdoor experience.
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Are there other attractions nearby?
- If you have some spare time, visit Devil’s Den and High Falls in nearby Cheaha State Park before heading home.
2141 Bunker Loop, Delta 36258, AL 35553
Waterfalls for Hikers
⮕ Chewacla Falls
Swim below rocky drops or hike forest trails for a fun family outing.
© Courtesy of perpis - Fotolia.com
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What are Chewacla Falls?
- Chewacla Falls are lovely waterfalls formed by the spillway of the Chewacla Dam in Chewacla State Park.
- The falls drop from a height of 30 feet and eventually flow into Chewacla Lake.
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Where are Chewacla Falls located?
- The falls are within the 696-acre outdoor playground of Chewacla State Park, one of Alabama’s most scenic parks.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Chewacla Lake?
- The lake attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and swimming.
- There is also an extensive network of hiking and mountain trails to explore.
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How many hiking trails are in Chewacla State Park?
- There are eight hiking trails around Chewacla State Park.
- The most popular trail is the Mountain Laurel Trail, which leads directly to Chewacla Falls.
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Are the hiking trails accessible?
- Many trails in Chewacla State Park are easily accessible for able-bodied visitors of all ages.
- These trails provide a fun-filled outdoor experience in one of Alabama’s loveliest state parks.
Chewacla State Park: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830, Phone: 334-887-5621
⮕ Cold Water Falls, Alabama
Admire stonework falls or stroll park paths—an easy and affordable day trip.
© Courtesy of artifirsov - Fotolia.com
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What is Cold Water Falls?
- Cold Water Falls is the world’s largest human-made natural stone waterfall.
- It was constructed using more than 2,000 tons of local sandstone.
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Where is Cold Water Falls located?
- The falls are located in historic Spring Park in Tuscumbia.
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What are the dimensions of Cold Water Falls?
- The waterfall spans 80 feet and has a 42-foot drop.
- Each day, 4.3 million gallons of water pass through the falls.
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What other attractions are in Spring Park?
- Spring Park features a large fountain with 51 jets choreographed to lights and music.
- The centerpiece of the fountain shoots 125 meters into the air.
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Is there a water and light show at the park?
- Yes, a water and light show is held every weekend at dusk.
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Can visitors go fishing in the park?
- Yes, trout fishing is available in the pond year-round.
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What other amenities does Spring Park offer?
- The park has excellent picnic spots for visitors.
- Attractions include a traditional carousel, the Spring Park train, and the Python roller coaster.
- There is also a playground with a splash pad for children and an on-site café.
Spring Park: 1 Spring Park Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-383-0783
Falls For Photographers
⮕ DeSoto Falls
See towering cascades or hike rugged terrain on a romantic nature-filled escape.
© Courtesy of Ronnie Howard - Fotolia.com
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What is DeSoto Falls?
- DeSoto Falls is one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in Alabama.
- The waterfall is situated more than 100 feet above a beautiful gorge in DeSoto State Park.
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Where is DeSoto Falls located?
- The falls are located in the small town of Mentone, near Fort Payne.
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How tall is DeSoto Falls?
- DeSoto Falls stands at a thunderous 104 feet, making it a striking natural landmark.
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How did DeSoto Falls get its name?
- The falls are named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.
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What river forms DeSoto Falls?
- The falls are formed by the West Fork of Little River as it plunges over Lookout Mountain.
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How can visitors view DeSoto Falls?
- A scenic lookout point provides beautiful views of the falls.
- The lookout is accessed via a short, paved, pedestrian-friendly pathway from the parking area.
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What other attractions are near DeSoto Falls?
- A few miles down the road is DeSoto State Park, which features several smaller waterfalls.
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The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Wildflower expeditions
DeSoto State Park: 7104 Desoto Pkwy. NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-0051
⮕ Devil's Den Falls
Wade into clear pools or picnic nearby during a relaxing summer retreat with kids.
© Courtesy of Erin - Fotolia.com
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What is Devil’s Den Falls?
- Devil’s Den Falls is a set of waterfalls located along the Devil’s Den Self-Guided Trail, the most famous hiking trail in Devil’s Den State Park.
