Where to go chasing waterfalls in and around Birmingham
ByChaise Sanders
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Sorry TLC! We’re about to go chasing waterfalls. We could all use a little adventure to kick start the summer. Whether you’re looking to stay local or go on a mini road trip, here are 18 waterfalls in and around Birmingham to explore.
These Alabama waterfalls are listed from closest to farthest from Birmingham.
Moss Rock Preserve
Say hello to Hoover’s little outdoor oasis. Moss Rock Preserve isn’t too far from The Galleria and has an easy downhill hike to a waterfall.
- Distance from Birmingham: 15 miles
- Time to get there: 20 minutes
Turkey Creek Falls
Looking for a quick getaway? Turkey Creek in Pinson doesn’t have the tallest waterfalls, but you can slide down them!
- Distance from Birmingham: 18 miles
- Time to get there: 20-30 minutes
Peavine Falls
Located inside of Oak Mountain State Park, you can find this 65-foot tall waterfall. There are several trails that lead to it so make sure to plan your route in advance.
- Distance from Birmingham: 25 miles
- Time to get there: 45 minutes
Noccalula Falls
This family-friendly destination is a quick drive out of Birmingham and probably the easiest to access on this list. Don’t forget to learn about the legend of Princess Noccalula while you’re there.
- Distance from Birmingham: 70 miles
- Time to get there: 1 hour
Cheaha Falls
Cheaha Falls can be reached by hiking an easy out and back trail. It’ll take you to the top of the falls and leads into a boulder-filled basin for the perfect view.
- Distance from Birmingham: 75 miles
- Time to get there: 1.5 hours
Dismals Canyon Falls
Registered as a “National Natural Landmark”, Dismals Canyon is home to waterfalls, natural bridges, cliffs and boulders. Thanks to its biological diversity and geological history it’s easy to see why this place is a natural wonder.
- Distance from Birmingham: 100 miles
- Time to get there: 1 hour 45 minutes
Bankhead National Forest Waterfalls
The William B. Bankhead National Forest is the perfect place for exploring waterfalls. If you want to see more than one in a single day, consider this your go-to spot.
- Distance from Birmingham: 100 miles
- Time to get there: 2 hours
Other waterfalls in the Bankhead National Forest include:
- Turkey Foot Falls
- Parker Falls
- Holmes Chapel Falls
- Caney Creek Falls
- Kinlock Falls
- Sougahoagdee Falls
- Mize Mills Falls
Stephens Gap
This one is for the adrenaline junkie. A two-mile trail through a forest will lead you to an enormous cave with stunning views.
It’s extremely important to note that you need a permit to visit this preserve and you can apply here for free.
- Distance from Birmingham: 100 miles
- Time to get there: 1 hour 50 minutes
Little River Falls
Little River Falls is easily accessible thanks to the boardwalk leading from the parking lot to an overlook near the falls. It’s best to come here after some rainfall.
- Distance from Birmingham: 103 miles
- Time to get there: 1 hour 40 minutes
DeSoto Falls
A quick walk down a paved pathway from the parking lot will take you straight to spectacular views of the state’s tallest and most visited waterfalls.
- Distance from Birmingham: 120 miles
- Time to get there: 2 hours
Walls of Jericho
The hike to Walls of Jericho is no joke, but completely worth it. It’s a 6-mile round-trip hike and descends over 1,000 feet into a canyon with views that can’t be beat.
- Distance from Birmingham: 130 miles
- Time to get there: 2 hours 20 minutes
Have you been to any of these waterfalls? Tag us in your photos on social @BhamNow.
