After a decent rain, visit these four waterfalls in the Huntsville metro area.
By Marcus Woolf
Some of the most entertaining hikes are the ones that deliver a big payoff, whether it's a spectacular view or an impressive natural feature like a waterfall. If you're hiking with kids, it's especially beneficial if the hike leads to something impressive—if kids know something intriguing lies ahead, they'll be more interested in walking.
Whether you're looking to entertain the kids, or you're seeking a restful retreat for yourself, these four hikes will take you to beautiful cascades.
**Keep in mind that most of the waterfalls in the area don't flow constantly or in all conditions. If you want to see an impressive display of water, hike within a few days of a good rainstorm.
Falling Sink Falls, Bethel Spring Nature Preserve
Falling Sink Falls is the main attraction in the Bethel Spring Nature Preserve, which is managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama. This high, sprawling waterfall is really a combination of two wide cascades and a third, thinner stream on the far left. Together, they produce quite a spectacle, as an impressive amount of water drops dozens of feet as it pours down the rocky cliff. At the base of the cliff, the water continues its journey by plunging into a sinkhole that leads to a cave.
The Hike
Distance to falls: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
A couple of routes lead to the waterfall, and the Mill Trail is the most direct. To reach the beginning of the Mill Trail, begin at the Bethel Spring Trailhead kiosk. Go left to travel north on the Bethel Creek Loop Trail for 0.1 miles. Then take the Carpenter Trail and walk 0.1 miles to the junction with the Mill Trail.
The Mill Trail is level for the first 300 feet or so, as it moves through the shade of cedars. Then the trail turns right to head north and climb along a dry drainage. At 0.5 miles, the Mill Trail intersects with the Falling Sink Trail at the base of the falls.
Click the file below to download a trail map.
For a more detailed description of this hike, get your copy of Hiking Huntsville Volume 2.
Lost Sink Falls, Keel Mountain Preserve
The Lost Sink Falls Trail leads to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Huntsville area. After you’ve hiked a little more than a mile, you suddenly reach the Lost Sink, a massive, rocky hole in the forest floor. On the far side of the sink, water tumbles down the bluff and then slips over the lip to form a curtain and plunge more than 100 feet. From the edge of the sink, you can see the full height of the falls and get excellent photographs.
The Hike
Distance to falls: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
At the southeast end of the Keel Mountain Preserve parking lot, enter the level gravel path to the right of the information kiosk. Follow the yellow and green blazes with arrows showing
which direction you should walk. After ascending for about 1.1 miles, you’ll reach the sink and see the falls.
While the Lost Sink Falls Trail sports a few moderately steep sections, most reasonably fit hikers can make the trip to the falls. Just take your time and bring adequate water. **If you hike with kids, keep them close to you at the edge of the sink because this is a dangerous area. Also, keep in mind that this waterfall does not flow as powerfully during dry periods, so try to make this trip within a few days after a good rain.
Click the file below to download a trail map.
For a more detailed description of this hike, get your copy of Hiking Huntsville Volume 2.
Oak Bluff Trail, Green Mountain Nature Preserve
On the western end of the Green Mountain Nature Preserve, a lively creek tumbles through a rocky drainage and forms a series of short cascades. After walking about 50 feet on the Oak Bluff Trail, you’ll reach the first waterfall, where a tongue of water drops into a small pool. Just 200 feet farther down the trail, the path runs beneath a curtain of water that falls from the lip of a rocky alcove.
The Hike
Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Oak Bluff Trail begins on the western side of the Green Mountain Nature Preserve. To reach the trail, begin at the Alum Hollow Trailhead parking area. Follow the Alum Hollow Trail for 1.1 miles to reach the junction with the Oak Bluff Trail and Ranger Trail. Turn right onto the Oak Bluff Trail, which heads west and descends to the creek. After dropping about 50 feet, you'll reach the creek and the base of a waterfall.
Click the file below to download a trail map.
For a more detailed description of this hike, get your copy of Hiking Huntsville Volume 1.
Flat Rock Trail Waterfall, Monte Sano Mountain
If you’re willing to walk a few miles, you’ll get a big payoff by making this trek, which leads to a remote creek drainage with a nearby waterfall. After periods of heavy rain, an impressive flow of water tumbles down the creek. Not far from the creek is a set of falls with curtains of water cascading down rocky ledges.
The Hike
Distance to falls: About 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
There are several ways to reach this section of the Flat Rock Trail on the eastern edge of Monte Sano State Park. From the Hiker’s Trailhead in Monte Sano State Park, you can connect the eastern side of the South Plateau Loop with the Mountain Mist and Goat trails for a 2.5-mile trip to the Flat Rock Connector trail. After descending this connector path, you'll turn left onto the Flat Rock Trail. For another option, you can begin at the Biker’s Trailhead and connect the Sinks and Goat trails for a 2.3-mile hike to the Flat Rock Connector trail. As with the previous option, you descend the Flat Rock Connector and turn left onto the Flat Rock Trail. In either case, you'll travel north on the single-track Flat Rock Trail, descending slightly.
After walking 0.98 miles on the Flat Rock Trail, you’ll reach a prominent stream, which should be flowing pretty well after a recent rainstorm. To find the falls, cross the creek and head upstream, walking on the right side of the creek bed and traveling northwest. After you walk a little less than 200 feet, you'll see the waterfall on the right.
Click the file below to download a trail map.
For a more detailed description of this hike, get your copy of Hiking Huntsville Volume 1.
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