Alabama is home to multiple beautiful waterfalls. If you’re looking for an outdoor escape that is far away from the daily hustle and bustle, these stunning waterfalls could be the perfect destination for you. From small to big, single drop to cascading, there is no shortage to explore these natural wonders. Also, most of these falls are located inside state parks which are popular for offering tons of recreational activities. So, here are some of the best waterfalls in Alabama. Visit these gorgeous waterfalls when you’re in Alabama. You won’t regret after spending great time to those places.
1. Chewacla Falls, Chewacla State Park, Lee County
Chewacla Falls, located inside Chewacla State Park, the popular pubic recreation area in Auburn, Alabama, is a must-to-see waterfall in the state. The stunning waterfall is the result of the construction of the dam that has been set up in the state park.
The family friendly easy trail is just a short walk from the parking lot and Deer Rub Trail is the easiest and shortest one.
Spend your weekend in exploring the truly scenic day trip. Also, there is a 26-acre lake you’ll find here. Swimming and fishing make the lake a popular place to visit among many locals. Picnicking and camping are other engaging activities in the park.
2. DeSoto Falls, DeSoto State Park, DeKalb County
Another stunning waterfall, DeSoto Falls is located inside another popular and oversubscribed state park, DeSoto State Park in DeKalb County. You can’t miss watching one of the state’s largest waterfalls.
The views are perfect for constant photo clicking and the surroundings are great for having relaxing and peaceful day trip. DeSoto Falls looks more majestic specially after rainfall. So, if you’re staying nearby the state park and it’s been raining, don’t miss the chance to see and enjoy the gigantic falls after rain stops.
Also, one of the most visited waterfalls in Alabama, DeSoto Falls has been named after Hernando de Soto. A short and down walk will take you to the spectacular view of the falls.
You’ll have the falls’ main entrance at 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, 256-8445-5380.
3. Grace’s High Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeKalb County
Little River Canyon National Preserve, home to Little River and also known for great outdoor exploration opportunities, is also home to the state’s officially the tallest waterfall Grace’s High Falls.
The waterflow of this falls is pretty seasonal. But when it flows with it is highest and fullest height and power, only then you can see the waterfall’s real and captivating beauty.
Must explore the 133-feet plunging waterfall into the canyon, and the views are truly captivating!
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4. Little River Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeKalb County
Little River Canyon National Preserve is home to not one but many big and small waterfalls. And Little River Falls, the 45-foot waterfall, is among them. This waterfall is the first attraction you’ll encounter when entering the national preserve from the north.
Close to DeSoto State Park, you can enjoy both Little River Falls and DeSoto Falls in a single day trip. Moreover, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers the 14,000-acre picturesque terrain to explore.
Little River Falls flows through one of America’s deepest and most extensive canyon systems east of the Mississippi River, Little River Canyon.
Though the flow of this falls varies with the season, winter and spring are the best time when the waterfall gets its fullest strength.
Inside the preserve, visitors can explore other attractions such as several walking paths and trails and a visitor center as well.
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5. Rainbow Falls, Dismals Canyon National Natural Landmark, Franklin County
Rainbow Falls is located inside the privately owned Dismals Canyon National Natural Landmark in Franklin County. This area is best known and most popular among active hikers and it offers Alabama’s some of the best hiking and camping opportunities.
Dismals Canyon National Natural Landmark is also popular with swimming, canoeing, and wildflowers watching. Here you will find several cabins to spend your romantic night with your significant other.
Visitors can access the entrance at 901 Alabama Highway 8, Phil Campbell, 205-993-4559.
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6. Peavine Falls, Oak Mountain State Park, Shelby County
The 65-foot tall Peavine Falls is a spring fed waterfall and is located inside Oak Mountain State Park. The park entrance is at 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham and you can see the natural wonder at the top most ridge of the state park.
The falls got its name for its water flowing look that looks alike the tendrils of a pea vine.
Visitors can complete the waterfall hike through any among the many hiking trails that wind through the state park. It’s a relatively easy hike. After completing the trail, treat yourself by taking a refreshing and cooling dip into the cold pool.
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7. Holmes Chapel Falls, Bankhead National Forest, Winston County
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy some really serene and scenic ambience when they are approaching the pretty Holmes Chapel Falls. The waterfall drops into the small pool that is not deep at all, but it looks quite good and the water looks blue in color.
The waterfall hike is one of the best family-friendly as the route is relatively flat and sometimes you need to cross the path over moss and boulders. Otherwise, it’s too enjoyable among many families, including their little ones. The trail goes along the creek to the main waterfall.
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8. Turkey Creek Falls, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Jefferson County
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve boasts many natural and stunning wonders of the state, and the preserve’s one of the biggest attractions is the Turkey Creek Falls.
This nature preserve is also quite popular among locals and visitors alike for offering some really fun and engaging attractions and activities. So, a day trip to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and watching all the enthralling attractions present there, is really one of the best ways to celebrate your weekend.
9. Noccalula Falls, Noccalula Falls Park, Etowah County
Noccalula Falls is one of the biggest attractions in Noccalula Falls Park. You can’t miss a visit to this excellent state park when you’re exploring the best attractions in Alabama. The best thing is the gigantic 90-foot-tall waterfall is only a few miles from the downtown Gadsden in Alabama.
If kids are with you, they’re going to love the train ride that’s quite popular in the state park. Also, don’t miss the tour that takes you to the pioneer village. Visitors love to show their interest regarding the history of the waterfall and the legends of that place.
Also, you can get close to the falls by covering only a couple hundred yards from the parking lot at Noccalula Falls Park.
If you wanna get some more thrilling and adventurous excitements, go for hiking the gorge. It’s a little steep trail. But you can get views of the waterfall from another vintage point that is really eye-catching and heart touching!
10. Short Creek Falls, Lake Guntersville, Marshall County
The 20-foot small but beautiful Short Creek Waterfall offers the unique route that is a nice way to celebrate your day trip with your special one. The interesting thing is visitors can access the falls only by kayaking or canoeing. The waterfall is located on Short Creek.
The best time to visit the falls is during spring when the water is high. In that particular time, the place gets too crowded among white-water rafters and kayakers. But if you’re not an expert in kayaking, this waterfall is not for you.
Short Creek Falls tumbles into Lake Guntersville and reaches up to Class IV.
FAQs
1. Where is the biggest waterfall in Alabama?
Grace’s High Falls is officially the biggest waterfall in the state of Alabama. The 133-feet tall falls is located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve.
2. What is the largest man made waterfall in Alabama?
Located at Spring Park in Tuscumbia, Cold Water Falls is the largest man-made waterfall in Alabama.
3. Can you swim at High Falls Alabama?
The High Falls is an ideal spot to cool yourself by taking a refreshing dip in the cold water.
4. Can you swim at Chewacla?
Chewacla State Park is a year-round destination and very popular for swimming. The 26-acre lake inside the park offers not only swimming, but fishing and boating are engaging activities in the state park.
5. How long is the Chewacla State Park Trail?
Chewacla State Park Trail is a moderately challenging route and is 2.2-mile loop trail. Visitors usually complete the loop trail within 48-50 minutes.
6. What is the most photographed waterfall in Alabama?
DeSoto Falls, located inside DeSoto State Park in DeKalb County, is one of Alabama’s the tallest and most visited waterfalls. And because of its stunning water flow and majestic views, it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Alabama. Another one of the most photographed waterfalls in Alabama include Grace’s High Falls.
