Who doesn’t love waterfalls? If you’re one of the many people who do, you’re in luck, because Alabama is home to many of them. While several of the waterfalls require a strenuous hike to reach them, many others are easily accessible. If you find yourself in Alabama asking, “Where are there waterfalls near me?,” listed below are 14 of the best Alabama waterfalls that are easy to access. You’ll want to visit them all!
- DeSoto Falls
Ashley Dennis / AllTrails When it comes to incredible waterfall hikes in Alabama, it doesn’t get much better than DeSoto Falls. Of course, you can barely qualify the 0.1-mile trail as a “hike”; to reach DeSoto Falls, simply follow the 100-foot paved path from the nearby parking lot. Located in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain, DeSoto Falls is one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in Alabama, featuring a 100-foot plunge. The scenery is unparalleled and incredibly memorable. After one visit to DeSoto Falls, you’ll see why it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the South.
- Caney Creek Falls
flickr/GRYGRGN Located in the Bankhead National Forest, Caney Creek Falls is one of the most picturesque hidden waterfalls in Alabama. Because this area is wet year-round, the waterfall never dries up. Indeed, Caney Creek Falls Trail is one of the most beautiful secluded trails in Alabama.
- Cheaha Falls
Open minded in Alabama / flickr Cheaha Falls is located along the Chinnabee Silent Trail on Cheaha Creek in the Talladega National Forest. Cheaha Falls is approximately 30 feet tall and flows down Mt. Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama. Learn more about this 1.7-mile trail that leads to a waterfall finish.
- Little River Canyon Falls
mburgcu / flickr At the top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, is one of Alabama’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls: Little River Canyon Falls. This beautiful waterfall is located off highway 35, next to the bridge in Gaylesville, and the canyon’s formation begins with this 45-foot waterfall. Some days, the amount of water going over the rocks may be more than others. It all depends on the rainfall. Is it any wonder why Little River Canyon Preserve was named the most beautiful place in Alabama?
- Peavine Falls
Alby Headrick / flickr Peavine Falls, located at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, is a beautiful waterfall that’s formed from a wild stream flowing from the top of Oak Mountain. This 65-foot waterfall is named for a peavine, which is a twisting plant. If you’re planning a trip with the family, Peavine Falls is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Alabama.
Explore More of our Alabama Waterfall Series:
The 14 Best Waterfalls in Alabama Best Waterfalls Hikes in Alabama Best Waterfall Road Trips in Alabama Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in Alabama
- Noccalula Falls
Andy Montgomery / flickr Located in Gadsden, at the west end of Lookout Mountain, is Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall that just so happens to be one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. In fact, you can even walk behind this Alabama waterfall. It is also very accessible and can be reached via a short stroll from the park’s parking lot.
- Chewacla Falls
google/Lucas Garza Chewacla Falls, located in Auburn at Chewacla State Park, is a 30-foot waterfall formed by the spillway of Chewacla Dam. Chewacla State Park is home to 8 hiking trails and the most popular trail, Mountain Laurel Trail, leads to Chewacla Falls. In fact, Chewacla State Park might be the most underrated destination in Alabama.
- High Falls
flickr/Lisa Nail High Falls is the main feature of High Falls Park in Grove Oak, Alabama. It’s formed by Town Creek and flows through a natural bridge. High Falls measures 35 feet high and up to 300 feet across. You’ll make your way to this waterfall by following the river from the parking lot. There’s a pedestrian bridge you can cross to get a great view of the waterfall. Over the years, High Falls has also become a popular swimming hole. When the water is high, the falls can sometimes span as much as 300 feet across. Learn more about this beautifully blue waterfall in Alabama.
- Rainbow Falls
Dismals Canyon - Photo contributed by Brent Holman Dismals Canyon, located in Phil Campbell, is home to Rainbow Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that cascades down the canyon over weathered rocks.
- Kinlock Falls
alltrails/David W Spivey Kinlock Falls is located within North Alabama’s William B. Bankhead National Forest near Haleyville. It flows into a pool of water, which makes it a great swimming hole. Reaching Kinlock Falls has never been easier. While driving north on Kinlock Road, prior to arriving at the bridge over Hubbard Creek, simply pull off on the side of the road and park. The waterfall is only a few steps away. Kinlock Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
- Cold Water Falls
flickr/Brent Moore Cold Water Falls in Alabama is the world’s largest man-made natural stone waterfall. It’s also one of the main features of Tuscumbia, Alabama’s Spring Park. To view this picturesque waterfall, all you have to do is park your car at the park and walk over to it. Don’t forget to pack a lunch. After all, Spring Park is a wonderful place for a summer picnic. Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
- Mardis Mill Falls
google/The Bearded Man-Drenaline Mardis Mill Falls is located on Grave’s Creek near Blountsville, Alabama. It has a span of 35 feet across and is approximately 15 feet tall. Mardis Mill Falls is also one of Alabama’s loveliest hidden waterfalls. Mardis Mill Falls, 546 Mardis Mill Rd, Blountsville, AL 35031, USA
- Turkey Creek Falls
flickr/Rob Briscoe Turkey Creek Falls is located within Alabama’s Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. What makes this waterfall so incredibly unique is the fact that visitors often use it as a natural waterslide. There’s no other waterfall in Alabama quite like it. For more information about Turkey Creek Falls, click here.
