Alabama is filled with many beautiful waterfalls. While some of these waterfalls are tucked away and require a hike to reach them, others are hiding in plain sight and only require a short walk. Listed below are seven of Alabama’s most beautiful waterfalls. Even though they require a hike to reach them, these are some of the best hikes in Alabama, so you’ll most certainly want to add them to your bucket list.

1. Rainbow Falls — Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
flickr/Phillip Hendon
Dismals Canyon, which is located in Phil Campbell, is one of the few places in the world where dismalites live. These rare insects are what make this canyon such a unique destination. Another popular feature found in the canyon is Rainbow Falls. To experience the natural scenic beauty of Dismals Canyon, you'll want to take the 1.5-mile trail that goes through it. Rainbow Falls is at the beginning of the trail. You can visit Dismals Canyon at 901 Hwy. 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581.
2. Peavine Falls — Oak Mountain State Park
Peavine Falls, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
flickr/Alby Headrick
The Peavine Falls Trail, which is also known as the Green Trail, is located in Oak Mountain State Park — Alabama's largest state park. This trail has a moderate rating and is only 1.9 miles long, which makes it accessible for all ages. The Peavine Falls Trail begins near the park's office and will take you to the Peavine Falls parking lot. From there, you can choose to either take the Blue Trail or White Trail to reach Peavine Falls. You can visit Oak Mountain State Park at 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham, AL 35124.
3. Devil's Den Falls — Cheaha State Park
Devil's Den Falls, Lineville, AL 36266, USA
google/Ben Roussel
Devil's Den Falls is a secluded waterfall that's located within Cheaha State Park. Throughout the years, this wonderful waterfall has attracted locals and visitors alike because of its swimming hole below. To reach Devil's Den Falls, you'll want to follow these directions: At the entrance of Cheaha State Park, which is located at 19644 Hwy. 281, Delta, AL 36258, you'll drive south on Hwy 281 for 1.5 miles. After reaching the intersection with County Rd. 42, you'll take a right and continue for 3 miles to Forest Service Rd. 646. After reaching this road, you'll take a left and continue for 2 miles to the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. Once reaching this spot, you'll hike upstream on the Chinnabee Silent Trail for about a half a mile. You'll then arrive at Devil's Den Falls. You can visit Cheaha State Park at 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258.

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4. Chewacla Falls — Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park Lake, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
google/James Leong
Chewacla Falls is located in Chewacala State Park, which is near Auburn. You can reach this waterfall by taking the park's Deer Rub Trail. This trail begins at the Upper Pavilion. From here, you'll hike down to Chewacla Falls. You can visit Chewacla State Park at 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy., Auburn, AL 36830.
5. Caney Creek Falls — William B. Bankhead National Forest
Caney Creek Falls Trail, Alabama 35553, USA
flickr/JWagnonPhotography
Caney Creek Falls is located within the William B. Bankhead National Forest near Double Springs. It's considered one of Alabama's most beautiful waterfalls and attracts swimmers from near and far. To reach this waterfall, you'll park on County Road 2 near a painted sign. You'll then hike into the woods for about 1.5 miles on one of the most scenic hikes in Alabama until you reach the upper part of the falls. Note: The Caney Creek Falls Trail is currently closed due to a logging operation.
6. Welti Falls — Cullman County
Cullman County, AL, USA
google/Landon Bolan
Welti Falls is a lovely waterfall that's located off I-65 between Decatur and Birmingham. Reaching this waterfall doesn't take long, but the hike can get tricky. From the intersection of County Road 703 and 747, you’ll travel west for approximately 2 miles to a bridge. Right before reaching the bridge, you'll pull over to park your car and enter the trail that leads to the falls. You'll hike towards Forest Ingram Lake. Welti Falls is located right below this lake.
7. Turkey Creek Falls — Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
facebook/Turkey Creek Nature Preserve/C. Yeager
Turkey Creek Falls is one of Alabama's most beautiful waterfalls. It's also a popular swimming hole. Turkey Creek Falls can be reached by taking various trails at the preserve. Visitors can also reach the waterfall by driving from the preserve's main entrance road. You can visit the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve at 3895 Turkey Creek Rd., Pinson, AL 35126.

For a list of six easy-to-reach waterfalls in Alabama that require no excessive hiking, click here.

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Waterfall Hikes in Alabama

Christy | February 26, 2022

Are these waterfall hikes easy or difficult?

Although the lengths of these hikes are all fairly short and similar, they vary in difficulty. Some are great for all ages and abilities but others may be challenging for some.

Can my friends and I swim at these waterfalls?

Many waterfalls in Alabama are swimmable! If swimming is prohibited, there will likely be a sign posted that says so. Otherwise, you can probably bring your swimsuit and dive in. On this list, Devil's Den Falls, Caney Creek Falls, and Turkey Creek Falls are all very popular swimming holes for locals and tourists alike.

Can I visit several of these waterfalls in one day?

These waterfalls are spread out all over the state. It's probably wise to pick one or two to focus on rather than rush and spread yourself too thin. You don't want to rush beauty! If you're in Birmingham, Turkey Creek Falls and Peavine Falls are both quite close. Dismals Canyon (Rainbow Falls) and Caney Creek Falls are close to each other in the north. If you're in Auburn or Tuskegee, Chewacla State Park and Chewacla Falls will be a great, nearby choice for you.

How should I prepare for these hikes?

Whenever you go on a hike, be sure to tell other people where you're going - just in case. For these hikes, be sure to wear sturdy shoes with good traction because the rocks around the falls can be quite slippery. Also, bring water; these hikes are short but in the heat you're bound to be quite thirsty by the end. Finally, don't forget your camera to take photos of these beautiful sites!

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