Digital Alabama (/article/alabama-waterfalls/page/2)
Alabama has a nickname: “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls.” You’ll find a remarkable number of waterfalls scattered about the mountains and canyons of Alabama, from the northern part of the state to areas just south of Birmingham. In east Alabama, you’ll find more touristy falls, such as Noccalula in Gadsden and DeSoto Falls and Little River Falls in Fort Payne. But, hidden away in the backwoods are some gems that most people never get to see. These waterfalls are just one reason to explore Alabama’s many state parks and wilderness areas.
Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall in Dismals Canyon, Phil Campbell, Alabama. Phil Campbell is in Franklin County Alabama. Dismals Canyon is operated commercially as part of an 85-acre nature preserve, and a fee is charged for entry. Night tours are conducted to view the dismalites. Camping is available in both traditional campsites and in cabins.
Rainbow Falls is one of two waterfalls in the preserve.
Chewacla Falls
Chewacla Falls, located in Auburn at Chewacla State Park, is a 30ft waterfall that’s formed by the spillway of Chewacla Dam. Chewacla State Park is home to 8 hiking trails and the most popular trail, Mountain Laurel Trail, leads to Chewacla Falls. The park has a 26-acre lake, as well as its extensive mountain biking and hiking trails, all of which make a dip even more rewarding and are another reason to visit this gem in Alabama’s state park system. Chewacla State Park is also home to the highest point in Lee County, which means that it’s a great location for mountain bikers seeking the sort of elevation changes that give the sport its name. Video by Bobby Taylor
Peavine Falls at Oak Mountain State Park is an approximately 65 foot tall, spring fed waterfall that provides a great stopping point along the trails. Climb to see the front, and to play in the pool of water below.
Hike the two mile Desoto Falls Trail near Helen to a pair of waterfalls where, legend holds, a piece of armor was found from DeSoto’s expedition in the mid-1500s.