- Devil’s Den Falls
google/Alan Duncan Devil’s Den Falls is located along the Chinnabee Silent Trail in Cheaha State Park. People of all ages enjoy cooling off at this secluded waterfall. For more information about Devil’s Den Falls, click here.
Ashley Dennis / AllTrails
When it comes to incredible waterfall hikes in Alabama, it doesn’t get much better than DeSoto Falls. Of course, you can barely qualify the 0.1-mile trail as a “hike”; to reach DeSoto Falls, simply follow the 100-foot paved path from the nearby parking lot. Located in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain, DeSoto Falls is one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in Alabama, featuring a 100-foot plunge. The scenery is unparalleled and incredibly memorable. After one visit to DeSoto Falls, you’ll see why it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the South.
flickr/GRYGRGN
Located in the Bankhead National Forest, Caney Creek Falls is one of the most picturesque hidden waterfalls in Alabama. Because this area is wet year-round, the waterfall never dries up. Indeed, Caney Creek Falls Trail is one of the most beautiful secluded trails in Alabama.
Open minded in Alabama / flickr
Cheaha Falls is located along the Chinnabee Silent Trail on Cheaha Creek in the Talladega National Forest. Cheaha Falls is approximately 30 feet tall and flows down Mt. Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama. Learn more about this 1.7-mile trail that leads to a waterfall finish.
mburgcu / flickr
At the top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, is one of Alabama’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls: Little River Canyon Falls. This beautiful waterfall is located off highway 35, next to the bridge in Gaylesville, and the canyon’s formation begins with this 45-foot waterfall. Some days, the amount of water going over the rocks may be more than others. It all depends on the rainfall. Is it any wonder why Little River Canyon Preserve was named the most beautiful place in Alabama?
Alby Headrick / flickr
Peavine Falls, located at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, is a beautiful waterfall that’s formed from a wild stream flowing from the top of Oak Mountain. This 65-foot waterfall is named for a peavine, which is a twisting plant. If you’re planning a trip with the family, Peavine Falls is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Alabama.
Explore More of our Alabama Waterfall Series:
The 14 Best Waterfalls in Alabama Best Waterfalls Hikes in Alabama Best Waterfall Road Trips in Alabama Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in Alabama
Explore More of our Alabama Waterfall Series:
The 14 Best Waterfalls in Alabama Best Waterfalls Hikes in Alabama Best Waterfall Road Trips in Alabama Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in Alabama
Explore More of our Alabama Waterfall Series:
Andy Montgomery / flickr
Located in Gadsden, at the west end of Lookout Mountain, is Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall that just so happens to be one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. In fact, you can even walk behind this Alabama waterfall. It is also very accessible and can be reached via a short stroll from the park’s parking lot.
google/Lucas Garza
Chewacla Falls, located in Auburn at Chewacla State Park, is a 30-foot waterfall formed by the spillway of Chewacla Dam. Chewacla State Park is home to 8 hiking trails and the most popular trail, Mountain Laurel Trail, leads to Chewacla Falls. In fact, Chewacla State Park might be the most underrated destination in Alabama.
flickr/Lisa Nail
High Falls is the main feature of High Falls Park in Grove Oak, Alabama. It’s formed by Town Creek and flows through a natural bridge. High Falls measures 35 feet high and up to 300 feet across. You’ll make your way to this waterfall by following the river from the parking lot. There’s a pedestrian bridge you can cross to get a great view of the waterfall. Over the years, High Falls has also become a popular swimming hole. When the water is high, the falls can sometimes span as much as 300 feet across. Learn more about this beautifully blue waterfall in Alabama.
Dismals Canyon - Photo contributed by Brent Holman
Dismals Canyon, located in Phil Campbell, is home to Rainbow Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that cascades down the canyon over weathered rocks.
alltrails/David W Spivey
Kinlock Falls is located within North Alabama’s William B. Bankhead National Forest near Haleyville. It flows into a pool of water, which makes it a great swimming hole. Reaching Kinlock Falls has never been easier. While driving north on Kinlock Road, prior to arriving at the bridge over Hubbard Creek, simply pull off on the side of the road and park. The waterfall is only a few steps away.
Kinlock Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
flickr/Brent Moore
Cold Water Falls in Alabama is the world’s largest man-made natural stone waterfall. It’s also one of the main features of Tuscumbia, Alabama’s Spring Park. To view this picturesque waterfall, all you have to do is park your car at the park and walk over to it. Don’t forget to pack a lunch. After all, Spring Park is a wonderful place for a summer picnic.
Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
google/The Bearded Man-Drenaline
Mardis Mill Falls is located on Grave’s Creek near Blountsville, Alabama. It has a span of 35 feet across and is approximately 15 feet tall. Mardis Mill Falls is also one of Alabama’s loveliest hidden waterfalls.