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Where is Devil’s Den Falls located?
- The falls are surrounded by the dense woodlands of the Talladega National Forest in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas.
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What scenic features does the Devil’s Den Trail pass?
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The trail boasts beautifully scenic views and passes two main features in the park:
- Devil’s Den Cave
- Devil’s Icebox
- The waterfalls are located just after these features along the trail.
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The trail boasts beautifully scenic views and passes two main features in the park:
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Is there a good spot to take photographs of the falls?
- Yes, a little wooden bridge spans the waterfalls, providing an excellent spot for photographs.
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Can visitors swim in Devil’s Den Falls?
- No, swimming is not allowed in the falls.
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Can Devil’s Den Cave be explored?
- Yes, Devil’s Den Cave can be explored with the use of a flashlight.
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What other trails are popular in Devil’s Den State Park?
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Other well-known trails include:
- The extensive Butterfield Trail
- The Gorley King horse trail
- The park is considered an Alabama icon and offers a range of hiking and equestrian trails.
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Other well-known trails include:
Devil's Den State Park: 11333 AR-74, West Fork, AR 72774, Phone: 479-761-3325
Waterfalls for Families
⮕ Falling Rock Falls
Walk forest trails or explore the cave behind this unusual and thrilling waterfall.
© Courtesy of Koirill - Fotolia.com
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What is Falling Rock Falls?
- Falling Rock Falls is a spectacular 90-foot waterfall that cascades over a towering bluff and crashes onto the boulders below.
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Where is Falling Rock Falls located?
- The waterfall is set within the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area, about 40 miles south of Birmingham in Montevallo.
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How can visitors access Falling Rock Falls?
- The falls are accessed via an easy 1.4-mile out-and-back hike.
- The trail leads directly to the bottom of the falls, where visitors can experience the powerful cascade up close.
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Is there a special feature at the base of the falls?
- Yes, there is a cavern near the base where people like to sit and watch the cascading water.
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Are there any safety precautions visitors should take?
- The terrain near the falls is very slippery, so visitors need to exercise extreme caution when climbing down to the base.
Cahaba WMA, Montevallo, AL 35115
Romantic Waterfalls
⮕ Grace's High Falls
Admire Alabama’s tallest waterfall or view from above on a quick scenic stop.
© Courtesy of Suphaya - Fotolia.com
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What is Grace's High Falls?
- Grace's High Falls is the third-highest waterfall in Alabama, standing at 133 feet.
- It is a seasonal waterfall that is especially spectacular during the wet season.
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Where is Grace's High Falls located?
- The falls are located in the 14,000-acre Little River Canyon National Preserve in DeKalb County, Alabama.
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Where does the waterfall flow?
- During the wet season, the falls cascade into Little Creek Canyon, creating a breathtaking display of rushing water.
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Are there other waterfalls nearby?
- High rainfall in the area creates several smaller creeks and waterfalls, which are worth exploring on a hike.
- DeSoto Falls is located within 10 miles of Grace’s High Falls and is another must-see attraction in the area.
12035 AL-176, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-3548
⮕ Griffin Falls
Climb boulders or enjoy peaceful views on a cheap, off-the-beaten-path trip.
© Courtesy of alkiona_25 - Fotolia.com
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What is Griffin Falls?
- Griffin Falls is a 40-foot waterfall located just outside the town of Dawson in DeKalb County, Alabama.
- It is a favorite climbing spot and a great place to hike and explore.
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Where does Griffin Falls originate?
- The falls flow off Sand Mountain and over a small sandstone cliff into a pool below.
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What is unique about the falls?
- Below one of the ledges, there is an unusual collection of flowers, which are believed to be left by church groups that hold services at the falls.
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How can visitors reach Griffin Falls?
- The falls are reached via a short hike that includes substantial elevation.
- The trail contains several boulders and rocks, which can be tricky to navigate for those without good balance.
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Can visitors swim near Griffin Falls?
- Yes, the trail leads beyond the falls to a cliff face, where visitors can jump in and have a dip.
Griffin Falls, AL 35962
Map:
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