This Road Trip Through The South Will Lead You To 9 Unforgettable Waterfalls
The American south is filled with incredible natural splendor. Some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country are scattered throughout the southern states. We’ve put together the ultimate waterfalls road trip through the south so that you can see all the most impressive falls in one tidy journey. If you’ve searched for “waterfalls near me” in the South, this is a road trip that will take you to some of the most amazing waterfalls in the region.
The trip totals about 51 hours of driving, so you should definitely plan on checking into a few cozy inns or camping out under the stars. Take a look at the road trip on our interactive Google map link.
You'll start this waterfall road trip through the South at DeSoto Falls in Alabama. This gorgeous waterfall was named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Located in Mentone, these falls are the most spectacular of a series of three waterfalls. Water cascades 104 feet into a clear blue pool at the base of a stone ledge. The hike to this waterfall is just about a mile from the trailhead.
This gorgeous waterfall cascades into a collapsed grotto. Visitors can sunbathe on the shores of a sandy beach in this grotto or swim in the clear, cool water of the pool. The area is actually a protected natural habitat which keeps the glittering pool looking absolutely beautiful and jade-green.
Thomas Jefferson reportedly visited this waterfall and found it to be absolutely beautiful. Water flows down over 80 feet and runs over a series of stepped stone ledges. This is the tallest waterfall in Virginia, and certainly one of the most scenic.
Located near the town of Sapphire, this waterfall is notable for its extreme beauty and accessibility. You don't need to be a hiker to experience the incredible majesty of this waterfall, but merely to follow a paved path up to an overlook that offers a stunning view of the powerful waters.
(Editor's Note: Hodges Gardens State Park in Louisiana is permanently closed.)
This enchanting park is located in West Central Louisiana. Though the waterfalls are artificial, the surrounding flora and gorgeously landscaped surroundings make this stop on the road trip one of the most spectacular.
Located in Sparta, the waters of this graceful waterfall flow into a limestone gorge. Though the hike to these falls isn't the easiest, the sight of its cascading waters are well worth the effort. It's one of the best waterfall hikes in the South.
This is the largest waterfall in the state. Not only that, but Cumberland Falls is the largest waterfall south of Niagara Falls. It is 68 feet high and 125 feet wide. The staggering beauty of this waterfall belies its sheer force –the water moves at a rate of 3,600 cubic feet per second.
Located near Woodville, Clark Creek Natural Area is home to over 40 different waterfalls. The hiking can be strenuous, but the beauty of the landscape more than makes up for it. Clark Creeks winds through the landscape and peppers the nature preserve with lively and sparkling waterfalls. This is the best place to visit for hiking trails with waterfalls in the South.
The last stop along our waterfall road trip through the South is Amicalola Falls in Georgia. The name of this waterfall is derived from the Cherokee word for "tumbling waters." The white waters of Amicalola Falls tumble a total of 729 feet, and produce an incredibly melodious sound. There are nearly 500 steps from the bottom to the top of this waterfall, so wear comfy shoes.
Remember, you can click here for the full Google Map of this epic road trip.
Have you ever searched for “waterfalls near me” in the South? We know that there are so many more incredible waterfalls throughout the region. What are your favorite southern waterfalls? Let us know!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
April 18, 2022
Melissa M.
What are the best wildflower hikes in the South?
While hiking just about anywhere is a great way to connect with nature, there’s something truly special about seeing pops of color along a trail. In Mississippi, you can hike through a field of zinnias at the Ridgeland Wildflower Field. It’s a perfectly picturesque place to spend some time. Head to Georgia and you’ll find several trails that lead to wildflowers. In fact, you can take this road trip to the 5 most eye-popping wildflower hikes in Georgia.
Each southern state has its own natural wonders. For example, North Carolina has the tallest sand dune on the east coast known as Jockey’s Ridge and then there’s Pilot Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, and so much more. You can read more in this post.