Mardis Mill Falls, 546 Mardis Mill Rd, Blountsville, AL 35031, USA
flickr/Rob Briscoe
Turkey Creek Falls is located within Alabama’s Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. What makes this waterfall so incredibly unique is the fact that visitors often use it as a natural waterslide. There’s no other waterfall in Alabama quite like it. For more information about Turkey Creek Falls, click here.
google/Alan Duncan
Devil’s Den Falls is located along the Chinnabee Silent Trail in Cheaha State Park. People of all ages enjoy cooling off at this secluded waterfall. For more information about Devil’s Den Falls, click here.
Have you been to any of these Alabama waterfalls? If so, what did you think? Were they easy to access? Let us know in the comments.
For additional information about DeSoto Falls, be sure to take a look at the following article: Take This Easy Trail To An Amazing Triple Waterfall In Alabama.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me in Alabama February 26, 2022 Christy Are these trails to waterfalls in Alabama easy, intermediate, or difficult? All of the waterfalls on this list are easy to get to. You’ll find the all six of them are only steps away from where you park. You won’t have to worry about taking strenuous of uneven trails when visiting these waterfalls. What’s the best time of year to visit Alabama waterfalls? Anytime of year is great to visit these waterfalls. They may be flowing most heavily in the springtime due to spring rains, but all of these waterfalls are flowing to some extent all year. You can enjoy them no matter what the season. Is it possible to visit several of these waterfalls in one day or trip? All of these waterfalls are in the northern part of the state of Alabama. You could probably see them all in one day if you really tried, but what’s the rush? You’ll probably have a better time if you take it easy and visit only one or two. However, with that said, some of these waterfalls are close to reach other. Kinlock Falls and Cold Water Falls are about an hour apart in the northwestern portion of the the state. The other four - DeSoto, High Falls, Little River Falls, and Noccalula Falls, are all in the northeast. All of these waterfalls are a few hours from Birmingham if you are visiting the capital and feel like getting out into nature a bit! What should I bring with me to enjoy the falls? Be sure to wear sturdy shoes - things can get slippery near waterfalls! You can swim at some of these waterfalls, so you might want to bring your swimsuit. Bring some water to drink and your camera. You might also want to bring a picnic lunch or a notebook for drawing or journaling. Enjoy!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me in Alabama
February 26, 2022
Christy
Are these trails to waterfalls in Alabama easy, intermediate, or difficult? All of the waterfalls on this list are easy to get to. You’ll find the all six of them are only steps away from where you park. You won’t have to worry about taking strenuous of uneven trails when visiting these waterfalls. What’s the best time of year to visit Alabama waterfalls? Anytime of year is great to visit these waterfalls. They may be flowing most heavily in the springtime due to spring rains, but all of these waterfalls are flowing to some extent all year. You can enjoy them no matter what the season. Is it possible to visit several of these waterfalls in one day or trip? All of these waterfalls are in the northern part of the state of Alabama. You could probably see them all in one day if you really tried, but what’s the rush? You’ll probably have a better time if you take it easy and visit only one or two. However, with that said, some of these waterfalls are close to reach other. Kinlock Falls and Cold Water Falls are about an hour apart in the northwestern portion of the the state. The other four - DeSoto, High Falls, Little River Falls, and Noccalula Falls, are all in the northeast. All of these waterfalls are a few hours from Birmingham if you are visiting the capital and feel like getting out into nature a bit! What should I bring with me to enjoy the falls? Be sure to wear sturdy shoes - things can get slippery near waterfalls! You can swim at some of these waterfalls, so you might want to bring your swimsuit. Bring some water to drink and your camera. You might also want to bring a picnic lunch or a notebook for drawing or journaling. Enjoy!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
All of the waterfalls on this list are easy to get to. You’ll find the all six of them are only steps away from where you park. You won’t have to worry about taking strenuous of uneven trails when visiting these waterfalls.
What’s the best time of year to visit Alabama waterfalls?
Anytime of year is great to visit these waterfalls. They may be flowing most heavily in the springtime due to spring rains, but all of these waterfalls are flowing to some extent all year. You can enjoy them no matter what the season.
Is it possible to visit several of these waterfalls in one day or trip?
All of these waterfalls are in the northern part of the state of Alabama. You could probably see them all in one day if you really tried, but what’s the rush? You’ll probably have a better time if you take it easy and visit only one or two.
However, with that said, some of these waterfalls are close to reach other. Kinlock Falls and Cold Water Falls are about an hour apart in the northwestern portion of the the state. The other four - DeSoto, High Falls, Little River Falls, and Noccalula Falls, are all in the northeast. All of these waterfalls are a few hours from Birmingham if you are visiting the capital and feel like getting out into nature a bit!
What should I bring with me to enjoy the falls?
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes - things can get slippery near waterfalls! You can swim at some of these waterfalls, so you might want to bring your swimsuit. Bring some water to drink and your camera. You might also want to bring a picnic lunch or a notebook for drawing or journaling. Enjoy!